Last plea...just incase

Problem: for some mysterious reason, any hard drive i put into my computer
starts to make a clicking noise after a certain amount of time, could notice
it after a few days, sometimes it's a month (insanely irritating).
It all started nearly a year ago with my 40gig maxtor and it gradually got
too un stable to use my operating system.
To cut long stories short i put it in another PC, (working fine and is still
there now)
I thought i'd try a western digital (not brand new, but used it in another
pc, never a problem) - sure you can guess, after a month or two of use i
notice 'the noise'.
Now this WD hard drive had never been in my pc before, and was fine.
Sod it i think, i'll buy a brand new 80gig maxtor, it starts clicking after
a few weeks!
So i think is XP to blame? installed Win2000, and it's just started
clicking!

Now i know you are going to say 'change this' or 'your mobo is dodgy'

Now here is what i've replaced (all new)

motherboard: (this was what the 'computer shop' suggested, replaced an ECS
(which now works fine in another pc) with a new ASrock

cpu: upgraded a 1600+ to a 2600+ athlon XP

hd: tried wd 40gig, bought maxtor 80gig

psu: bought a 400w power supply unit to replace the probably fine 300w

Ide: bought a new ide cable

cdrom: got a brand new cd burner (of course tried running with no cdrom
drives in though)

GFX card: replaced geforce2 with a g4 (also tried running the mobo's onboard
graphics)

sound: tried using the on board, still made the noise, so i use a
soundblaster live 5.1.

The noise has happened anytime, but when i'm loading a game and it's heavily
'in use' like starting a game or program etc it's 99% of the time going to
happen.
'it's just a noise' you say, well i'd agree but after the experience with
the first maxtor it only gets worse until my pc is a mess.

I've also contacted MAXTOR directly, they advised me to do a low level
format, i did, no change. (also it passed every test on the maxtor utility)

After everything i've tried it's just amusing now, i'll just wait until it
finally dies or something.
there is no way three seperate drives would all have the same issue (plus
they work fine in another PC!)

HERE IS THE NOISE: i've even recorded it!, this is a typical example loading
something and it'll 'click', it doesn't affect what i'm doing but like i say
i know it'll get worse.

http://www.michaelharper01.btinternet.co.uk/noise.mp3 (it's on the ninth
second, to be precise!)

thanks in advance
Michael.....

Isildur

On Tue, 20 Jan 2004 03:30:08 +0000 (UTC), "Isildur"
<> wrote:

>Problem: for some mysterious reason, any hard drive i put into my computer
>starts to make a clicking noise after a certain amount of time, could notice
>it after a few days, sometimes it's a month (insanely irritating).
>It all started nearly a year ago with my 40gig maxtor and it gradually got
>too un stable to use my operating system.

What do you mean by 'unstable'?

>To cut long stories short i put it in another PC, (working fine and is still
>there now)

Did you transfer it with the operating system (xp)?...or did you put
it in the other machine and re-install an os?

>I thought i'd try a western digital (not brand new, but used it in another
>pc, never a problem) - sure you can guess, after a month or two of use i
>notice 'the noise'.
>Now this WD hard drive had never been in my pc before, and was fine.
>Sod it i think, i'll buy a brand new 80gig maxtor, it starts clicking after
>a few weeks!

Are you running SMART in the BIOS?

>So i think is XP to blame? installed Win2000, and it's just started
>clicking!

Could be SMART...or some other diagnostic. Did you try a CAD?...to
see what processes are running? Are you running any real-time
anti-virus? Make sure Diskeeper isn't running in the background.

>Ide: bought a new ide cable

This is often the culprit...but not often after a replacement. Is
there any hesitation when this happens? Did you check your event
viewer?

>The noise has happened anytime, but when i'm loading a game and it's heavily
>'in use' like starting a game or program etc it's 99% of the time going to
>happen.
>'it's just a noise' you say, well i'd agree but after the experience with
>the first maxtor it only gets worse until my pc is a mess.

What do you mean...'a mess'? Are you running any of Norton's junk?

>After everything i've tried it's just amusing now, i'll just wait until it
>finally dies or something.
>there is no way three seperate drives would all have the same issue (plus
>they work fine in another PC!)

It sounds like a software problem...something running in the
background that's trying to optimize the drive.

How often do you do a defrag and scandisk? Shud be done at least once
a week. Have you compacted OE?...emptied out your IE temp files?

