Recognise the warning signs
Common symptoms include an HDD error, a drive disappearing from the recorder, unexplained recording gaps or repeated storage alarms. A beeping recorder can also report network or other faults, so read its event log rather than assuming the disk is responsible. Disk health information is useful, but a normal status does not guarantee future reliability.
Decide whether existing footage matters
If the disk may contain evidence you need, stop trial-and-error changes and seek advice on preservation. Formatting, initialising, recording over the disk and repeated power cycling can reduce recovery options. We cannot promise recovery; a specialist recovery service may be needed for a physically failing disk.
Record the information safely
Note the recorder model, displayed disk status, error time and whether any channels still record. Use the supported export function for needed footage that remains accessible, and verify the exported file on another device. Do not open a powered recorder to inspect its drive.
Choose a compatible replacement
The replacement needs to suit the recorder's supported drive types and capacity limits. Surveillance workloads and continuous operation should be considered. A larger label capacity does not prove compatibility or deliver a guaranteed number of days. Use the storage calculator with measured average bitrate when available.
Test after replacement
Initialise a replacement only after confirming it is the intended disk and any old footage has been dealt with. Check that every channel records, plays back and exports. Set appropriate disk fault alerts and check the oldest available recording after the system has run long enough.
Still having problems?
Sentinel5 can inspect the system. Book CCTV Fault Support or read about our CCTV repair service. Include the model and symptoms, but never passwords or private footage.
Further Reading
Reolink HDD detection reference. Manufacturer instructions are model-specific; check applicability before changing settings.