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Topic: External Hard Drive Clickin' |
Jim Eller
From:
Kodak, TN (Michigan transplant)
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Posted 1 Jan 2010 10:09 am |
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I have a two year old Western Digital My Book hard drive that I use for backup.
Lately it's been starting to click when I boot the computer up.
I use to click six times and now it clicks six times with a short pause, clicks two more times with a short pause and then two more clicks. But it has been working.
Just now I went to do a backup and I got a message that the WD couldn't be found. I unplugged and replugged the USB cable but nothing. I disconnected the power to the unit and reconnected it and now it is recognized. Still clicks but it's there.
Is she ready to blow and it's time for a new one??
Jim |
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Wiz Feinberg
From:
Mid-Michigan, USA
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Jim Eller
From:
Kodak, TN (Michigan transplant)
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Posted 1 Jan 2010 10:25 am
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Hey Wiz, thanks.
Is it just as cheap and easier for a non computer guy to just replace the whole thing?
I can do the plug and play thing.
When you comin' back to Knoxville?? I still owe you lunch.
Jim |
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Wiz Feinberg
From:
Mid-Michigan, USA
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Posted 1 Jan 2010 11:37 am
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Yeah, just buy a new complete external drive in an enclosure.
I don't know if or when I'll be there again, but thanks for asking. If I win a lottery I would like to live in the Smokey's, up by the fire tower I climbed in 2008. I was at eye level with satellite dishes for cellular and TV transmitters and over the top of the trees.
_________________
"Wiz" Feinberg, Moderator SGF Computers Forum
Security Consultant
Twitter: @Wizcrafts
Main web pages: Wiztunes Steel Guitar website | Wiz's Security Blog | My Webmaster Services | Wiz's Security Blog |
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Jim Eller
From:
Kodak, TN (Michigan transplant)
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Posted 1 Jan 2010 12:14 pm
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Wiz,
Was that on Bluff Mountain, off of Goose Gap Road??
Jim |
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Storm Rosson
From:
Silver City, NM. USA
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Posted 1 Jan 2010 3:08 pm
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 yep the dreaded clik of death, get everything of value on it backed up immediately it's time is now measured in minutes  |
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Jim Eller
From:
Kodak, TN (Michigan transplant)
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Posted 1 Jan 2010 4:02 pm
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I sure thought it would last more than 22 months 
Any recommendations for a replacement? I don't need any thing too big. This one was only 250GB and it was only half full.
Jim |
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Jim Smith
From:
Midlothian, TX, USA
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Posted 1 Jan 2010 5:07 pm Re: External Hard Drive Clickin'
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| Jim Eller wrote: |
I have a two year old Western Digital My Book hard drive that I use for backup.
Lately it's been starting to click when I boot the computer up. |
If you're only using the external drive for backup, I wouldn't recommend leaving it plugged in and/or powered up all the time. That should help your next one last a whole lot longer. I only turn mine on when I want to make a backup or do a restore. |
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Wiz Feinberg
From:
Mid-Michigan, USA
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Posted 1 Jan 2010 7:53 pm
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| Jim Eller wrote: |
Wiz,
Was that on Bluff Mountain, off of Goose Gap Road??
Jim |
Yep. Past White School Road, to Goose Gap Road, to Bluff Mountain, up the mountain to Tower Road, up the winding road, to the fire tower at the top of Tower Road. Now I know how angels see the Earth.
_________________
"Wiz" Feinberg, Moderator SGF Computers Forum
Security Consultant
Twitter: @Wizcrafts
Main web pages: Wiztunes Steel Guitar website | Wiz's Security Blog | My Webmaster Services | Wiz's Security Blog |
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Jim Eller
From:
Kodak, TN (Michigan transplant)
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Posted 2 Jan 2010 3:26 am
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Jim - I'll try that on my next one. I only use it about one a week or so.
Wiz - I know exactly where you mean. Climbed that tower many times. You should buy that house/cabin that sets down off that hard left switchback(pic). I pull off there on the motorcycle every time I'm up there just to admire the view.
And from the tower.
