Hard Drive Noises - exploration and advice

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  1. Posts : 1,024
    Windows 7 Ultimate
    Thread Starter
       #11

    MrWhoopee said:
    glennc said:
    Hello MrWhoopee,
    I can answer this way, there is no CD/DVD in the machine most of the times I've checked, I don't know if I would call the noise a whining, more of a whirring, sorry and I am personally convinced it is the drive. It sounds like the normal noise on steroids. But of course I am possibly wrong. As to the processor fan, well it would have to happen just as the drive comes on and it only happens fairly intermittently, at start up.
    So thanks for your time and the information, but I am uncertain.
    Is there any way to force the cpu fan to run high speed?
    glennc
    Since the condition happens so infrequently, it will be hard to pin down. I would open the case and lay it on its side. When you turn on the computer, the processor fan should wind up, but that may vary depending on the MB. An old mechanics trick to track down a noise is to put the metal tip of a screw driver agains the suspected part and place your ear against the end of the handle. Works a bit like a stethoscope. But, again, you have to do it when the noise is being produced. You can stop the fan (carefully) with your fingers. They don't have much power and won't be damaged by being stopped momentarily. If the noise stops, you've found your culprit. There may also be a cooling fan on your video card. They are very prone to failure.
    Thanks but me leaving my computer case open for a month or so and having the presence of mind to do those proper tests if and when it happens seems right up next to impossible. Good troubleshooting though, used the screwdriver trick many a times!
    glennc
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,024
    Windows 7 Ultimate
    Thread Starter
       #12

    Lady Fitzgerald said:
    One way to determine if it's the HDD you are hearing is to open up the machine, stick a wooden dowel to your ear (it should be large enough to not go in your ear and long enough to easily reach) and place the other end against the suspected HDD. If it is the HDD, the noise you hear will get dramatically louder. A similar length of plastic tubing will do the same, only hold the end not in your ear close to the HDD but don't actually touch it to avoid a possible static discharge.

    Oopsie! Cross posted with MrWhoopie.
    Hello Jeanie,
    Good ideas are good ideas! Thanks for your time!
    glennc
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 9,600
    Win 7 Ultimate 64 bit
       #13

    Since the noise is so intermittent, your best choice would be to make sure you have at least one good backup (two—one each on a separate drive—would be much safer) and just wait for something to break (there always is the remote possibility the noise is harmless). I know, that sounds like it would be nerve wracking but sometimes it's all you can do. As long as you keep your data frequently backed up, you will be ok.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 1,024
    Windows 7 Ultimate
    Thread Starter
       #14

    Lady Fitzgerald.
    Actually I have been doing that for over a year or more. Just getting antsy. Then my backup drive with multiple copies took it's farewell!!!
    Such is life..
    glennc
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 9,600
    Win 7 Ultimate 64 bit
       #15

    glennc said:
    Lady Fitzgerald.
    Actually I have been doing that for over a year or more. Just getting antsy. Then my backup drive with multiple copies took it's farewell!!!
    Such is life..
    glennc
    That's the reason for having backups duplicated on multiple drives. I keep two identical backup drives at home that I update daily and two more I keep in a safe deposit box at my credit union that I swap out with the two at home at least once a month. Having the second backup at home saved my bacon...er...data at least once when I managed to mess up the first one. The ones in the safe deposit box are for if my house gets destroyed and I lose everything. It will protect me from losing all my data as well.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 2
    Win8.1
       #16

    you should be cautious when hard drive has weird noises, for that might be the sign that there is something wrong with the head. you can ask some professional guys to help you have a check.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 2,409
    Windows 7 Professional 32-bit/Windows 8 64-bit/Win7 Pro64-bit
       #17

    Well hard drive backups can be often coincidental and superstitious. Pretty scary at some times.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 1,024
    Windows 7 Ultimate
    Thread Starter
       #18

    Lady Fitzgerald said:
    glennc said:
    Lady Fitzgerald.
    Actually I have been doing that for over a year or more. Just getting antsy. Then my backup drive with multiple copies took it's farewell!!!
    Such is life..
    glennc
    That's the reason for having backups duplicated on multiple drives. I keep two identical backup drives at home that I update daily and two more I keep in a safe deposit box at my credit union that I swap out with the two at home at least once a month. Having the second backup at home saved my bacon...er...data at least once when I managed to mess up the first one. The ones in the safe deposit box are for if my house gets destroyed and I lose everything. It will protect me from losing all my data as well.
    I like being cautious, so that will be another item to consider. I had been looking at those WD USB 1TB Passports drives in the past. Need to figure out my USB situation, and add a USB 3.0 card. Need to figure that out also! Again thanks for your advice
    glennc
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 1,024
    Windows 7 Ultimate
    Thread Starter
       #19

    Tommy Boy said:
    you should be cautious when hard drive has weird noises, for that might be the sign that there is something wrong with the head. you can ask some professional guys to help you have a check.
    I think I've done all that can be done and I do have a new drive, and a backup. The questionable drive is out of the rotation. I just don't want to dump it if it it still good. Decisions, decisions.....
    glennc
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 1,024
    Windows 7 Ultimate
    Thread Starter
       #20

    Computer0304 said:
    Well hard drive backups can be often coincidental and superstitious. Pretty scary at some times.
    A pain for sure! Going to be very annoyed if it was the CPU Fan...........
    glennc
      My Computer


 
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