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    HP clicking noise

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by 4fingers97, Mar 21, 2009.

  1. 4fingers97

    4fingers97 Notebook Evangelist

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    Once in awhile my hp pavilion dv7 will do some sort of clicking noise. I read on some forums that it means my hardrive is going to die or something. But my laptop is only 1month old. What should I do? :confused:
     
    4fingers97, Mar 21, 2009
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  2. Bog

    Bog Losing it...

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    A clicking noise indicates that the read/write heads on the hard drive are being parked; this is usually done after a period of inactivity in order to save power. It's a perfectly normal noise, given that hard drives are mechanical devices. Depending on the manufacturer of the HD itself, you can download utilities from their respective site that will run diagnostics on your hard disk.
     
    Bog, Mar 21, 2009
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  3. 4fingers97

    4fingers97 Notebook Evangelist

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    it happens usally when I am reading an article or a forum.
     
    4fingers97, Mar 21, 2009
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  4. Bog

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    Just to be safe, I would recommend that you open Device Manager to determine your hard disk manufacturer; then you can download the appropriate diagnostic utilities.
     
    Bog, Mar 21, 2009
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  5. vikingmonkey

    vikingmonkey Notebook Enthusiast

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    I would say that this is normal. I had an HPtx2513cl and the hard drive would click when it was idle. Also, I am borrowing a DV6000 and the hard drive clicks but no where near as often and loud as when I had my tx.
     
    vikingmonkey, Mar 21, 2009
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  6. 4fingers97

    4fingers97 Notebook Evangelist

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    Ok so How would I check my hard drive in device manager?

    Would I need to change something in power options?
     
    4fingers97, Mar 22, 2009
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  7. 4fingers97

    4fingers97 Notebook Evangelist

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    Also what is the click o death? is it like a click click click click click? Or just one Click?
     
    4fingers97, Mar 22, 2009
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  8. Bog

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    Right-click Computer > Properties > Device Manager (on the left)

    Your HD should be listed under "Disk Drives"

    Btw, it's normal for HDs to make occasional clicking noises, but you can't diagnose a bad drive by listening to the noises it makes; however, grinding and/or scratching noises are suspicious.
     
    Bog, Mar 22, 2009
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  9. 4fingers97

    4fingers97 Notebook Evangelist

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    it says it is working properly. Does this mean it is good? because I heard at some places that it will just say it works properly.

    Also Does watching videos on the interent count as idle? And is there a way to stop the clicking noise?
     
    4fingers97, Mar 22, 2009
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  10. Bog

    Bog Losing it...

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    Some laptops have a BIOS option to set the acoustics of their hard drives to quiet or performance; you can also download utilities off the manufacturer's website that does similar functions.
     
    Bog, Mar 22, 2009
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  11. 4fingers97

    4fingers97 Notebook Evangelist

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    Where can i go to the BIOS in a hp windows vista?
     
    4fingers97, Mar 22, 2009
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  12. Bog

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    Restart the computer > on the HP splash screen, press F8 or F12
     
    Bog, Mar 22, 2009
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  13. 4fingers97

    4fingers97 Notebook Evangelist

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    Do you know any tools online that would quiet down my hp laptop? I cant find any on the site. Its not a big deal but I would rather have it stop.
     
    4fingers97, Mar 22, 2009
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  14. Bog

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    Can you tell me your HD manufacturer? Whether or not such software exists depends on the manufacturer.
     
    Bog, Mar 22, 2009
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  15. 4fingers97

    4fingers97 Notebook Evangelist

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    Ok, Sorry I am such a noob with hardrives. Can you tell me how to find my manufactur. I am new to harddrive things like this
     
    4fingers97, Mar 22, 2009
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  16. Bog

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    Right-click Computer > Properties > Device Manager (on the left)

    Your HD should be listed under "Disk Drives"
     
    Bog, Mar 22, 2009
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  17. 4fingers97

    4fingers97 Notebook Evangelist

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    Its a wdc.
     
    4fingers97, Mar 22, 2009
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  18. 4fingers97

    4fingers97 Notebook Evangelist

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    Ok now I have a problem. My hardrive is saying it has less space then before. It had 387gb then itr went down to 386, Then I few minutes later it went down to 385. I havent downloaded anything. What should I do!
     
    4fingers97, Mar 22, 2009
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  19. Bog

    Bog Losing it...

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    Computer > Right-click HD > Properties > Disk Cleanup > More Options tab > Clean up shadow copies and System Restore points

    With regards to your Western Digital drive, there is no acoustics management software for their drive, but they do have a diagnostic utility as all the manufacturers do:

    http://support.wdc.com/product/download.asp?groupid=702&sid=3&lang=en

    DL the LifeGuard Diagnostic software, install it and give it a go. It'll use the SMART capabilities on your HD to get detailed readings on any signs of failure your drive might be experiencing.
     
    Bog, Mar 22, 2009
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  20. 4fingers97

    4fingers97 Notebook Evangelist

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    Ok wel In another thread I said that I unchecked the restore points and I went from 385 to 414 gb.
     
    4fingers97, Mar 22, 2009
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