What to do if…
your computer warns of disk errors and offers a repair that could risk data loss

What to do now

1. Stop new activity that writes to the disk. Save anything currently open if it will save normally, close apps, and keep the computer on stable power while you copy files.

2. Choose “Skip,” “Cancel,” “Not now,” or the closest non-repair option. Your first job is to get a copy of important data, not to fix the disk.

3. Connect a different backup destination. Use an external drive, another computer, or a trusted network location. Do not copy the backup onto the same internal disk that is showing errors.

4. Copy the irreplaceable files first. Start with documents, photos, tax or financial files, work folders, school folders, project files, and any secure password-vault export or recovery-code file you already keep. If one file will not copy, skip it and keep copying the next important item.

5. Make the copy simple. Copy folders directly. Do not spend time reorganizing, deleting duplicates, compressing everything, or cleaning storage while the disk may be unstable.

6. If the computer becomes very slow, freezes, or a spinning hard drive makes unusual clicking or scraping noises, lower the pressure on the drive. Copy only the highest-priority files. If the files are extremely valuable, stop repeated attempts and consider a reputable data recovery professional before running repairs.

7. If this is a Windows prompt such as CHKDSK or “Scan and repair,” copy first if Windows still lets you access the files. After the copy is safe, use the built-in Windows repair once, then treat repeated warnings as a sign that the drive may need service or replacement.

8. If this is a Mac Disk Utility “First Aid” warning, copy first if you can. If the Mac will not start normally, macOS Recovery, Target Disk Mode on some Intel Macs, or Apple-supported transfer options for Apple silicon Macs may help you copy files before repair.

9. After you have a backup you trust, make one careful built-in repair attempt, following the tool’s instructions. Use the repair tool the system provides. If it cannot repair the disk, cannot see the storage device, or the warning comes back, assume the storage is unreliable until checked.

10. If the computer is under warranty or was bought recently, contact the seller or manufacturer support after your files are safe. Keep a brief note of the warning, the date it appeared, and what you did before asking for service.

11. If support or a repair shop suggests erasing the computer first, pause. Say clearly that you need a data-preserving option unless you already have the files you need.