Good luck...let us know.


Have a nice week...

Trent

If the cheese isn't yours...its Nacho cheese, man!

Correct me if I'm wrong but the only thing you didn't replace was the case,
so if everything but the case is brand new and you're still hearing this
noise what does that leave you? Maybe try taking the hdd out of its bay and
gently stand it freely, the cables should hold it secure as long as you
don't move the case around or bump it. If the sound recurs then you will
just have to go to your local shaman or witch woman to remove the curse that
some malignant soul has obviously placed upon you .

Just my two-cents,


Brightspark


"Isildur" <> wrote in message
news:bui7c0$8fm$...
> Problem: for some mysterious reason, any hard drive i put into my computer
> starts to make a clicking noise after a certain amount of time, could
notice
> it after a few days, sometimes it's a month (insanely irritating).
> It all started nearly a year ago with my 40gig maxtor and it gradually got
> too un stable to use my operating system.
> To cut long stories short i put it in another PC, (working fine and is
still
> there now)
> I thought i'd try a western digital (not brand new, but used it in another
> pc, never a problem) - sure you can guess, after a month or two of use i
> notice 'the noise'.
> Now this WD hard drive had never been in my pc before, and was fine.
> Sod it i think, i'll buy a brand new 80gig maxtor, it starts clicking
after
> a few weeks!
> So i think is XP to blame? installed Win2000, and it's just started
> clicking!
>
> Now i know you are going to say 'change this' or 'your mobo is dodgy'
>
> Now here is what i've replaced (all new)
>
> motherboard: (this was what the 'computer shop' suggested, replaced an ECS
> (which now works fine in another pc) with a new ASrock
>
> cpu: upgraded a 1600+ to a 2600+ athlon XP
>
> hd: tried wd 40gig, bought maxtor 80gig
>
> psu: bought a 400w power supply unit to replace the probably fine 300w
>
> Ide: bought a new ide cable
>
> cdrom: got a brand new cd burner (of course tried running with no cdrom
> drives in though)
>
> GFX card: replaced geforce2 with a g4 (also tried running the mobo's
onboard
> graphics)
>
> sound: tried using the on board, still made the noise, so i use a
> soundblaster live 5.1.
>
> The noise has happened anytime, but when i'm loading a game and it's
heavily
> 'in use' like starting a game or program etc it's 99% of the time going to
> happen.
> 'it's just a noise' you say, well i'd agree but after the experience with
> the first maxtor it only gets worse until my pc is a mess.
>
> I've also contacted MAXTOR directly, they advised me to do a low level
> format, i did, no change. (also it passed every test on the maxtor
utility)
>
> After everything i've tried it's just amusing now, i'll just wait until it
> finally dies or something.
> there is no way three seperate drives would all have the same issue (plus
> they work fine in another PC!)
>
> HERE IS THE NOISE: i've even recorded it!, this is a typical example
loading
> something and it'll 'click', it doesn't affect what i'm doing but like i
say
> i know it'll get worse.
>
> http://www.michaelharper01.btinternet.co.uk/noise.mp3 (it's on the ninth
> second, to be precise!)
>
> thanks in advance
> Michael.....
>
>
>

Since you have replaced everything inside and the parts run fine in other
machines it would seem that the only other thing is the case or hard drive
mounting. Is there any chance that the drive is moving and causing a noise
within its mounting or is a fan near the drive? It sounds like you have
built a whole new system minus the case I am no detective but when you
eliminate the obvious and the only thing left may seem impossible it is
still the only thing left.


