When the disk is uncertain, backups come before curiosity.

Prioritize irreplaceable data

Start with documents, photos, project files, databases and anything that cannot be recreated. Applications can be reinstalled; personal data often cannot.

Copy gently

Avoid unnecessary writes to the suspect drive. Copy the most important files first instead of trying to clone everything immediately.

Verify the backup

A backup is only useful if it opens. Spot-check files and confirm the destination is healthy too.

Then diagnose

Once the data is safe, reports and tests can help determine whether the drive is reusable, repairable or ready for retirement.