Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (
More info?)
Just saying that that software detects the drive the same way the BIOS does,
but in a more effective manner, because the BIOS isn't looking for signs of
a defective drive.
"D.Currie" <dmbcurrie.nospam@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:3j2hu7Fn8qqaU1@individual.net...
> It seems that you've already decided the drive is dead, so maybe you're
> asking just because you're curious as to what can be making the noise. If
> that's the case, and if there's no data on there that you want to take
> heroic measures to recover, you can just take the drive apart and look.
> It's not difficult. A few screws, pry off the cover, and you can see how
> it all works. The ratcheting sound is the arm moving. You'll see it.
>
> If you *do* want to take heroic measures, there is software available that
> will recover data even if the bios doesn't see the drive - sometimes. I've
> been able to do it on a couple of occasions.
>
> I have no idea how the software sees the drive if the bios and Windows
> will not, but it does work on occasion. The software is pretty expensive,
> though, so your best be would be to find a local shop that is good at this
> sort of thing.
>
> "Jonno" <Jonno@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:54C26201-993B-49E7-AF6E-B8CDEC592C64@microsoft.com...
>> Thanks for your reply.
>>
>> The trouble is that any diagnostic utility requires the drive to be
>> detected
>> by the BIOS.
>>
>> I think the drive is probably dead. I just wondered whether any other
>> forum
>> user knows anything about that ugly ratchet sound.
>>
>> I once got a similar noize when the jumpers were set incorrectly, but
>> this
>> one makes the noize regardless of the jumper positions.
>>
>> "Carey Frisch [MVP]" wrote:
>>
>>> Replace your defective hard drive with a new one.
>>>
>>> Visit the support web site of the manufacturer of your
>>> hard drive and search for a free drive fitness test program.
>>>
>>> Example:
>>>
>>> Program to help analyze, monitor, & restore the health of your drives
>>>
http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/support/download.htm
>>>
>>> --
>>> Carey Frisch
>>> Microsoft MVP
>>> Windows XP - Shell/User
>>> Microsoft Newsgroups
>>>
>>> Get Windows XP Service Pack 2 with Advanced Security Technologies:
>>>
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/windowsxp/choose.mspx
>>>
>>> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>
>>> "Jonno" wrote:
>>>
>>> | This is not really a Windows question, but I hope somebody heare knows
>>> the
>>> | answer.
>>> |
>>> | I have a hard drive making a sound like a rachet wrench as soon as
>>> power is
>>> | applied.
>>> |
>>> | Is this a common sound, and what does it mean?
>>> |
>>> | I guess I hardly need to add that the BIOS can't detect the drive, and
>>> it
>>> | seems to have reached the end of its life.
>>> |
>>> | Tks in anticipation.
>>>
>
>