[itsthecourier]

Why does this happen?

[1970-01-01]

Shrinkage. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_height

[prettyStandard]

Maybe metal contracts at lower temperatures and thus the drive head is able to move with less friction.

I will be trying this if I ever experience it. I don't have computer hardware fail that often.

[KennyBlanken]

It doesn't; the whole thing is an urban legend. Goes like this:

Try copying files, fails. Try copying files, fails. Try copying files, fails.

Put laptop / drive in fridge. Try copying files, fails. Works.

"Hey, putting it in the fridge worked!"

Nope..it worked because they kept trying. People who comment on things like components shrinking don't understand how hard drives work.

[salawat]

Someone needs to brush up on their material science.