SOLVED! The Device, \Device\Harddisk1\DR1, Has A Bad Block

An error like “The device, \Device\Harddisk1\DR1, has a bad Block” could be caused by a minute complication in your device which can be eliminated by running the troubleshooter. If the troubleshooter fails to solve the error, consider running the Disk Defragmenter, performing an SFC scan, starting a DISM scan, initiating Check Disk, and replacing your drive. To get rid of this error in the Event Viewer, carefully check the solutions discussed below.

What Is Going On

Corrupted Data

All in all, corrupted data could disrupt quite a few functions of HDD and “The device, \Device\Harddisk1\DR1, has a bad block” error is a potential consequence. While one corrupted file may not look like a serious threat, it’s a ticking bomb that can explode out of the blue and ruin other files on the same hard disk.

Physical Damages

The delicate nature of hard disks means it won’t take much to damage them in use. Naturally, if your HDD sustains damages that compromise its integrity, there is a good chance that it won’t work as expected. Notice “The device, \Device\Harddisk1\DR1, has a bad block” error on the Event Viewer? Then you have to give physical damages some thought. 

Age

Similar to everything else, hard disks age and the stability of their operation decreases over time. During the writing and re-writing of data on HDD, files get fragmented which leads to the build-up of file fragments. To a certain point, the file fragments prove too much for hard disks to handle and “The device, \Device\Harddisk1\DR1, has a bad block” error is the result. 

Approaches To The Situation

Troubleshooter

Once it comes to “The device, \Device\Harddisk1\DR1, has a bad block” error, Troubleshooting is an effective and efficient fix. 

  • Step 1: Press Windows + R to open Run. 
  • Step 2: Type Control then press Enter to open Control Panel.
  • Step 3: Select Troubleshooting, click on Hardware & Devices and follow the onscreen instructions.

Disk Defragmenter

Windows 10 is equipped with a built-in Disk Defragmenter that defragments disks. Using Disk Defragmenter, it’s possible to clear up the file fragments in your HDD.

  • Step 1: Press Windows key + R to open Run.
  • Step 2: Type Control and hit Enter to open Control Panel.
  • Step 3: Select System & Security then choose Administrative Tools.
  • Step 4: Click Defragment your hard drive and hit Analyze Disk.
  • Step 5: Assuming that the report indicates a need for defragmentation, select Defragment.

System File Checker (SFC) 

System File Checker (SFC) is a utility in Windows 10 that checks for problems on your computer. The moment SFC detects corruptions, it will replace the corrupted files with a cached copy.

  • Step 1: Press Windows key + R to open then Run. 
  • Step 2: Type CMD then hit Enter to open then Command Prompt.
  • Step 3: Type sfc /scannow, then press Enter to initiate the SFC scan.
  • Step 4: Once the scan is complete, restart your computer then open the Event Viewer to check if the hard disk error persists. 

Deployment Image Servicing And Management (DISM)

Like SFC, DISM excels at taking care of quite a few errors in Windows. Because of that, it’s a good idea to give DISM while addressing “The device, \Device\Harddisk1\DR1, has a bad block” error.

  • Step 1: Press the Windows key, type CMD, right-click the top entry and select Run as Administrator.
  • Step 3: Type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth then press Enter to initiate a DISM scan.
  • Step 4: Wait for the process to complete then restart your computer and check if the issue has been solved.

CHKDSK 

CHKDSK is short for “check disk” and is a utility available on every Windows PC. Once you run the CHKDSK command, your computer will scan through hard drives for issues and address them. 

  • Step 1: Turn off your computer and turn it on again.
  • Step 2: Repeatedly tap F8 before the Windows logo shows up then Click Repair Your Computer.
  • Step 3: Select Troubleshoot, click Advanced Options and hit Command Prompt 
  • Step 4: Type chkdsk /f /r then press Enter to initiate the scan. 

Note: If asked whether you want to schedule the operation at the next reboot, type letter Y and then Enter to schedule it.

  • Step 5: Restart your computer and let the CHKDSK scan complete at the next system startup.

Pick Up A New Drive

If all of the actions above have failed to solve then you will be left with only one option: replacement. If the situation worsens, your files will be completely damaged with no chance of recovery so your best bet is to move everything to a new drive. Backup your data on the old drive as you wait for the drive replacement to arrive. 

Rules

  • Get rid of extremely large files or store them in the cloud storage.
  • Double-check before downloading or installing software.
  • Regularly uninstall unnecessary apps and programs.

How Is Data Stored On A Hard Disk?

Data is stored on a hard drive in binary code. The information is spread out on the magnetic layer of the disk and is read or written by the read heads that float above the surface. 

What Is The Meaning Of Sounds I Hear From My Computer?

When the disk rotates, it produces a crackling sound and it is normal. However, if the clacking sound is high, that could be a sign of a damaged or cheap disk drive.

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