5 Problems You Are Likely To Face When Using External Hard Disks

Introduction

Any and everyone who has used a computer (desktop or a laptop) is familiar with the importance of an external hard drive. In very simple words, a hard disk is an external storage space, where you can store your data (files, documents, excels, movies, songs, etc.).

In technical terms, a hard disk is a non-volatile memory-storing device. This means that even when the hard disk is not connected or powered up it retains the information. Seagate, Toshiba, Western Digital, and Samsung are some of the biggest brands in the external hard disk industry.

In this article, we are going to discuss five problems, you will face if you are using an external hard disk. Depending upon the quality of the product and the reliability of the brand, the time when you will experience them are likely to wary.

5 Problems you will face when using an External Hard Disk: The List

1. Corrupt Files-

Many external hard disks or HDDs as they are called are slow when it comes to reading and writing. The problem of corrupt files mainly happens when an incomplete transfer takes place. As HDDs, use magnetic disk, the chances of the same increase.

If you are transferring large volumes of files, from one place to another, you will start seeing an increase in the file corruption problem. While there is no way around it, the problem tends to increase once the hard disk gets older.

2. Slow Speeds-

There are two major types of external hard disks- HDDs and SSDs. SSDs tend to be much faster and efficient than HDDs as they are a newer technology. However, they are more expensive in nature and do not have large storage spaces.

Transferring large files, especially from systems, which have poor RAM capabilities can be exhausting. If you are looking to transfer files upwards of 100 GB, you can be in for a very long time. If you do not want to experience slow speeds, you can shift to an SSD.

3. Data Transfer on Mac Systems-

Almost all external hard drives are pre-programmed with Microsoft Windows readability. This makes many Mac users type on Google, ‘Mac doesn’t recognize external hard drive.’ This problem is something, which almost everyone who transfers data between Mac and Windows systems faces.

A simple way out is to use the software, which can enable you to read and write data on your hard disk for both Mac and Windows. People who are working in offices where such issues are common should look towards using the software.

4. Little or No Tech Support-

Right from the time you purchase an external hard disk, you are on your own. No matter whatever goes wrong with it, you can never expect tech support from the brand. This is an issue, which does not have any solution in sight.

Hard disks are not as expensive as they use to be. This means that in terms of prices, it does not make so much sense for a manufacturer to pay heed to tech support. The quality of the equipment inside too has reduced as brands fight price wars.

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5. The USB Cord breaks down-

If you have been using the same hard disk for more than a year, I can guarantee you that you are not using the USB cable, which came in the box. The USB cord in almost all brands is fragile and prone to easily breaking down.

Over a period, you will notice that the connection with the body of your hard disk becomes weak. Even slight movements are enough to cause a disruption. In most cases, we always go for a cheap after-market USB cord, which in turn causes greater problems.

Conclusion

An external hard disk is one of the most widely used pieces of hardware in the industry. According to data, more than 300 million pieces were shipped in 2019 alone. This means that even though Cloud storage is available, we still tend to fall back on the humble external hard disk for most of our storage needs.