Computer Freezing / hard drive clicking

AdonisX82

Junior Member
Mar 19, 2020
2
0
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Back in December '19, my computer started doing this thing where I would hear a "click click.....click click......click click....." and it would freeze (mouse would move, but nothing would open. couldn't even restart or task manager)

I'm not super proficient with computers but know enough.

when I reset, after asus boot screen would say "can't find disk with operating system ( I have 4 total HDD's), press button to continue"

press button, it would take 5+minutes but would load windows.

works fine for a while, then with what I saw as no reason, would freeze and click again.

opened case to fiddle with sata cables, seemed fine.

ended up reinstalling windows. still gave "can't find OS" message, but loads windows.

came down to I think it was steam causing the issue. then I thought it was Rockstar club.

since the windows reinstall I've been playing kingdoms of amalur (not through steam, just on hard drive) and it seems to mostly be fine. clicks and needs a restart from time to time but otherwise runs fine.

but today I went on steam to download asscreed rev and when it was installing redistrutables (?!?!?) it froze and started clicking again.

I've googled and checked forums, I see nothing to the effect of "steam / Rockstar club makes my computer freeze and click"

i'm at a point now that whenever I hear that clicking (sometimes it'll click but still work fine) I want to toss my computer out the window.

please help

*bonus problem: i have afterglow ps3 controllers i use to game on my pc (no comments...) i sit in my recliner 5 feet from the dongle. 70% of the time it works fine but often i find the controller will repeatedly lose signal. batteries are fresh, i'm not changing distance from the dongle. nothing in the way (except when i recline and put my feet up, or if my cats on my lap, or if i'm riding my exercise bike which is closer to the dongle than my chair is but the readout console is in the way). i seriously go beserk when i'm trying to play and i stop moving or the camera will swing around for no reason or whatever. why the hell does the signal keep cutting out when i'm not moving or anything and it ain't the battery?!?!
 

Fallengod

Diamond Member
Jul 2, 2001
5,908
19
81
I dunno, to me this is an easy answer. I would say your drive is failing. "Clicking" is bad.

Get a new drive and stop screwing with it. Get the data off while you can. Why mess with the stress of possible losing any data you care about. Just get a new drive. RMA if under warranty or just toss it and get a new one. (One of the reasons SSDS are better than mechanical drives, no moving parts)
 
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EXCellR8

Diamond Member
Sep 1, 2010
4,066
901
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yea I'd say if it's already clicking then it's likely failing or already has.