The hard drive better known as the Hard disk or the fixed disk is a primary storage unit in a computer where all the data files are stored. It is here that the OS with all its system files are installed. For every program to be accessible to the user it needs to be installed first in the hard drive. This explains the magnanimous importance of the hard drive.
With every passing day, new innovations around the hard drives are making them feature- rich and competent but nevertheless the truth remains that they are mechanical devices and are thus liable to corruption and damage.
Hard drive crashes can occur due to multiple reasons but the most unlikely ones are caused by our ignorance and carelessness. Hard drive crashes that are a product of electrostatic shocks can cause havoc and lead to physical destruction of any of the working components that aid the hard drive in functioning thus rendering data inaccessible.
Under normal circumstances the lifespan of a hard drive extends to several years if it is maintained and preserved in optimum condition but negligence on the part of the user can curtail its performance level and can result in data loss situations.
When two differently charged objects come in contact with each another, electrons from these two respective bodies flow into each other. This exchange of positive and negative charged particles creates an energy that is often defined as electrostatic shock. The frequency of the electrostatic shock goes up during winter when the humidity in the air is at a lower ebb.
Electrostatic shocks are fatal as they damage electronic appliances that are present in its vicinity. They are powerful enough to destroy the computer circuitry and can melt the sensitive parts on the circuit board. Sometimes the damage caused is immediately visible but in most cases the effect of the shock starts telling after a while and by then its too late to either troubleshoot or rectify. Thus it is of utmost importance to be careful and attentive when dealing with these machines that store volumes of your crucial data, loss of which can cause irreparable damage and financial harm.
Provided below are a few ways by which the incidence of hard drive failures through electrostatic shocks can be minimized
It is unadvisable to generate heat near the computer parts by rubbing hands or two items together.
It is mandatory to pack computer parts in anti-static bags while shipping them. This avoids building up of the electrostatic field
Before plugging or unplugging the power or data cable to the computer drives, it is an absolute necessity to make sure that the power to the drive is completely cut off.
Electrostatic shock can be avoided by flooring and use of plastic and polystyrene materials that generate static electricity.
Before opening the computer case or installing the Computer components, it is a must to switch off the power supply and discharge the static electricity.
Maintaining humidity level in the workstation can help as it does not support building up of static charge.
If you hear loud jarring sounds coming from the hard drive immediately shut the computer to prevent further damage.
If these thumb rules are followed many common mishaps flared by Electrostatic shocks can be curtailed but if your circuit board is damaged and parts have been mutilated, it leaves no room for ignorance or layman handling. Immediately contact data recovery services to fix it. Under these circumstances it is of quaint-essential importance to keep the circuit board from suffering further damages.
Stellar Information Systems Ltd, a company with over a decade experience in data recovery services can help you in this regard. Their ultra modern Class-100 clean room facility ensures safe and effective data retrieval from damaged or corrupt hard drives in an environmentally controlled dust free area. They evaluate the extent of the damage caused and accordingly devise techniques to fix it. The damaged parts like circuit boards are inspected for faults, are replaced and made functional again for future references.

John Martin a student of Mass Communication doing research on data recovery software. He is also a freelancer for www.stellarinfo.com

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