Fixing a Rattling Hard Disk: Expert Data Recovery Tips

2024-08-21 Jennifer Thatcher Technology Manager of Test Dept.

Summary

Master how to fix a clicking hard drive to prevent data loss. Transfer or restore data immediately before attempting any repairs.

Table of contents

I. What is the cause of hard disk clicking sound?

• 1. Physical damage
• 2. Hard disk read/write head failure
• 3. The power supply unit is damaged

II. How to fix hard disk clicking sound?

• 1. Use Renee Undeleter to recover lost data from hard disk
• 2. Use the built-in disk scanning function of Windows to repair hard disk failures

I. What is the cause of hard disk clicking sound?

Once the hard disk has a cracking fault, it means that the fault of the device is serious, and the reasons for the fault may be as follows.

1. Physical damage

Unusual rattles may occur if your computer or hard drive is damaged by a violent impact, affecting the hardware and internal firmware.

2. Hard disk read/write head failure

The magnetic head of a hard disk is crucial for reading data. It converts the magnetic information on the disk into electrical signals for transmission. Its operation relies on special materials whose resistance changes with the magnetic field to read and write data. The magnetic head’s quality greatly affects the hard disk’s storage density . Daily wear, bumps, or impacts can damage the magnetic head, preventing it from aligning and retrieving data, leading to malfunctions and issues like clicking noises .

3. The power supply unit is damaged

The power supply unit (PSU) converts AC to DC power for your computer’s components, including the hard drive. It has a built-in cooling fan to prevent overheating. Damage from lightning, a power surge, or a power outage may have caused the PSU to fail, leading to insufficient power for the hard drive, which resulted in rattling.

The reasons for the hard disk’s cracking sound are not limited to the above three. Regardless of the cause, the priority is to transfer or restore the data , then repair the hard disk . Next, we will cover the key points on how to fix it. Let’s learn together.

II. How to fix hard disk clicking sound?

When the hard disk makes abnormal noise , it indicates a major failure, risking data loss . Check the data immediately. If intact, transfer or back it up to another disk. In case of data loss, use professional data recovery software like Renee Undeleter . Learn more about this software and its usage.

1. Use Renee Undeleter to recover lost data from hard disk

What is Renee Undeleter?

Renee Undeleter is specialized software for restoring system data files. It helps retrieve lost data when files are accidentally deleted, the recycle bin is emptied, or disks/storage are formatted. The software includes four modules: Fast Partition Scan , Whole Partition Scan , Whole Disk Scan , and Image Creation , addressing all potential data loss issues comprehensively and conveniently.

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How to use Renee Undeleter?

Step 1: Download, install, and run Renee Undeleter. Select the ( Whole Disk Scan ) option on the main interface.

Note: Do not install on the disk that needs to restore data, so as not to cause data overwriting.

Data Recovery Function:

• Fast Partition Scan – Quickly retrieve files lost due to accidental deletion or emptying the recycle bin.

• Whole Partition Scan – Recover files from inaccessible or formatted partitions.

• Whole Disk Scan – Analyze partition information and fully scan the entire disk.

• Image Creation – Create an image of a partition to back up its current state.

Step 2 : Select the drive to be scanned and click ( Next ).

Step 3: The software will analyze the drive. After the analysis, a prompt window, may appear. Select the partition according to your needs.

After scanning, preview the files in the right window, select the ones to restore , and click the Recover button in the lower right corner.

Step 4: Select the target folder, click Browse to choose the storage path, and then click Recover to execute the file recovery. Wait patiently. Note: Avoid saving recovered files on the original disk to prevent data overwriting; choose a different disk.

2. Use the built-in disk scanning function of Windows to repair hard disk failures

This method suits disks with fewer than 1000 bad sectors . Hard disk error scanning marks the space with bad sectors as unusable at the file system level (e.g., FAT/NTFS ) to prevent data from being written to these unstable areas.

Note: Bad sectors can be detected by the hard disk detection tool .

The steps are as follows:

Step 1: Connect the hard drive to the computer, press Windows + R keys simultaneously, type diskmgmt.msc into the search box, and click OK to open Disk Management.

Step 2 : Find the target hard disk in Disk Management, right-click on the partition, and then select the ( Properties ).

Step 3 : Switch to the Tools tab and click the ( Check ) button.

Step 4: For Windows 7 or 8, check “Automatically fix file system errors” and “Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors.” Windows 10 repairs errors by default. Click Start to execute the disk check and repair. Verify if the problem is resolved after completion.

If the problem persists, consult the hard disk brand supplier for professional after-sales service or replace the hard disk . Replacing it with a solid-state drive can greatly reduce issues like noise and heat. For more information, please check the different hard drive types .

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Fixing a Rattling Hard Disk: Expert Data Recovery Tips