Hard disk constant accesses

[radiogram]

I have recently purchased 2 Samsung Spinpoint hard drives (HD160JJ for a newly built PC. The second disk is just for backups. The drive makes a low tick sound whenever the HD light comes on. It is apparently seeking something even if I am not asking it to do anything - probably about 0.8 seconds apart.

Furthermore, last week I changed from a static screensaver to the Starfield screensaver (on XP). After every access, the stars hesitate. So I tried something else - I loaded a fish aqarium screensaver - same result - the fish hesitated every access.

Any idea what it is looking for ? and why ? and why does the screensaver hesitate when nothing else does - the PC works perfectly otherwise. Any idea how to stop the constant accesses ?

 

[rvnguy]

I suggest that you run a complets diagnostics on this drive.
Clicking sounds are not a good sign of anything. There can be several causes, by running diags you can rule out drive problems.

Post back with what you find.....

rvnguy
"I know everything..I just can't remember it all

 

[kestrel1]

Sounds like it could be a faulty drive. If this is a new drive I would get it swapped out.

 

[radiogram]

Thanks to rvnguy and Kestrel1 - I had already looked for a test utility but there was not one listed for my drive. However, when I found out which one to run the result was ..... I was asked to send the drive back to swap. My PC is now running from the backup drive instead ...... but it seems to have the same problem.

This looks like being a lot of hassle, but hopefully I will end up with two good drives.

 

[kestrel1]

Are you saying that the second drive now has a problem? Or haven't you sent the first drive back yet? & this still has the problem.
Normally Samsung drives are fairly reliable, but it looks like you have been unfortunate & got a Friday afternoon drive.

 

[dbData]

If both drives are from the same lot, it wouldn't unusual. BTW, Samsung drives are bottom of the barrel. I'm sure this will raise some flames, but buy a Seagate or a Maxtor. They last longer and tend to be more reliable.

Rick

http://www.data-recovery-hub.com

 

[kestrel1]

I know Samsung are of a lower quality than Seagate, Maxtor etc, but I have never had problems with ones I have used. Not that many admitidly. I have got one that is about 5 years old & works fine. I know this isn't helping though. sorry