8 Tips to Protect Your Computer Hard Drive

With a growing cadre of digital devices gaining growing importance in our lives, we need to take special care of how our valuable work and irreplaceable data is protected. On your PC or laptop, this data is written and stored on your computer’s hard drive or an external hard drive in some cases. When your computer’s hard drive ultimately fails, as someday it inevitably will, don’t get caught with a crippling data loss.

Here are some useful tips and techniques to help you protect your computer’s hard drive and extend the life of your laptop or external hard drive as well.

One of the quickest ways to damage a computer hard drive while it’s in operation is to move your computer. Tolerances of a hard drive’s moving parts are very precise. Extensive motion of the hard drive unit can shake or move components beyond their operating limits causing immediate damage or a hard drive crash. Desktop computers and laptops should be placed on a study, level surface such as a table, desk, or counter when in use.

Temperature is a critical factor in the operating parameters of a PC hard drive. As the temperature in the room climbs, so does the temperature of the enclosure which houses the hard drive. Temperatures above 90 degrees can begin to cause erratic operation of your PC hard drive. Remember that the computer temperature can rise well above the ambient room temperature. If you’re uncomfortable in the room due to the temperature, then likely your hard drive is also under duress. Stop and work to cool the both of you off right away. Catch a breeze, use a small, portable fan, move to some heavy shade, or do whatever you need to do for both of you to work comfortably.

Pollution extends from global levels down to the inside of your computer. If there are smokers in your home or office, or if the environment where you work or live is sometimes dusty or smoky or subject to gas, fumes, dust, dirt, or chemical exposure, your PC hard drive is at risk.

Replaceable dust filters should be present in the computer case and integral to your PC’s cooling fans for improved protection for your motherboard components and hard drive. You should also avoid smoking around or near your computer or laptop and filter the air entering the room where your PC is located. Don't let anyone else smoke around your computer either. If you use a laptop, be aware of the environmental air when operating your computer. Move to a better location if necessary to help to protect your laptop from smoke, fumes, dirt, dust, or chemical damage.

Don’t you ever dare to take a "cavalier" attitude with beverages, hot or cold drinks and liquids around your desktop PC, laptop, or external hard drive. A good rule is never to eat or drink near an operating computer. If you need a drink, get up, take a break, and have your refreshments well away from your work area. Don’t allow others to eat or drink around your computer either. If you absolutely must imbibe coffee, tea, or other drinks regularly while working, use a locked-on type covered container. It will not only help keep your beverage hot or cold, but minimize dangers from accidental spills. When using a computer outdoors or in an open air environment, be sure to take care that a sudden sprinkle or downpour cannot directly reach your computer.

Rainy days also cause a high-humidity environment and should generally be avoided. Humidity and moisture easily penetrate your PC or laptop ventilation ports and heat dissipation openings, so you need to be cautious in these types of environments. Thoroughly dry your hands after washing, before using your computer too. In the event of a spill, shut down power immediately, dry thoroughly and/or clean the unit ASAP. Also, have a computer maintenance professional check the unit before operating it again, if possible to avoid potential short circuits, electrical or other types of damage to your computer hard drive and operating components.