"Isildur" <> wrote in message
news:bui7c0$8fm$...
> Problem: for some mysterious reason, any hard drive i put into my computer
> starts to make a clicking noise after a certain amount of time, could
notice
> it after a few days, sometimes it's a month (insanely irritating).
> It all started nearly a year ago with my 40gig maxtor and it gradually got
> too un stable to use my operating system.
> To cut long stories short i put it in another PC, (working fine and is
still
> there now)
> I thought i'd try a western digital (not brand new, but used it in another
> pc, never a problem) - sure you can guess, after a month or two of use i
> notice 'the noise'.
> Now this WD hard drive had never been in my pc before, and was fine.
> Sod it i think, i'll buy a brand new 80gig maxtor, it starts clicking
after
> a few weeks!
> So i think is XP to blame? installed Win2000, and it's just started
> clicking!
>
> Now i know you are going to say 'change this' or 'your mobo is dodgy'
>
> Now here is what i've replaced (all new)
>
> motherboard: (this was what the 'computer shop' suggested, replaced an ECS
> (which now works fine in another pc) with a new ASrock
>
> cpu: upgraded a 1600+ to a 2600+ athlon XP
>
> hd: tried wd 40gig, bought maxtor 80gig
>
> psu: bought a 400w power supply unit to replace the probably fine 300w
>
> Ide: bought a new ide cable
>
> cdrom: got a brand new cd burner (of course tried running with no cdrom
> drives in though)
>
> GFX card: replaced geforce2 with a g4 (also tried running the mobo's
onboard
> graphics)
>
> sound: tried using the on board, still made the noise, so i use a
> soundblaster live 5.1.
>
> The noise has happened anytime, but when i'm loading a game and it's
heavily
> 'in use' like starting a game or program etc it's 99% of the time going to
> happen.
> 'it's just a noise' you say, well i'd agree but after the experience with
> the first maxtor it only gets worse until my pc is a mess.
>
> I've also contacted MAXTOR directly, they advised me to do a low level
> format, i did, no change. (also it passed every test on the maxtor
utility)
>
> After everything i've tried it's just amusing now, i'll just wait until it
> finally dies or something.
> there is no way three seperate drives would all have the same issue (plus
> they work fine in another PC!)
>
> HERE IS THE NOISE: i've even recorded it!, this is a typical example
loading
> something and it'll 'click', it doesn't affect what i'm doing but like i
say
> i know it'll get worse.
>
> http://www.michaelharper01.btinternet.co.uk/noise.mp3 (it's on the ninth
> second, to be precise!)
>
> thanks in advance
> Michael.....
>
>
>

I used to think it could be norton, so everytime i install an OS now i don't
run it at all.
As for what happens to my PC, it would freeze when the click happened, or
blue screen etc, what is most annoying about this issue is it only starts
after a month or whatever for no specific reason.
I *think* smart is usually disabled in bios
Also i ran a software util called active smart and when the noise started it
said this....
http://www.michaelharper01.btinterne.../harddrive.JPG

Hope you know what it means!

I assume the power supply is being lumped in with the case??? Sounds like
it could be a noisy power supply...ripple tends to destroy boards and spikes
(not too high) tend to cause erratic behavior as they frequently couple to
signal/control lines. Good brands for power supplies include: PC Power &
Cooling (the best, but you pay for it), Antec, and Enermax. Sparkle is OK,
too.

Oh, something else that might be the cause of your clicking (and drive
destruction): mounting screws that are too long or too tight...sometimes
they can inhibit servo motor movement and that can mean clicking when they
hit the screws and heat when it has its movement stopped and heat means
ultimately failure.

