Is an Ominous Scratching Sound Coming from Your Hard Drive?

This scratching sound indicates that the hard drive of your computer has crashed i.e. there is some contact between the platters that are present in the hard disk and the read/ write head.

Let us have a look at the function of the read/ write head and the reasons for crash of these platters.

Read/ Write Head

As the name suggests, the read/ write head in a hard drive performs the function of reading data from the platters and writing data onto the same. The writing function is performed by a generation of a strong magnetic field which magnetises the material of the platter. When data is read from a hard drive, the magnetisation present on the platters is detected by the head and the computer converts it into a user-readable format.

To increase the density of data storage, the hard disk manufacturers are constantly trying to reduce the gap between the platters and the read/ write head. This gap is known as the ‘flying height’. Usually, this gap is about 3 nanometres.

Thus, even a small movement of the head or a small misalignment of the same may lead to hard drive crash. This movement or misalignment may be caused by shock to the hard drive or by the hard drive suffering from falls etc.

If a small dust particle enters the hard drive, then it may get stuck in the flying gap resulting in a hard drive crash. Freezing of the hard drive is believed by many to be a method of recovering hard drive from crashes. However, this results in the formation of minute ice particles on the surface of the platter due to the moisture that enters into the hard drive. These ice particles are likely to cause obstruction in the movement of the head and thus, will lead to a hard drive crash.

hat is to be Done in Case of a Hard Drive Crash?

Many of the computer users may turn panicky if they hear a scratching sound emanating from their hard drive. Thus, they may keep the computer running in an attempt to recover the data. Rather than solving the problem, this will intensify it and will result in permanent loss of data. The reason for the same is that when the misaligned read/ write head moves over the platters, it scratches the platter surface and, thus, damages it.

Thus, the wiser option is to switch off the computer immediately, if you hear a sound coming from the hard drive. After this, a data recovery company or a computer expert should be called to repair the hard drive.

Also, you should not attempt to repair the hard drive on your own as the process makes use of specialised equipments and facilities such as clean rooms. If you still have the warranty for the hard drive, then the manufacturer of the hard drive should be called in order to replace the damaged part.

If you plan to seek the services of a data recovery company, you should ensure that it has all the necessary facilities as well as experienced personnel to handle your particular problem.

One should not attempt backup of data or similar operations in such situations even if the computer continues to boot.

How can You Avoid Such Hard Drive Crashes?

Generally, if you have been using a hard drive for a large number of years, then a problem with its read/ write head is likely. However, by using the hard drive carefully, one can avoid or at least delay the problem. Here are a few measures that you can take:

• One should not keep the hard drive in the open for long and also take necessary measure to avoid the entry of dust particles into the hard drive.



• Also, one should never attempt to remove the cover of the hard drive or open the hard drive. While doing this, a dust particle is likely to enter the hard drive or one of the platters of the hard drive or its read/ write head may get damaged due to the equipments used for the process.



• One should not subject the hard drive to any shocks that usually occur during the movement or fall of a hard drive.



• Preferably, the hard drive should not be used in places where temperatures are high as well as in excessively cold or moist weather.

Article Source: http://www.myaddirectory.com

James Walsh is a freelance writer and copy editor. If you are concerned about data loss and would like more information on Data Recovery see www.fields-data-recovery.co.uk

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