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    External hd dropping rotation

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by beto113, Feb 6, 2009.

  1. beto113

    beto113 Notebook Consultant

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    Hi guys...

    just a little question,

    I have this external HD (Lacie 500gbs) for about 3 years running almost 24/7 non stop and just yesterday I start noticing that characteristic wining sound of the HDD rotation is different now. Suddenly by the sound i can notice that its dropping the rotation and coming back frequently. even when im watching a video from that hdd.

    does it means my HDD is about to die?

    fyi- im using vista, and a laptop (balance power mode)

    all the best
     
    beto113, Feb 6, 2009
    #1
  2. K-TRON

    K-TRON Hi, I'm Jimmy Diesel ^_^

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    Download and install hdtune.
    Go into the health tab, and let us know if anything is highlighted in red or yellow.
    If anything is highlighted, I suggest replacing the harddrive.

    K-TRON
     
    K-TRON, Feb 6, 2009
    #2
  3. Pitabred

    Pitabred Linux geek con rat flail!

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    I agree with K-TRON, test it to be sure. But be aware that SMART tools may not tell you everything... I've seen drives that fail SMART tests work forever, and drives that pass fail suddenly.

    Bad news is that every time I've heard a drive do that kind of stuff it has been on it's last legs, and your intuition is probably serving you well. I'd make plans to buy a replacement.
     
    Pitabred, Feb 6, 2009
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  4. beto113

    beto113 Notebook Consultant

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    Thx... ive ran all other tests and looks fine but the "health tab" is empty, i think thats because its a external and im using it through USB, however the info tab shows the SMART checked.
    any suggestion?

    all the best Beto
     
    beto113, Feb 6, 2009
    #4
  5. K-TRON

    K-TRON Hi, I'm Jimmy Diesel ^_^

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    You cannot read SMART through USB without the appropriate software.

    You may want to try this program to read the SMART readings over USB:
    http://www.hddscan.com/

    I know its possible to do it. NBR member Stewie made a thread about it a while back

    K-TRON
     
    K-TRON, Feb 6, 2009
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  6. beto113

    beto113 Notebook Consultant

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    thx man...

    everything is green...
     
    beto113, Feb 6, 2009
    #6