External hard drives making clicking noise

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  1. Posts : 9
    Windows 7 ultimate 32 bit
       #1

    External hard drives making clicking noise


    So currently my computer cannot open (operating system not) and decided to check my external 1tb Toshiba, I just plugged it in and opened the computer, then it spun and lit up, and had clicking noises, then I decided to check again while writing this, and there were no clicking noises anymore, should I be worried? I just bought this February 12
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 548
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #2

    There are two probable causes of the so-called "click of death" for external hard drives:

    A. Inadequate power being supplied to the external HDD, this is most common in situations like where you have multiple devices (including the HDD) connected to a single USB hub for example.

    B. Physical deterioration of the HDD resulting from either simple wear-and-tear or damage such as physical shock or trauma.

    I would begin by downloading something like CrystalDiskInfo to read the SMART diagnostic info that your HDD provides. If anything there is bad (like reallocated sectors), then I highly suggest replacing the HDD at your earliest convenience.

    If SMART comes out showing a clean bill of health, I would make sure adequate power is being supplied to the HDD. If adequate power is supplied, I would wait and see how the HDD fares; if the HDD is failing it will start giving off signs (more clicks, bad SMART readings, etc.).

    And most importantly, backup your data! A good backup will save your day like you can't even imagine.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 10,994
    Win 7 Pro 64-bit
       #3

    A clicking sound from any hard drive could be a sign of impending failure. Toshiba has a troubleshooting guide that may help.

    FAQ: Portable USB Hard Drive Troubleshooting and FAQ

    Or you could use SeaTools, a diagnostic utility that works on Seagate drives and non-Seagate drives.

    How to use SeaTools for Windows

    Seagate and Maxtor drives models are given a gold drive icon. Non-Seagate drives have a silver drive icon.
    You may select more than one drive at a time to test them simultaneously.

    Personally, I'd back up any data from the clicking drive before doing any diagnostic testing. Using a diagnostic test could stress the drive to failure.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 13,576
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #4

    If you just bought it, get your data off, take it back and get another one.

    Do not think twice about it
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 1,045
    Win8/8.1,Win7-U64, Vista U64, uncounted Linux distor's
       #5

    AddRAM said:
    If you just bought it, get your data off, take it back and get another one.

    Do not think twice about it
    THIS, absolutely, with out a doubt, as fast as you can.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 9,600
    Win 7 Ultimate 64 bit
       #6

    madcratebuilder said:
    AddRAM said:
    If you just bought it, get your data off, take it back and get another one.

    Do not think twice about it
    THIS, absolutely, with out a doubt, as fast as you can.
    Another vote for this!
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 9
    Windows 7 ultimate 32 bit
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Thanks for the replies, but unfortunately computer still unusable, due to operating system not found. Due to the bsod
      My Computer


  8. mjf
    Posts : 5,969
    Windows 7x64 Home Premium SP1
       #8

    Poororo said:
    So currently my computer cannot open (operating system not) ....
    I'm not sure exactly what you are saying. I understand your ext HDD is making clicking noises and I'd follow the advice given above. But are you also saying your PC is not booting? If so does it boot when the ext HDD is disconnected?
    If the ext HDD is USB powered make sure it is plugged directly into a PC USB port and not a passive hub with other devices attached to the hub.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 9
    Windows 7 ultimate 32 bit
    Thread Starter
       #9

    My computer experienced the Bsod, then when I rebooted it said error loading operating system, decided to take out the cables and return it, then it said operating system not found, and being paranoid I checked the external hdd since it was plugged in when the PC had the bsod(details at the bsod topic I posted), so I plugged it in and powered up the computer and It sounded like it had insufficient power supplied, because when I rebooted the PC the drive spun with no problems.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 9
    Windows 7 ultimate 32 bit
    Thread Starter
       #10

    Poororo said:
    Thanks for the replies, but unfortunately computer still unusable, due to operating system not found. Due to the bsod
    And yes it is still detected when I press escape and let's me choose where to boot from, and it's plugged in a single usb hub at the front
      My Computer


 
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