Jim |
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Wiz Feinberg
From:
Mid-Michigan, USA
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Posted 2 Jan 2010 8:51 am
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Why'd you have to publish that photo? You know how to hurt a guy! And I would buy that house on the hill if I could.
Not many people can say that they've looked at a commercial communications dish eye to eye (other than installers).
_________________
"Wiz" Feinberg, Moderator SGF Computers Forum
Security Consultant
Twitter: @Wizcrafts
Main web pages: Wiztunes Steel Guitar website | Wiz's Security Blog | My Webmaster Services | Wiz's Security Blog |
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Tommy Bannister
From:
Hampshire, UK
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Posted 2 Jan 2010 9:10 am Re: External Hard Drive Clickin'
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| Jim Eller wrote: |
I have a two year old Western Digital My Book hard drive that I use for backup.
Lately it's been starting to click when I boot the computer up.
I use to click six times and now it clicks six times with a short pause, clicks two more times with a short pause and then two more clicks. But it has been working.
Just now I went to do a backup and I got a message that the WD couldn't be found. I unplugged and replugged the USB cable but nothing. I disconnected the power to the unit and reconnected it and now it is recognized. Still clicks but it's there.
Is she ready to blow and it's time for a new one??
Jim |
hi Jim do you click on the safe to remove button in the right bottom icons to remove or stop your hard drive? its stated well that to unplug your exterior hard drive by unpluging the usb cable untill its safe to remove will eventually ruin your hard drive I think by clicking the safeto remove icon parks up your exterior hard drive
I had the same problem once
now I have recently bought a Samsum storey book 1.5 TB FROM AMAZON ITS QUIET, FAST, AND I WOULD RECOMEND THIS DRIVE TO THE STEEL GUYS ON THIS FORUM.
IT NEVER GETS HOT EVEN IF LEFT ON ALL DAY LONG
HOPE THIS HELPS YOU
ps if you leave the ex drive plugged in when starting the computer ,the computer will look at the ex drive for a boot up sequence .perhaps this is the clicking you can hear.
In the bias all drives boot up sequence boot up you proberly have that ticked to look for
tommy.bannister@btinternet.com
_________________
GOT EVERYTHING a steelplayer needs except movement owing to a bad stroke
paralizing my compleat left side
may god grant me return of it all!!
williams d10 9/8 burnt orange box,bobro,itone,rowland space echo,goodridge ldr 120 VP,any bars,quad reverb,sonar 8.5 vegus 10,soundforge, plus foxtex 24/24,maki 16 trk desk,could go on forever,two Nashville 112's pevey 500 session, steel guitar black box,LDR 120 VP
brand new WILLIAMS D10 9,8 NOT PLAYED OWING TO MY STROKE,WHAT A BUMMER!!! |
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Jim Eller
From:
Kodak, TN (Michigan transplant)
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Posted 2 Jan 2010 9:33 am
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Tommy,
You may have something there.
I just plugged it in on day one and shut it down with the computer. I then turn the power strip off. I never "eject" the drive first.
I guess I figured the computer was doing that. Maybe not.
If I leave it off, don't I have to do "search for hardware" and reintall every time I want to use it??
Jim |
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Tommy Bannister
From:
Hampshire, UK
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Posted 2 Jan 2010 9:59 am
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| Jim Eller wrote: |
Tommy,
You may have something there.
I just plugged it in on day one and shut it down with the computer. I then turn the power strip off. I never "eject" the drive first.
I guess I figured the computer was doing that. Maybe not.
If I leave it off, don't I have to do "search for hardware" and reintall every time I want to use it??
Jim |
no jim you use the computer to safly shut down the exterior hard drive by clicking the safe to remove drive icon then the ex drive will stop looking for commands .once this is done you can saftly remove the usb cable, AND A SIGN COMES UP IN THE LOWER RIGHT HAND SIDE SAYING SAFE TO REMOVE EX HARD DRIVE
I have had up to seven ex drives going at one time
but allways stop them from this way. Its there for the purpos of unconecting theusb cable while possibly still receiving or transmitting data as the drive is still working. also it parks up the drive
like taking the search arm off of the disk.
the computer seeks out all drive when it is booting from the computers C DRIVE AS THAT IS WHERE THE SYSTEMS WORKING DATA COMES FROM ALSO YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO A SEARCH EVERTIME YOU BOOT UP.
