Hard drive noise.

[Bubonicmoose]

I built a new computer about two months ago, and a little afterwards, noticed a funny noise coming from the hdd. I've got a Maxtor Diamond 16 120 GB in there, and when it gets to the XP log in screen, the noise kicks in for about 10 seconds or so. It usually starts right after I log on, but will start while still on the logon screen if I wait a bit. It sounds as if the arm of the HDD is moving, but it is WAY louder than it should be. It sounds like it may be dragging across something. I've had several issues with drivers causing this computer to crash, and the machine isn't set up all that well - first machine I've built in probably a two or three year hiatus, but I've never run across something like this before. I ran a diagnostic program from Maxtor's website called Powermax that is supposed to detect certain physical problems. It didn't detect anything on the first scan, but it moved far slower than it should have. I let an in-depth scan, that should have taken 30 hours max, run for two days before stopping it.
Does anyone have any ideas what is wrong with my hard drive? Should I send it back to be replaced?

 

[Wishdiak]

Bubonicmoose,

In order to get a RMA from Maxtor (to send your hard drive back for replacement), you need to verify two things.

1) That your hard drive is still under warranty. You can find this by entering your drive's serial number on maxtor.com

2) That there is a verifiable problem with your hard drive. You'll need to provide the error code that Powermax gives you after checking the drive.

In short, you'll need to let Powmax run in order to get the information to send the drive back.

Wishdiak
A+, Network+, Security+, MCSA: Security 2003

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[BaudKarma]

So if Powermax runs forever and doesn't give you an error code, you can't return the drive? That sounds screwed, somehow.

I try not to let my ignorance prevent me from offering a strong opinion.

 

[Freestone]

One could always try contacting Maxtor (I'd try the phone route) and explaining the long diagnostic run time.

 

[Wishdiak]

BaudKarma,

When dealing with warranty service, any company will expect some verifiable "proof" that there is a defect.

If their diagnostic utility takes an unreasonable long time (I'd say twice as long as expected qualifies), it might be best to contact the manufacturer for further support.

Wishdiak
A+, Network+, Security+, MCSA: Security 2003

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[Bubonicmoose]

Update on this.
I ran Powermax succesfully. I only did two passes, out of a maximum of sixty, but they took an hour each, and Powermax said each pass should only take 30min apiece.
My computer just crashed a few minutes ago, and it made the whirring noise after it started up, only it didn't stop like it normally did. It kept whirring, and I could hear overly-loud moving noises and clanks for about 40 seconds or so after I logged in. After all the odd moving sounds and clanks, the whirring finally stopped.
The powermax scan detected nothing, but clearly something is amiss. If the hdd passed the first two scans, is it worth it to take my computer out of commission for three or more days?
Has anyone encountered something like this before?

 

[micker377]

Are you sure that it IS the hard drive that is noisy? Hold the drive (carefully), in your hand when you boot up. Could also be the hard drive mounting area vibrating.

 

[Bubonicmoose]

Ok, I just tried that. It's definately the hard drive itself that is vibrating/making noise.

 

[garebo]

I think you want to back up any data on that drive as it seems its gonna go south on you pretty soon.
Freestone mentioned a phone call to Maxtor and i would follow that advice, that or an email.
Check and make sure its in warranty.
Do you have s.m.a.r.t enabled in your bios?


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