Your computer’s hard drive is one of its most critical components; it stores software programs, documents, photos, video and audio files, and other essential data. The experts at Experimac North Tampa in Tampa, FL, say your hard drive needs special care to keep it working properly and offer tips to help you avoid the need for computer repairs. 

5 Tips to Prevent Hard Drive Computer Repairs

1. Clean the Ventilation System

A common cause of hard drive issues is overheating, which can destroy the disk and shut down your computer. Clean the fan and ventilation components regularly with a computer duster or pressurized air to ensure your system receives the airflow it needs to stay cool. 

2. Store Your Laptop Correctly

Laptop repair professionals often help customers with hard drive issues that could have been prevented with proper storage. Dropping your laptop or banging it into a hard object can damage its hard drive, so handle your computer carefully and keep it in a padded bag or sleeve when you transport it. 

​​​​​​​3. Delete Unneeded Software

Software takes up an enormous amount of space on your hard drive. If programs you don’t need are installed on your computer, remove them to reduce the strain on the system. This will help your laptop or desktop run faster and extend the life span of your hard drive. 

​​​​​​​4. Protect Against Power Surges

An easy way to keep your hard drive safe is to plug your computer into a surge protector. This device will protect your electronic devices from voltage spikes caused by electrical storms and power surges. 

5. Defragment Often (If you don’t have a Mac)

To store your data, your computer spreads it throughout its system. The more data you have, the harder it is for your hard drive to retrieve it. That’s why defragmenting your rotational disk is important for PC’s— the process collects all those bits of data in one place, reducing the strain on your hard drive and preventing costly computer repairs.  Mac’s were designed differently and automatically defragment files on their own.  

Also, if you have an SSD (Solid State Hard Drive) it does not need and should not be defragmented.  

Replacing your hard drive is expensive and inconvenient, but caring for it correctly will help you avoid computer repairs. If you need help with a computer or smartphone, call the professionals at Experimac North Tampa at (813) 280-2620 to arrange service. Visit them online to view their inventory of used Apple® products and learn more about their PC repair services. Follow them on Twitter for news from their team and updates about their products.