"Brightspark" <brtsprkATtpgDOTcomDOTau> wrote in message
news:...
> Correct me if I'm wrong but the only thing you didn't replace was the
case,
> so if everything but the case is brand new and you're still hearing this
> noise what does that leave you? Maybe try taking the hdd out of its bay
and
> gently stand it freely, the cables should hold it secure as long as you
> don't move the case around or bump it. If the sound recurs then you will
> just have to go to your local shaman or witch woman to remove the curse
that
> some malignant soul has obviously placed upon you .
>
> Just my two-cents,
>
>
> Brightspark
>
>
> "Isildur" <> wrote in message
> news:bui7c0$8fm$...
> > Problem: for some mysterious reason, any hard drive i put into my
computer
> > starts to make a clicking noise after a certain amount of time, could
> notice
> > it after a few days, sometimes it's a month (insanely irritating).
> > It all started nearly a year ago with my 40gig maxtor and it gradually
got
> > too un stable to use my operating system.
> > To cut long stories short i put it in another PC, (working fine and is
> still
> > there now)
> > I thought i'd try a western digital (not brand new, but used it in
another
> > pc, never a problem) - sure you can guess, after a month or two of use i
> > notice 'the noise'.
> > Now this WD hard drive had never been in my pc before, and was fine.
> > Sod it i think, i'll buy a brand new 80gig maxtor, it starts clicking
> after
> > a few weeks!
> > So i think is XP to blame? installed Win2000, and it's just started
> > clicking!
> >
> > Now i know you are going to say 'change this' or 'your mobo is dodgy'
> >
> > Now here is what i've replaced (all new)
> >
> > motherboard: (this was what the 'computer shop' suggested, replaced an
ECS
> > (which now works fine in another pc) with a new ASrock
> >
> > cpu: upgraded a 1600+ to a 2600+ athlon XP
> >
> > hd: tried wd 40gig, bought maxtor 80gig
> >
> > psu: bought a 400w power supply unit to replace the probably fine 300w
> >
> > Ide: bought a new ide cable
> >
> > cdrom: got a brand new cd burner (of course tried running with no cdrom
> > drives in though)
> >
> > GFX card: replaced geforce2 with a g4 (also tried running the mobo's
> onboard
> > graphics)
> >
> > sound: tried using the on board, still made the noise, so i use a
> > soundblaster live 5.1.
> >
> > The noise has happened anytime, but when i'm loading a game and it's
> heavily
> > 'in use' like starting a game or program etc it's 99% of the time going
to
> > happen.
> > 'it's just a noise' you say, well i'd agree but after the experience
with
> > the first maxtor it only gets worse until my pc is a mess.
> >
> > I've also contacted MAXTOR directly, they advised me to do a low level
> > format, i did, no change. (also it passed every test on the maxtor
> utility)
> >
> > After everything i've tried it's just amusing now, i'll just wait until
it
> > finally dies or something.
> > there is no way three seperate drives would all have the same issue
(plus
> > they work fine in another PC!)
> >
> > HERE IS THE NOISE: i've even recorded it!, this is a typical example
> loading
> > something and it'll 'click', it doesn't affect what i'm doing but like i
> say
> > i know it'll get worse.
> >
> > http://www.michaelharper01.btinternet.co.uk/noise.mp3 (it's on the ninth
> > second, to be precise!)
> >
> > thanks in advance
> > Michael.....
> >
> >
> >
>
>

Yes I agree you have pretty much reasond it down to two possible causes
1 the system case and the way the drive is mounted in it including screws
try mounting (screwing) the drive on one side only and if you can try
changing the bay

2 Well I suppose that you changed the cables each time you put new drive in
but you never said that so if you have not change the cable

Lastly and you hve to be careful with this one just let the drive hang of
course making sure the pcb will not short to any part of the frame or mobo

On Tue, 20 Jan 2004 11:38:12 +0000 (UTC), "Isildur"
<> wrote:

>I used to think it could be norton, so everytime i install an OS now i don't
>run it at all.
>As for what happens to my PC, it would freeze when the click happened, or
>blue screen etc, what is most annoying about this issue is it only starts
>after a month or whatever for no specific reason.
>I *think* smart is usually disabled in bios

What has that got to do with anything? lol Check it.


>Also i ran a software util called active smart and when the noise started it
>said this....
>http://www.michaelharper01.btinterne.../harddrive.JPG
>
>Hope you know what it means!
>

Have you always been running this program? If so, that's your
problem.

Does your ATA settings for the drive correspond to the ATA settings
for the mb controller? Get the proper disc from your drive's site and
check that.

I'd still suspect a diagnostic slow down...or a bad IDE cable. Try
another BRAND NEW cable.

Good luck.


Have a nice week...

Trent

If the cheese isn't yours...its Nacho cheese, man!

I had a similar problem with an 80gb Maxtor. It passed all the same tests.
Maxtor refused to replace it.
It killed me to find out they were right.
Guess what: it was the power supply. When the output becomes unstable surges
or dropouts cause the hard drive to behave exactly as you describe.
Get a new power supply, at least 350 watts.

"George" <> wrote in message
news:...
> I assume the power supply is being lumped in with the case??? Sounds like
> it could be a noisy power supply...ripple tends to destroy boards and
spikes
> (not too high) tend to cause erratic behavior as they frequently couple to
> signal/control lines. Good brands for power supplies include: PC Power &
> Cooling (the best, but you pay for it), Antec, and Enermax. Sparkle is
OK,
> too.
>
> Oh, something else that might be the cause of your clicking (and drive
> destruction): mounting screws that are too long or too tight...sometimes
> they can inhibit servo motor movement and that can mean clicking when they
> hit the screws and heat when it has its movement stopped and heat means
> ultimately failure.

No mounting screw can penetrate the drive's platter compartment, so the
servo arm cannot possibly come into contact with it. The drive housings
simply aren't designed that way.