YOU CAN START THE COMPUTER AND WHEN ITS RUNNIG YOU CAN PLUG IN THE USB CABLE EWITH THE EX HARD DRIVE POWER ON AND THE COMPUTER WILL SAY FOUND NEW HARDWARE
THE COMPUTER ALWAYS SEARCHES FOR WHATS PLUGGED INTO IT AUTO SO YOU DO NOT HAVE TO REINSTALL ANYTHING
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND YOURS
TOM
PS sorry for keeping on Jim but just imaging safe a file to your hard drive then swithing off your computer its like trying to jump out of your car before it has stopped
I am a retired 67 year old dissabled on my left side from a stroke nearly six years ago,I was working four times a week doing giga and session work both with steel and lead guitar
my Its like a permanent nightmare. luckly I have the broadband internet and my own little studio to play with but still cannot do any playing myself.Sorry about the capitels I'm not shouting its just that my eyes are failing as well.
_________________
GOT EVERYTHING a steelplayer needs except movement owing to a bad stroke
paralizing my compleat left side
may god grant me return of it all!!
williams d10 9/8 burnt orange box,bobro,itone,rowland space echo,goodridge ldr 120 VP,any bars,quad reverb,sonar 8.5 vegus 10,soundforge, plus foxtex 24/24,maki 16 trk desk,could go on forever,two Nashville 112's pevey 500 session, steel guitar black box,LDR 120 VP
brand new WILLIAMS D10 9,8 NOT PLAYED OWING TO MY STROKE,WHAT A BUMMER!!! |
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Jim Eller
From:
Kodak, TN (Michigan transplant)
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Posted 2 Jan 2010 10:37 am
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Tommy,
E-mail sent.
Jim |
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Chip Fossa
From:
Monson, MA, USA (deceased)
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Posted 4 Jan 2010 10:04 am
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I also have two WD [mybook] xtrnl hdds, and one is making like a low-rumble, grinding kind of sound. Not really a click, but maybe that's what everyone is referring too.
Not very loud, but definitely noticeable.
I'm now copying stuff off of that drive.
I use the big green buttons on the WD drives to turn them on and off. I figure, that's why they're there.
I too have had these drives for a few years, but they are OFF 95% of the time.
_________________
Chip
Williams U-12 8X5; Keyless; Natural Blonde Laquer. |
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Wiz Feinberg
From:
Mid-Michigan, USA
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Posted 4 Jan 2010 6:25 pm
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To turn off or not turn off, that is the question! The answer lies somewhere in between yes and no. It's a sort of kind of maybe you should deal. Lemme splain...
When an operating system sees/recognizes a drive and assigns it a usable ID, it establishes a line of communications with it. In Windows, that ID is usually a letter. In Linux you "mount" a drive sometimes by its name (you can name a disk drive, permanently), or its network location, sometimes by a letter. As long as the drive is powered on, or not disconnected, it is usable from any operating system that recognizes its format system (filing allocation table).
The operating system sometimes polls connected devices to make sure they are still awake and ready to be used. There is two way communications going on behind the scenes. Backup programs running as scheduled background tasks will poll all connected and writable drives. Anti-virus programs will monitor them with their real time modules.
If you decide to turn off or unplug an external USB drive, without first "ejecting" it, the lines of communication will be severed in a rough fashion. Background processes will continue to poll the device, but it won't respond. Electrons will start to go nuts, all because you didn't care enough about them to treat them nicely! But, who cares about a few thousand stray electrons getting pissed off?
Usually, one can get away with powering off their USB drives without any real harm being done. So ya gotta dodge some angry electrons every now and then. No big deal! But what about the disk that got disconnected from its electronic brethren? It was happily talking shop with them when poof, you pulled the plug! Bits and bytes may have been scattered to all 4 dimensions, during the panic that sets in as the last flicker of power dies off. Indexes (fat) may become corrupted. Crosslinked files may happen. For sure there will be fragmentation of any files recently accessed on that drive. There will be a price to be paid for disrupting the normal course of events on the drive.
