hard disk clicking noises

[Jorrit]

For a few weeks now my hard disk occasionally makes several loud clicks, like parking the heads; it causes windows to freeze for 30 seconds or so.
It started after carrying my hard disk with me, so I suspect it somehow got damaged, although I handled it very carefully. However, extensive testing with the Maxtor utility didn't reveal any errors. Furthermore reinstalling windows didn't resolve the problem either. Checked all the cables, ran scandisk (but no bad sectors).
The only thing I haven't tried is low-level formatting the disk with the Maxtor Powermax util, because I have no means of backing up my data (simply too much of it).

I guess it's probably damaged, but wouldn't the Powermax util report errors in that case?

any suggestions?

Jorrit Salverda
[asus a7v133 bios 1005, maxtor diamondmax plus 40 (on promise ata100), win2k sp2, via 4-in-1 4.31]

 

[HotWire]

RMA it as soon as possible it's on it's way out! and it's only a short amount of time till it stops completely, save all the data you wish to keep while you still can.

 

[SuperD]

I agree with HotWire. Those clickings usually mean that a head is hitting the platter. It's only a matter of time before that hard drive will stop working completely.

RMA it and get a replacement.

 

[Jorrit]

what does RMA mean?

 

[HotWire]

Return it to Maxtor after filling out the "return mechandise" or "RMA"= Return Mechandise Autorization paperwork on or through their website. and better luck with the next one....I have still found their drives to be some of the more reliable ones out there.

 

[Quaggoth]

That's the click of death. Kind of like a knight that says knee. OK, that was bad humor

 

[Jorrit]

well, i already worked things out with the dealer; i'll get a new one.