Hard Drive clicks

I've heard the noise of a hard drive failing before over the years, but I'm having a fast uniform clicking not very loud at bootup for about five - ten seconds. It doesn't sound like a noisey failure and I'm not getting any disk errors though but, sound like impending doom, something starting to go wrong with the spindle? Anyone/repair guys with an idea?

for interest some more noises...
youtube link - How to see if your hard drive is failing.

 

Definitely doesn't sound good, i'd say its on its last legs. Time to back it up and start planning the e-funeral

 

RUSH! To preserve all the proggys you can before it goes belly up.

 

Hello,
I would not be worried just yet.
But you could use one of the diagnostics tools to check your hard disk, like hddhealth or a manufacturer's one. Needless to say, always have your data backed up.
Mrk

 

It probably wouldn't hurt to burn a slipstream image CD of your Windows install, including current updates (this scenario assumes you have XP with SP2):
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10877_11-6150784.html

That said, it's also probably a good idea to create a full disc image as well, as long as you have ample space to store it.

 

There are several types of hdd failure. Not all would be preceded by read\write errors. It sounds like you are experiencing (or about to) one of them. As recommended above, time to back up the important stuff and raid the piggy bank for the cost of a new one.

 

Yeah I always take a regular image
Comparing my noise with the links and the fact that it doesn't last long and goes away I think I have some time. Thanks for the reminder Mrk, I'll down the manufacturer's diagnostics tools and see what it reports but I think you guys are right, it's terminal, what else could it be?

Appreciate the replies.

 

May be just wishful thinking but are you sure it is your hdd. One other item that spins up on start are your fan(s). Have not heard one going bad make a click....but worth checking if you have`t already.

 

Hello,

I have a computer that used to make one or two single clicks on a drive when I spun it at max. speed - assuming that it was indeed the drive. Last time this happened was about 6 months ago. But it behaves extremely well and hasn't made any noise since.

It could also be related to temperature, a bit of expansion here and there, some parts touching ...? Maybe the angle of the tower?

Touch wood, knock on wood, chop wood ...

Mrk

 

Yes ThunderZ, as yourself I'm accustom to taking the panel off, its definitely the drive . What I'm a little annoyed about this one is just 2-3yr old with average hours I should imagine. Luckily though I have a cheap insurance (couple pounds a month) that'll replace anything - infact I'm up on that as I've had more than I've paid in .
Mrk:

yeah this is still performing fine and I'm not having any errors. Mmm temperature and expansion? have not really thought of that, as it is on bootup.
The fan was installed by me and is set up to spin on turbo speed at a certain temp.
angle? I'll check my position, thanks.

 

my harddrive was making odd noises a few weeks ago.
but when i installed my network card i checked inside the case.
and i saw a really clogged up fan right at the front.
so i cleaned it out.
now no more horrible noises.
so backup your data first.
run those tools.
then open your computer case and clean out the dust.
lodore

 

lodore:

Yes I use canned air.

stapp:

Thanks stapp, of course HD Tune, one of the tools on my UBCD for Windows.

Thankyou for the suggestions.