Nothing is more frustrating than a slow computer/Mac system, as it can limit the functionality of the system and gives users less time to complete the tasks they initially set out to do. As computer systems get older, the performance will naturally decrease as this is essential in the product life cycle. Most of us will not notice the speed decrease in a computer system, as this change occurs over such a large amount of time.

However, if your computer is painfully slow (to the point where it is quicker to make a cup of coffee) then you have potentially a serious issue on your hands. It is possible that the slowness is caused by your internal storage (hard drive disk or solid state drive) failing.

In today’s article, we will guide you through the signs of a failing disk, and how to take action before it is too late.

1. Slow computer

A slow computer, is the most obvious and most likely reason that you’re reading this article. Describing your computer as ‘slow’ can have multiple meanings; it may be slow opening certain applications, it might be slow to boot to the login screen, or it may have slowed down with games that can be played.

A failing disk can also contribute to web pages loading slowly. This should be checked on other devices in your household to determine if it’s an issue with your computer, and not your internet connection.

2. Loud and unusual noises from hard disk drive

Unusual noises are a cause for concern, as they indicate a failing component in your hard disk drive. These noises have been described as whirring, whining, grinding, buzzing and high pitched noises. If any of these happen to be the case, then you should take action as soon as possible.

3. Corrupt files

You may notice that you’re unable to open a few of your older files, because they have become corrupt. This is a result, of the progressive failing of your hard disk drive and is a huge cause for concern, as this may be your penultimate warning that your hard disk drive is about to cease.

4. Blue screen of death

The infamous “blue screen of death” will bring all processes to a halt and completely stop the system, forcing you to restart. There are a multitude of reasons why this warning may have been triggered, but a failing hard disk drive is a possibility and should be looked into.

What should I do?

After reading the signs above, here is what we recommend you do:

1. Make a backup of your important data

It is very important to make a backup of all of your important data when using computers. Your data can be backed-up to an external drive, USB drive or cloud-based storage. This means you can access it from many different places, and ensures your data is safe from a potential hard disk drive failure.

Additionally, it is a good idea to invest in an external hard drive, USB stick or similar device. You can also invest in an online cloud service, to backup data online via a paid subscription. This makes your data accessible from anywhere in the world, as long as you have your login details, a device and an internet connection.

2. I haven’t made a backup and my hard disk drive has failed, is it too late?!?!

If the warning signs have come and gone and your hard disk drive has finally failed, it may not be too late. While we cannot guarantee your data is recoverable, it’s a good idea to have this checked first.

At Solent Way Computers, we are happy to look into why your computer may be slowing down. If you require any help please call 01329 535 001, contact us via our contact form or visit our workshop based in Lee-on-the-Solent (address is at the bottom of our website).