[header] How to access a damaged hard drive [title] Look for clues that indicate that you have corrupted files. [step] For example, your computer may detect your broken hard drive but not let you access the data that was saved on it. At times, you may even see file names and icons appear but the files will not open. 
All of these hints suggest that you have a software malfunction. [title] Run any rescue and recovery software that came with your hard drive.