Weird clicking noise from hard drive

[bullion416]

I just got a brand new Maxtor 60 gig hard drive (Model: 6Y060L0) I actually got this as a replacement drive from Maxtor because my old drive was broken. The one they sent me is a newer model (not refurbished....it is actually a new hard drive)...........well, every once in a while when the hard drive is searching for info stored on it............I will hear a short clicking noise.......It won't last long and doesn't seem to affect the way the computer runs. Do you think this is normal or do I have another bad hard drive?

 

[tenoc]

Run the Maxtor utilities on it.

 

[BlueWeasel]

I have that exact same Maxtor HD running in my system, and I have not noticed any "clicking".

Is it a random occurance, and if not, specifically when does it happen? I'll be listening and let you know if anything comes up...

 

[ddasilva99]

Any click click click or tick is a HD ready to fail. I would have someone look into it immediately and start backup!

 

[bullion416]

Could this problem be a result of updating to windows xp service pack 1 or even updating the VIA drivers for the motherboard? I ask this because I didn't notice this click noise before I updated these drivers.

 

[BlueWeasel]

I doubt its related to the XP SP1 or even the VIA drivers. Any "clicking" noise from a HD is likely a hardware issue.

If its a mission-critical drive, then you may want to consider RMA'ing the drive again. I probably would just make sure my important data is backed up and see how it goes...

 

[Johnny101]

Originally posted by: ddasilva99
Any click click click or tick is a HD ready to fail. I would have someone look into it immediately and start backup!

Yup exactly right. Back this up ASAP, the end is near for that drive.

 

[onza]

click of death??

 

[tenoc]

Why not run the utilities since Maxtor will probably ask you for the resulting fault code before they issue a RMA anyway.

 

[bullion416]

I have not found that program to ever be of help. It usually doesn't detect physical issues with the drive (i.e. the clicking noise). I have sent back 2 drives to maxtor without a trouble code. They have been very understanding. In fact, they appologized for the problem with the replacement drive they sent me. I think it was a shipping problem because when I got the box, it was dented in. They are even paying for me shipping of the old drive back to them. Thanks for all your advice