ticking noise - no longer recognised

It's hard to say without further info, but I'm afraid it doesn't sound too promising. Is it within the warranty period, and did you have a backup?

"waits expectantly for someone to suggest putting it in the freezer..."
 
It's worked for me a few times, but they haven't been as bad as described in the OP.

If you have a backup, move on, the data is gone. Either return it under warranty or have some fun destroying it and it's contents with a large hammer.
 
mdovey said:
I've heard this from several sources (and once in desperation even tried it myself) - but has this ever worked?

Matthew
Click to expand...
It just seems that whenever a mechanical/electrical problem with a HDD is mentioned, whatever the cause, someone will inevitably suggest the old freezer trick... :D

I'm not really convinced that it ever does any good - yes, by the laws of averages, some people will do it and their drive will work afterwards (and they'll duly report their success on web forums and the like), but without properly controlled experimentation there's really no way of being sure if it worked *because* of the freezer or it was just pure luck. I expect many more people try it with no success whatsoever, but are then less likely to report on it.

It's hard to see how freezing a modern HDD's fluid dynamic bearings will do it any good, although I guess the contraction/expansion may have occasionally unstuck something in an older drive, when the "cure" first started circulating.
 
i'm a little skeptical about the freezer trick. i would have thought it would get wet and then not work?

it's not backed up for last few months and there is semi important work on it, and it's not under guarantee afaik. How long do hard drives usually have guarantees for? it's a maxtor digital (think thats the naame) It's not mine btw but a friends. they are thinking of sending it to a back up specialist is nothing works. to me it sounds like the arm that moves in the drive is stuck, and could do with being opened and then cleaned out. is it worth opening it up or could we do more damage to it?
 
Mammalian said:
i'm a little skeptical about the freezer trick. i would have thought it would get wet and then not work?
Click to expand...
Well, obviously the recommended procedure is to put it in a watertight container or plastic bag first. :D
Mammalian said:
it's not backed up for last few months and there is semi important work on it, and it's not under guarantee afaik. How long do hard drives usually have guarantees for?
Click to expand...
It varies between firms/models, but you can normally go to the manufacturer's website, enter the drive serial number and it will tell you if the warranty is still in effect.

Mammalian said:
It's not mine btw but a friends. they are thinking of sending it to a back up specialist is nothing works.
Click to expand...
If the platters are intact a recovery firm will almost certainly be able to retrieve the data, but it will cost you/him... well into three figures and maybe four depending on the work necessary.

If the data is worth it, then don't mess around with the drive any more (don't even power it up), you'll probably end up doing more damage and adding to the bill. And for heaven's sake don't crack the drive open, unless you've given up on it and you just want to see how it works. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom