SERIOUS hdd problem

[DJFuji]

Just today I've started hearing periodic sounds coming from my (relatively) new hard drive that sounds like a floppy drive accessing a disk. It's a brief "floppy read/write" sound and right after i hear it, my system temporarily freezes up for a few moments. This can't be good. Any idea on what's causing it though? And am i looking at a dead drive in a few days? Its a Maxtor 40gb with the 20gb platters from staples.

Note: the first time it happened i got a BSOD that said "unable to write to drive C" and i had to reboot. Kind of scary...

 

[Mikendi]

All your jumpers are correct and the cable in on correctly? If so then I'd get my paper work in order for an RMA. Run a drive fitness test and see if it gives you a number to call in.

 

[aimn]

Yes, your drive is getting ready to die.

 

[legLess]

Silly question perhaps - but is it power saving kicking off? Most Windows boxes these days ship with power saving enabled, and they'll spin down the harddrive after 15 minutes or so. When you make another HD requst, the drive takes a couple seconds to spin up. Check the power settings in the control panel.

 

[corgidog]

Oopps, double post.

 

[corgidog]

Download and run the PowerMax diagnostic from Maxtor. If the drive is going bad it will give you an error code. Also write down the drive's serial number, which PowerMax will display. As long as the drive is in warranty period, this is all you need. On the Maxtor website you can fill in an RMA form and get an RMA# immediately with specifics for sending in the drive for replacement. Maxtor has two options for replacement, they will send a replacement once they recieve your defective drive; or you can give them a CC number and they will ship a new drive to you right away. When you get the new drive you pack and send the defective drive back.

 

[DJFuji]

legless: This occurs during normal usage and although it seems to have been a temporary thing (dont hear it now)...its still unnerving

 

[DJFuji]

Does anyone know specifically what's causing that noise? the read/write head hitting something?

 

[Ahhhk]

Well, what you SHOULD be doing is backing up everything important first, and then asking questions second.

 

[DJFuji]

backups already done

 

[corgidog]

Did you run a complete diagnostic using PowerMax? Did it certify the drive error free?