Hard Drive Clicking and locking up with recent Vista install

[Cdubneeddeal]

When I had XP installed the drive worked fine but after the Vista install started to get some random issues with the computer locking up slightly then hear a click in the drive then it returns to normal. Could it be when I installed Vista I ran it through Xp rather than doing a fresh install from the DOS prompt during computer startup?

 

[RallyMaster]

Is it...a Western Digital?

 

[blackangst1]

Originally posted by: RallyMaster
Is it...a Western Digital?

Interesting subject...I have a WD that does this every once inawhile. Whats up with WD?

 

[imported_snikt]

I'd run a chkdsk. Then begin backing up my important files. Or vice-versa, the Click of Death sounds like it may be approaching.

 

[C1]

Glad I waited before posting.
You know what it is? It is WD power management.
They've implemented some kind of switch that puts the drive into a suspend state when it isnt being accessed sufficiently frequently. The drive is actually OK. Set 2hrs for "turn off HDD" in VISTA power management.

If you have further doubts, just download the free "SeaTools" and run the comprehensive HDD check, but I believe that it will test with flying colors.

You may not like the way WD has implemented their technology, but it is done to prolong the drive's life.

 

[lxskllr]

Check your power management settings. The drives should be set to turn off after awhile. Change it so they never turn off, and see if the problem goes away. If it does, set the drives to turn off after 2 hours, or some other longish period of time.

 

[Cdubneeddeal]

Thanks for the reply. I just changed the settings for the hard drive - hopefully the problem is fixed. And BTW, it's a Seagate.

Also, this problem happens when I'm active on the computer.