Having trouble scanning failing HDD

Xirix

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Feb 11, 2014
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So I'm trying to 'stabalize' an internal HDD right now so I can backup files from it, with the HDD plugged in Windows sometimes just won't start, or will takes ages to load, then do a consistency check... and might not even load after that.

Is there a way to force a chkdsk before Windows tries to load? It does this with the OS HDD when I tell it to do a full scan, but any other disc it just does it in the CMD prompt, but last time I managed to get it to scan in there it was unbearably slow and Cmd Prompt slowly took up ALL of my ram, I was afraid it was going to make the computer crash.

Failing that, is there a way I can gain access to the files on the HDD to back them up, assuming my PC keeps not loading when it's connected?
 
Solution
Try using a USB external enclosure for that drive. That'll stop the rig from going slow. Plus, everytime you feel the disc is stuck you can pick up the external enclosure and shake it a little, that helps recovering data from a failing drive.
Try using a USB external enclosure for that drive. That'll stop the rig from going slow. Plus, everytime you feel the disc is stuck you can pick up the external enclosure and shake it a little, that helps recovering data from a failing drive.
 
Solution