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    Satellite M645 s4050 HDD clicking

    Discussion in 'Toshiba' started by Phillip, Sep 12, 2011.

  1. Phillip

    Phillip Phillip J. Fry

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    I purchased this laptop approximately one year ago.
    Yesterday I opened the lid and brought it out of standby and proceeded with going about my usual daily activities( email, youtube, checkign order statuses, ect.) After the second video on youtube I noticed that random system sounds were playing. Then they stopped and I heard clicking coming from my HDD.

    What I'd like to know is what the most probable reason for this is.
    I know that sometimes it means something as serious as the first signs that it's going to die.
    I hope that this is not the case.
    The HDD has an impact sensor and software on it.
    Is there a way to disable this? Could this be the cause of the clicking.

    I could really use some help in resolving this problem, if anyone has any thoughts or opinions on this they would be most welcome.

    Thanks in advance, and I look forward to your replies.

    Fry
     
    Phillip, Sep 12, 2011
    #1
  2. Fishon

    Fishon I Will Close You

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    Fishon, Sep 12, 2011
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  3. Phillip

    Phillip Phillip J. Fry

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    thanks for the links, I'll try that software when I get home.
    Seeing as I purchased this laptop from BestBuy, Should I bother to take it to them since it's still under warranty? Or should I just order a new HDD from newegg and swap it myself?
     
    Phillip, Sep 12, 2011
    #3
  4. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    I would think if the machine is under warranty, they'd replace the drive. Even if you get something else, you could sell the other drive to offset the cost. Something new would give you a chance to boost performance.
     
    ZaZ, Sep 13, 2011
    #4
  5. Phillip

    Phillip Phillip J. Fry

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    Good idea.
    After shutting down the system and restarting it this morning the noise went away. I did some further research on possible clicking noise causes and I found that on occasion the noise is caused by excessive putting the system into standby mode. Supposedly the software freaks out and causes the arm to repeatedly switch to the safe position.
    Just to be on the safe side I did a full backup of the drive. Now, I think I'm going to wait a week or two and see if it returns before taking it to BestBuy.
     
    Phillip, Sep 13, 2011
    #5
  6. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    The HDD SMART data should reveal if it has problems. Ideally use a diagnostic utility from the HDD manufacturer but the trial version of ActiveSMART should tell you if you have a serious problem.

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Sep 15, 2011
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  7. Phillip

    Phillip Phillip J. Fry

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    Thanks for the advise. I'll try that out as soon as I can.
     
    Phillip, Sep 15, 2011
    #7