If your PC starts producing strange noises, or starts smelling funky, you should check whether it’s coming from your hard disk. Hard disks are very vulnerable. When one or more of the following symptoms do occur, I advice you to cut the power immediately. You should then visit the nearest computer shop available.
Ticking Sounds
Clicking and/or ticking sounds if the computer is booting, are caused mainly because of a mechanic failure, such as broken gears or a headcrash.
Shrieking Sounds
If your hard disk is producing a high squeaking noise, chances might be that the ball bearing is broken, or that the lubricant dried out.
Smouldering Smell
If you can smell something smouldering, there might be a part on the printed circuit board making a short circuit. Another option might be a broken ball bearing causing too much friction.
Severe Overheating
Hard disks get quite warm when in use, but if you can’t touch it anymore without burning your fingers, there is something going wrong, obviously. Chances are parts will melt. This can happen after a headcrash.
No noises/No Action
Check whether the cable going to the power supply is connected correctly if the hard disk won’t do anything. If the cable is connected correctly and the hard disk is still not functioning, chances are a circuit on the printed circuit board is broken.
NEVER shake, open, or clean the hard disk if you think the hard disk is damaged. Doing so might make things even worse. I would also advice not to install any software. Using a corrupt hard disk (a broken hard disk might keep on functioning some of the time) longer than needed, may damage any data stored on the disk. No data can then be recovered.
5 Responses
Great story. I just hope that I don’t have a problem with my computer!
Wow,I didnt know all that. Had a computer do that though and I stopeed using it,glad I did.Helpful informatioon….
Good info.
Helpful advice.
Cute