It may take a long time for the effects of bad shutdowns to manifest themselves on USB hard drives, but take my word for it, the drive will eventually get messed up by repeated sudden shutdowns. You may think you're extending its lifespan by powering it off as soon as you are done reading or writing to it, but you may actually shorten its usable lifespan by doing so.
If all that wasn't bad enough, here's some more bad news. If the USB drive that you unceremoniously shut down happens to get connected to another computer, as in transferring files to it, or using it for backups on another PC, the failure to gracefully disconnect will leave it in an uncertain state of ownership. You might connect it to a Linux box to retrieve some downloaded programs that are to be installed using WINE. You would use your disk manager to locate the USB drive from the list of seen units, but when you tried to "mount" the drive there would be an error message telling you that the disk has been marked as "in use by another operating system or program."
Marked as in use by another OS or program means you cannot use it on the other computer. There is a hard coded piece of code on that drive's master boot record that says "I belong to PC #1," or to account number - (32 digits of hexadecimal code). Until you reconnect it to the original, powered off computer, and boot it from a cold start, that drive may be useless to all computers.
All of these complications can usually be avoided by simply "ejecting" or "stopping" or unmounting the external drive, before you power it off. It will write all final updates to the master file table indexes and be ready to go the next time you connect it to a computer.
_________________
"Wiz" Feinberg, Moderator SGF Computers Forum
Security Consultant
Twitter: @Wizcrafts
Main web pages: Wiztunes Steel Guitar website | Wiz's Security Blog | My Webmaster Services | Wiz's Security Blog |
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Jim Eller
From:
Kodak, TN (Michigan transplant)
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Posted 5 Jan 2010 4:49 am
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Wiz,
WOW!!! I didn't know I was making so many enemies. I just figured when I got the external drive it would shut down "properly" when the computer shut down.
I have a new one on the way and will try to treat it better.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but you say, I just have to go the start button, find the drive and click eject?? I don't have to go to "Safely Remove Hardware" before telling the computer good night?
And leave it running all the time the computer is on??
Thanks for caring about those little bast#$%s 
Jim |
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Wiz Feinberg
From:
Mid-Michigan, USA
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Posted 5 Jan 2010 8:50 am
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| Jim Eller wrote: |
Wiz,
Correct me if I'm wrong, but you say, I just have to go the start button, find the drive and click eject?? I don't have to go to "Safely Remove Hardware" before telling the computer good night?
And leave it running all the time the computer is on??
Thanks for caring about those little bast#$%s :D
Jim |
Jim;
You absolutely should use the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon if you wish to turn off the drive while the computer is running.
If you leave the drive on all the time that is ok.
If you turn off the computer with the external drive still on, then turn it off after the computer shuts down, that is ok. That is what I do, as I run multiple scheduled backups onto that drive, throughout the day.
With the last option, the operating system has a chance to say goodnight and give a beddy-bye kiss to the electrons in the platter of the external drive. They will become contented electrons and will sleep peacefully, then awake refreshed and ready for another day's work. This will give you a warm and fuzzy feeling inside, knowing you did the right thing.
_________________
"Wiz" Feinberg, Moderator SGF Computers Forum
Security Consultant
Twitter: @Wizcrafts
Main web pages: Wiztunes Steel Guitar website | Wiz's Security Blog | My Webmaster Services | Wiz's Security Blog |
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Chip Fossa
From:
Monson, MA, USA (deceased)
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Posted 5 Jan 2010 12:11 pm
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Thanks Wiz,
I, too, love warm fuzzy feelin's.
Well, I again, was doing it THE WRONG WAY.
I'm still not sure if J: drive is goofed-up.
But from here on out, I will be the obedient PCer, and shut the externals down properly. And my big mouth, too.
_________________
Chip
Williams U-12 8X5; Keyless; Natural Blonde Laquer. |
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