WinTrouble

How to fix ERROR_SECTOR_NOT_FOUND

Code:27 (0x1B)
Teracopy: Reports error

Description

The drive cannot find the sector requested.

Causes

This error occurs when the system is unable to locate or read a specific sector on a storage device. A sector is the smallest unit of storage that can be accessed on a disk. This error typically indicates physical or logical problems with the storage medium:

Physical Disk Damage:

  • Scratched or damaged disk surfaces preventing sector access.
  • Mechanical failures in hard disk drive components (read/write heads, platters).
  • Wear and tear on the storage medium over time.

Bad Sectors:

  • Physical bad sectors where the storage medium is physically damaged.
  • Logical bad sectors where data is corrupted but the physical medium may be intact.
  • Sectors that have become unreadable due to degradation.

File System Corruption:

  • Corrupted partition tables preventing proper sector addressing.
  • File system inconsistencies causing incorrect sector references.
  • Master Boot Record (MBR) or GUID Partition Table (GPT) corruption.

Hardware or Connection Issues:

  • Loose or faulty SATA, IDE, or USB cables causing intermittent connectivity.
  • Defective disk controller preventing proper sector addressing.
  • Power supply problems affecting disk operations.
  • Overheating causing temporary read failures.

Firmware Problems:

  • Outdated or corrupted disk firmware.
  • Firmware bugs affecting sector addressing or error correction.

Solutions

Run Disk Error Checking (CHKDSK)

Purpose: Scan for and repair bad sectors and file system errors.

Steps:

  • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
    • Press Win + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  • Type chkdsk X: /f /r (replace X with the drive letter experiencing the error) and press Enter.
    • /f fixes errors on the disk.
    • /r locates bad sectors and recovers readable information.
  • You may be prompted to schedule the scan on the next reboot—type Y and restart your computer.
  • The scan may take several hours depending on disk size and errors found.

Check Physical Connections

  • Verify Cables:

    • Ensure all cables connecting the drive to the computer are securely attached.
    • Inspect cables for physical damage, kinks, or wear.
    • Replace cables if they appear damaged or worn.

  • Try Different Ports:

    • For external drives, try connecting to a different USB port.
    • For internal drives, try a different SATA port on the motherboard.

  • Check Power Supply:

    • Ensure the drive is receiving adequate power.
    • For external drives, try a different power adapter if available.
    • For internal drives, verify PSU connections are secure.

Use Manufacturer Diagnostic Tools

  • Download Diagnostic Software:

    • Visit the hard drive manufacturer's website (Seagate, Western Digital, Samsung, etc.).
    • Download their diagnostic utility (e.g., SeaTools, Western Digital Dashboard, Samsung Magician).

  • Run Comprehensive Tests:

    • Perform a thorough scan of the drive.
    • Check for bad sectors and hardware failures.
    • Review SMART data to assess drive health.

  • Follow Manufacturer Recommendations:

    • If the tool indicates hardware failure, consider replacing the drive under warranty.

Update Disk Drivers and Firmware

  • Update Disk Drivers:

    • Open Device Manager (press Win + X and select Device Manager).
    • Expand Disk drives.
    • Right-click on the problematic drive and select Update driver.
    • Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

  • Update Storage Controller Drivers:

    • In Device Manager, expand Storage controllers.
    • Update drivers for SATA/IDE controllers.

  • Update Disk Firmware:

    • Check the manufacturer's website for firmware updates.
    • Warning: Follow firmware update instructions carefully. Improper updates can render the drive unusable.
    • Ensure stable power during the update process.

Check for Overheating

  • Monitor Drive Temperature:

    • Use monitoring software like CrystalDiskInfo or HWMonitor to check drive temperatures.
    • Hard drives should typically operate below 50°C (122°F).
    • SSDs should stay below 70°C (158°F).

  • Improve Cooling:

    • Ensure adequate airflow around the drive.
    • Clean dust from fans and vents.
    • For external drives, ensure they're in a well-ventilated area.
    • Consider adding cooling fans or repositioning the drive for better airflow.

Backup Data Immediately

  • Priority Action:

    • If you can still access the drive, back up all important data immediately.
    • Sector errors often worsen over time, leading to complete drive failure.

  • Use Data Recovery Tools:

    • If standard copying fails, use data recovery software (Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery, TestDisk).
    • For critical data, consider professional data recovery services.

Test the Drive on Another System

  • Determine Hardware vs. System Issue:
    • Connect the drive to another computer.
    • If the error persists on multiple systems, the drive is likely failing.
    • If it works on another system, investigate the original system's configuration or hardware.

Replace the Drive

  • When Hardware is Failing:

    • If diagnostic tools indicate physical failure or excessive bad sectors, replace the drive.
    • Check warranty status—many drives have 3-5 year warranties.
    • Ensure data is backed up before replacing the drive.

  • Choose Quality Hardware:

    • Invest in reliable storage devices from reputable manufacturers.
    • Consider SSDs for improved reliability and performance.

Preventive Measures

  • Regular Backups:

    • Maintain automated, regular backups of all important data.
    • Use multiple backup locations (external drives, cloud storage).

  • Monitor Drive Health:

    • Regularly check SMART status using monitoring tools.
    • Address warnings before they become critical failures.

  • Proper Handling:

    • Avoid physical shocks to the system, especially with mechanical hard drives.
    • Do not move computers with spinning hard drives.

  • Stable Power Supply:

    • Use an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) to prevent power-related damage.
    • Protect against power surges with surge protectors.

  • Keep System Cool:

    • Maintain proper system cooling to prevent heat-related failures.
    • Regularly clean dust from the system.