Hitachi hard disk data recovery

Hitachi, now part of Western Digital under the HGST brand, is known for producing durable and high-performance hard disk drives. However, even the most reliable drives are not immune to failure, corruption, or human error. When you suddenly discover that files on your Hitachi hard disk are missing, corrupted, or inaccessible, panic often follows.

Chapter 1: Hitachi Hard Drives

A Brief History

Hitachi entered the hard drive market in the early 2000s and later merged its storage division with Western Digital. The brand HGST (Hitachi Global Storage Technologies) is commonly found on many devices and is recognized for performance and reliability.

Types of Hitachi Drives

Internal HDDs: Found in desktops, laptops, and servers.

External HDDs: Portable storage solutions.

Enterprise Drives: Used in RAID systems and data centers.

These drives may vary in capacity and interface (SATA, SAS), but their recovery methods share many similarities.

Chapter 2: Common Causes of Data Loss in Hitachi Hard Drives

Understanding the cause of data loss is the first step in selecting the right recovery method.

1. Accidental Deletion

Deleting files unintentionally or formatting the drive without a backup.

2. File System Corruption

Issues in the partition or file system (NTFS, FAT32. exFAT) can render files inaccessible.

3. Drive Formatting

Reformatting or repartitioning the drive without realizing important data was on it.

4. Bad Sectors

Physical sectors on the hard disk become unreadable, affecting stored data.

5. Virus/Malware Infection

Ransomware or malicious programs can hide, corrupt, or delete files.

6. Physical Damage

Shock, overheating, water, or electrical surges can damage internal components.

7. Firmware Corruption

The internal software that controls the drive may fail, rendering it inoperable.

Chapter 3: Signs of a Failing or Corrupt Hitachi Hard Drive

Before a total failure occurs, look out for these warning signs:

Clicking or grinding noises

Slow read/write speeds

Files disappearing or failing to open

“Drive not recognized” errors

System hangs during boot-up

Frequent crashes or freezes when accessing the drive

Chapter 4: Initial Steps Before Recovery

Before you rush into recovery, take these precautionary measures:

1. Stop Using the Drive Immediately

Continued use may overwrite deleted files or worsen physical damage.

2. Determine the Type of Failure

Is it a logical issue (e.g., file deletion) or physical (e.g., clicking noises)?

3. Make a Clone or Disk Image

Use software like ddrescue or Clonezilla to make a sector-by-sector image of the failing drive. Work on the clone to preserve the original.

Chapter 5: DIY Data Recovery for Hitachi Hard Drives

DIY recovery is suitable for logical errors (deleted files, lost partitions). Here’s how to proceed:

Step 1: Connect the Drive to a Working Computer

Use a SATA-to-USB adapter or dock if it’s an internal drive. Ensure your OS recognizes the drive.

Step 2: Use Data Recovery Software

Panda Data Recovery

Panda Data Recovery offers reliable and efficient solutions for recovering lost or inaccessible data from Hitachi hard disk drives. Whether your drive has suffered logical damage such as accidental deletion, formatting, or partition loss, or physical issues like mechanical failure or firmware corruption, Panda Data Recovery has the tools and expertise to help you recover your files quickly and safely.

Hitachi hard drives are known for their durability, but like all storage devices, they can fail due to wear and tear, electrical surges, or user error. When data loss strikes, it’s essential to act fast and avoid further use of the affected drive to prevent overwriting recoverable data. Panda Data Recovery provides specialized services tailored to Hitachi models, including internal and external HDDs.

The recovery process begins with a thorough analysis to determine the cause and scope of the data loss. Panda’s technicians then apply advanced software and cleanroom technology (for physical damage) to extract data securely. From personal photos and documents to business-critical databases, they handle a wide range of file types and storage formats.

Clients can benefit from Panda’s “no data, no fee” policy, ensuring peace of mind throughout the recovery process. Additionally, all data handling is conducted with strict confidentiality and data protection standards.

Step 3: Scan and Preview

Initiate a deep scan on the Hitachi drive. Wait for the scan to complete and preview recoverable files.

Step 4: Recover to a Safe Location

Always recover to a different drive—not the one being recovered—to avoid overwriting data.

Chapter 6: Advanced Techniques – Hitachi HDD Partition and RAW Recovery

Recover Lost Partitions

Software like TestDisk can rebuild lost partitions and restore data structures.

TestDisk Steps:

Run the tool and select the drive.

Choose “Analyse” to scan for lost partitions.

Let it search for partition structures.

Save and write the correct partition table.

Reboot and check if data is accessible.

Fix RAW File System

A RAW drive is inaccessible due to file system corruption.

Solutions:

Use CHKDSK:

bash

CopyEdit

chkdsk X: /f

Replace X with your drive letter. Use with caution.

Use recovery software like DiskGenius or MiniTool to extract data before reformatting.

Chapter 7: Recovering Data from a Physically Damaged Hitachi Hard Drive

Signs of Physical Damage

Drive not spinning or being recognized

Loud clicking or grinding noises

Burning smell or visible board damage

Do NOT Attempt DIY Physical Repair

Opening a drive outside a cleanroom can cause irreversible damage due to dust contamination. Avoid:

Freezer tricks

PCB swaps without diagnosis

Tapping or banging the drive

Professional Recovery Services

When physical damage is suspected, contact a certified data recovery service with cleanroom facilities.

In Portugal, Spain, and other EU countries, services may include:

Free diagnostics

“No data, no fee” policies

Secure facilities and confidentiality

Prices range from €500 to €3000+ depending on severity and drive type.

Chapter 8: RAID Arrays and Enterprise Hitachi Drive Recovery

Hitachi drives are common in RAID setups for businesses. RAID failures may occur due to:

Multiple disk failures

RAID controller errors

Accidental reconfiguration

DIY RAID Recovery Tools:

R-Studio Technician

UFS Explorer RAID Recovery

However, RAID recovery is complex and best handled by professionals if critical data is at stake.

Chapter 9: Data Recovery on macOS and Linux Using Hitachi Drives

macOS

If your Hitachi drive was formatted in HFS+ or APFS:

Use Disk Drill for Mac or Stellar Data Recovery for Mac

If unmountable, check with Disk Utility and run First Aid

Linux

Use open-source tools:

PhotoRec: Excellent for raw file recovery

ddrescue: Clone failing drives

Extundelete: Recover from ext3/ext4 file systems

Chapter 10: Preventing Future Data Loss on Hitachi Drives

1. Regular Backups

Use 3-2-1 strategy:

3 copies, 2 types of media, 1 offsite/cloud.

2. Monitor Drive Health

Use CrystalDiskInfo or Hard Disk Sentinel to track S.M.A.R.T. attributes.

3. Avoid Overheating and Power Surges

Keep drives ventilated and connected to surge-protected power sources.

4. Handle with Care

Use padded cases for external drives. Never disconnect a drive while data is being written.

Chapter 11: Choosing the Right Data Recovery Service

When you need expert help:

What to Look For

Free diagnosis and quote

Certified cleanroom (ISO Class 5 or higher)

Positive reviews and proven success

Secure handling and confidentiality