What should be done with hard drives that are not functioning properly?

When hard drives are not functioning properly, running diagnostics is the most effective first step. This process identifies any underlying issues with the drive, such as bad sectors or mechanical failures, which can help determine whether the drive can be repaired or if it indeed needs replacement. Running diagnostics provides critical data about the health of the hard drive and can guide further decisions regarding data recovery or system restoration.

Formatting the hard drive without first diagnosing the issue may lead to data loss and does not address underlying hardware problems. Similarly, reinstalling the operating system assumes that the issue lies with the software rather than the hardware and could also result in further complications. Increasing the storage capacity does not resolve functionality issues and may lead to additional problems if the faulty drive is still in use. Therefore, initial diagnostics are crucial to making an informed decision about the hard drive's future.