Diagnosing a bad HD

[jessthemullet]

I built a computer to use as a small file server at work. I used the same exact parts as I have for two other desktop computers, but for some reason, this one doesn't want to work. It will be working just fine, then all of the sudden the HD will make a whirring, hissing noise. Then it makes this clicking noise once, and totally hangs up. Sometimes, there's no noise, but at least 3 or 4 times a day, it completely freezes. When I reboot the computer, sometimes it goes back to normal. Other times, like today, the system doesn't see the HD, CD drive, or floppy drive. I've run the diagnostic software provided by the manufacturer for the HD, and it says everything is fine, but something is definately going on.

If anybody can help me figure out why this blasted thing is acting up, it would save me a terrible amount of stress.

 

[edfair]

You may have several problems affecting you but until you resolve the M/B problem where multiple devices disappear you will have a difficult time diagnosing any others.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.

 

[jessthemullet]

So, is there anywhere you recommend I start? I hate to have a motherboard thread in the HD area, but I hate to have a bunch of threads going for the same problem, as well.

I'm wondering if the motherboard might be the root of the problem, though. I don't know if a motherboard bug can make a HD stop responding. If it can, that might very well be the root of the problem, and the HD may very well be just fine.

 

[edfair]

The drives are detected through a controller chip running in default hardware mode. Further communications after boot may be filtered through driver programs.
The hangup can be from the chip failing and, since some of this happens prior to boot, the motherboard must be a prime candidate.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.