Hard drive problem

[bullion416]

I am running Win XP Pro. For whatever reason my Maxter 60 gig hard drive (model 6Y060L0) makes a single click noise every once in a while. At first I thought it was a bad drive and had Maxter replace it. Now the new one does it. I was thinking it could be a problem with windows xp. So after the new one started making this noise, I reformatted the drive again. The noise then stopped. After I installed my software, loaded all my files, and ran some window's updates.......the noise came back. As usual, it only happens once in a while. I got a reply last time that said my drive could be getting close to the edge of one of the disks (for example, a 60 gig drive may have 2x30 disks inside it), therefore causing it to click. I need some advice here..........I am out of ideas

 

[thorin]

Do you have SMART enabled in the BIOS? Is it reporting any pending failure(s) for the dirve? Have you checked the drive with SpeedFan or DriveHealth of something that reads SMART codes?

Thorin

 

[dakels]

this is a mechanical problem with the drive. IIRC that click is the swingarm in the read/write mechanism (kinda like the arm that holds the needle on a record player). This usually indicates a problem with reading the platters or alignment, etc. Either way it usually is a physical defect/problem that needs to be replaced.

Maxtor usually has at least a 3-5 year warranty on their drives. Backup all data on that drive and replace it ASAP. There's no telling how long that drive will last before it either starts physically damaging the platters or will not read or write at all.

 

[bullion416]

I am just confused on how two replacement drives could be bad. The first replacement drive I got from Maxtor did the same thing this new replacement is doing (and it has only been about 3 weeks in between replacements). I am confused.

 

[thorin]

Originally posted by: bullion416
I am just confused on how two replacement drives could be bad. The first replacement drive I got from Maxtor did the same thing this new replacement is doing (and it has only been about 3 weeks in between replacements). I am confused.

No manufacturing process is 100%, and the replacement (2nd) drive you got could have been a refurb.

Thorin

 

[dakels]

Its pretty suspect that both drives are not working right but not an impossibility. I doubt that manufacturing is bad on both. There would have been a public stink about it like the IBM GXP's.

There may be something I am missing here but I do know that the clicking is a physical problem. I don't know of any software problems that can cause this to happen. You have some sort of physical defect on the drive. Now this may be remedied by a low level/zero all data format but even if it remapped bad sectors, thats still a defect. Otherwise something is wrong with the swingarm resetting or recognition of the drive's physical write areas. Either way, I would again return it.

 

[bullion416]

LOL. Thanks for the help.........I am in the process of sending it back once again. I think this time they are going to give me a new model, so I lucked out.....probably getting an 80 gig out of the deal.

 

[dakels]

cool and good luck. If you have any problems write to Maxtor's corporate office and mention lemon laws and Better Business Bureau. They'll gladly run to get you a new good drive. (I speak from experience )

 

[thorin]

Originally posted by: bullion416
LOL. Thanks for the help.........I am in the process of sending it back once again. I think this time they are going to give me a new model, so I lucked out.....probably getting an 80 gig out of the deal.

That's always sweet when their only choice is to send you the 'current' equivalent model.

Thorin

 

[RobCur]

maxtor+quantum combination = suck! This is the problem, you are getting a rebadged Quantum with a maxtor sticker on top and they reprogammed it to say maxtor upon post. They are extremely noisy!!! one of the reason why they went out of business. A pure maxtor harddrive is slower but they don't have this kind of noise that are so high pitched like spinning blade used to saw woods. I almost threw this sucker away but I decide to remove it out of my computer and leave it their to rot forever, never buying maxtor ever again, they sure screw themselves up by labeling quantum drive as a maxtor! next time, its either Seagate, samsung, or WD for me. 2 down 3 to go! LOL!

 

[dakels]

ummm... I have used quantum fireballs alot. I never had a problem. Sound's like your drive had a noisy bearing. Thats usually the cause of that high pitch whine. I had that on an IBM where is was so bad that I had to almost yell over it. The thing actually ran fine in a closet server though with no data error for 3 years and is still being used.

 

[bullion416]

Yeah, RobCur...........I think the drive you got just sucks, because I have had no problems like the one's your described. Besides.....I bought a MAxtor for my parent's last summer which turned out to be a Quantum Fireball and it has worked great. The replacement drive that Maxtor sent me is extremely quiet and fast.

 

[dzt]

lower down your ATA mode, read ahead setting, etc from bios and software section.
then check if it causes bad sectors. if not, use it rarely (as secondary/data only) and use rubber sheet to decrease sound.
if the noise indicate drive bad area, get a hammer.

 

[dgseik]

yeah!!! i've also came to this problem. It makes a click sound too and there is no bad sector also and after some times(is i'm not mistaken is 2-3 month),my harddisk crash. So i suggest you may backup your data ASAP!!!

 

[Viper96720]

If you get clicking again I would check how your mounting the drive. Not having it secure may cause problems.