Symptoms
- Rhythmic clicking or ticking from the drive or case
- Drive spins up, clicks a few times, then spins down
- Computer is slow to boot or freezes when accessing files
- Drive isn't detected at all in some cases
Likely causes
- CommonFailing read/write head unable to find data tracksThis is the classic 'click of death' and gets worse over time.
- PossibleWorn bearings or a failing spindle motorProduces clicking mixed with grinding as it worsens.
- PossibleLoose or damaged power/data cable causing intermittent contactReseating cables sometimes stops false clicking noise.
- PossiblePhysical shock damage from a dropImpacts can knock the heads out of alignment.
What to do
- Stop using the drive for normal work the moment you hear clicking.
- If any data on it isn't backed up, copy the most important files off immediately while it still responds.
- Reseat the SATA power and data cables in case the noise is a connection issue rather than the drive itself.
- Avoid running disk checking or defragmenting tools, which add wear to a dying drive.
- If the drive still responds, image the whole drive to a healthy drive rather than copying file by file.
- Once data is safe, replace the drive; clicking drives rarely recover on their own.
Tools and parts
- Second healthy drive for backup
Replacement hard driveSearch: “internal or external hard drive same capacity”
When to call a pro
If the drive holds data you cannot lose and it's already clicking, a professional data recovery lab has a much better chance than DIY tools.
Safety
Use caution
Repeated power cycling of a clicking drive increases the chance of permanent data loss; back up first, troubleshoot second.