Troubleshooting guide
How to fix the problem
Newly appearing repeated HDD cracking along with inaccessible files may indicate a mechanical failure. Repeated power-on, shaking, or freezing of such a drive may impair recovery capabilities. First, assess the importance of the data.
Possible solutions
Choose the method that matches your situation. Start with the simplest suitable option and check the result. If the problem is fixed, you do not need to continue with the other methods.
Safe shutdown
Suitable when the sound is new and the performance is deteriorating at the same time.
Steps to follow
- Stop copying or programs, and if the system responds, safely turn off the computer or external drive.
- Don't power up the drive multiple times trying to get one successful boot.
- Make a note of the pattern of the disc falling and what happened before the sound.
- If the data is not changed, do not test again and request a recovery.
Evaluation of the power check
Only for external drive when data risk has been assessed.
Steps to follow
- Check that the power adapter required by the manufacturer is used; a similar plug does not mean the correct voltage.
- For a USB-powered drive, check the cable and don't use a non-powered hub if not provided by the manufacturer.
- If there is no critical data and no signs of shock, one time can compare the correct cable and power according to the instruction.
- If the sound repeats, stop testing. SMART or a long surface test is not necessary before a professional evaluation of mechanical failure.
If the problem persists
If the click remains or the drive is not recognized, take it to a data recovery lab. Do not open the disc cover. Warranty disk replacement and data recovery are different services, so specify the need for data before handing in the disk.
Request a repair