Self HelpBoise Computer Care

Desktop & PC hardware

Clicking hard drive: stop and back up now

Hard drive clicking or grinding? Stop and back up now. What to copy first, what not to run, and when to get professional data recovery.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
Varies
Steps
5
Updated

Sounds like this?

  • Clicking, ticking or grinding noise
  • Files take forever to open
  • Drive disappears and reappears
  • Warnings about drive health

Step by step

  1. If the computer still works, copy your most important files first (photos, documents) to an external drive or cloud, smallest and most important folders first.
  2. Don't install new software or updates on the failing drive.
  3. Check drive health with the maker's tool or CrystalDiskInfo (from its official site). Caution or Bad means replace it.
  4. If the drive isn't detected, shut down and stop trying. Repeated power cycles can finish it off.
  5. Plan the replacement: an SSD and a fresh Windows install or a clone from the old drive.

Related error codes & messages

Quick answers

When should I stop and get professional help with "Clicking hard drive: stop and back up now"?

Stop and get help if: The drive clicks and won't show up. Stop now: this is a job for data recovery. You need files that aren't backed up anywhere else. Health tools show reallocated or pending sectors. Boise Computer Care can diagnose it for a $60 fee; call 208-996-3508.

How long does this fix take and how hard is it?

Plan on Varies. Difficulty: Easy.

Is it safe to try this myself?

Mostly, if you follow these precautions: Every minute a failing drive runs can reduce the data that can be recovered. Copy your most important files first, then stop. Don't run chkdsk, defrag or 'repair' tools on a clicking drive. They stress it more. Don't open the drive or freeze it.

Which error messages or codes does this guide cover?

SMART Status Bad, Pred Fail, Reallocated Sectors, Hard Disk 3F1, No bootable device.

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