HDD Churning...

  • Thread starter Thread starter Coxy
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Coxy

My hard disk has started churning everytime is has something to do, its a
Maxtor UDM 133 so it should be nice and fast. Even the smallest task makes
the thing chug away for about 10 seconds.... Is this a sign that its on the
way out?

I recently formatted it (Quick Format!) and re-installed XP so I dont think
it can be software rot.

Any ideas?
 
Greetings,

If you hard drive starts making noises, you'll need to get a new one. But
before you purchase a new one try consulting computer technician in your
area.

Thanks and best of luck!
 
Coxy said:
My hard disk has started churning everytime is has something to do,
its a Maxtor UDM 133 so it should be nice and fast. Even the smallest
task makes the thing chug away for about 10 seconds.... Is this a
sign that its on the way out?

I recently formatted it (Quick Format!) and re-installed XP so I dont
think it can be software rot.

Any ideas?
Click to expand...

You should have opted for the full format option. Next time.
How much physical RAM do you have installed ?

Open the Task Manager, Performance tab.Under Commit Charge, what is the peak
commit charge, when read while the disk is thrashing ?
 
Coxy said:
512 MB (2 x Synched 256MB)

Whats sort of peak commit charge should it be?
Click to expand...


My peak commit charge reads 177224K, at present. Prime95, a memory and CPU
intensive utility, raises it to 537964K. The closer it approaches ~524000K,
the greater the odds you need more physical memory. Run chkdsk C: /f from
the command line. Note any bad sectors. Defrag. See if the seeking
increases, decreases or remains about the same.
 
Hi Coxy,

Run chkdsk. You can do this by r-clicking My Computer>properties>tools tab.
It will require a reboot to run. See what that produces. I would guess that
you should be prepared to purchase a new drive though.

LOL, JAX
 
In addition to running chkdsk and defrag download the drive diagnostic
utility from the Maxtor site. This will create a bootable floppy from
which the diagnostics can be run. This will tell you if there is a
problem with the drive.
 
My experience with Maxtor is, they last till the warrantee has expired. I
would recommend that the OP be prepared to get a new drive

FWIW, JAX
 
I've had one maxtor a long itme ago and it ran fine. All the ones since
then have been WD's which have been faultless too. Except for this last
one. Just got a 250GB External USB 2 / Firewire combo drive. It took
all of 2 minutes to install, hardware was recognized by XP Pro with no
intervention and no drivers needed, pre-formatted (FAT32 which is ok for
my purposes -- storing large data files). I was sorely disappointed I
didn't have to fiddle with a darn thing to get it up and
running....lol...it's humming away quietly and will probably remain
trouble free -- what a bummer....new toys are supposed to take some time
to get going before the thrill is gone...
 
I've had one maxtor a long itme ago and it ran fine. All the ones since
then have been WD's which have been faultless too. Except for this last
one. Just got a 250GB External USB 2 / Firewire combo drive. It took
all of 2 minutes to install, hardware was recognized by XP Pro with no
intervention and no drivers needed, pre-formatted (FAT32 which is ok for
my purposes -- storing large data files). I was sorely disappointed I
didn't have to fiddle with a darn thing to get it up and
running....lol...it's humming away quietly and will probably remain
trouble free -- what a bummer....new toys are supposed to take some time
to get going before the thrill is gone...
 
I've had around six Maxtors in the past five years. One was bad out of the
box. The others lasted,..well, you can do the math. A couple had a three
year warranty, which wasn't worth the paper it "wasn't' written on, it was
written on the box, but when I went to their web-site and entered the serial
number, they said it was out of warrantee, even though it was just over one
year old. I guess some people have good luck with Fords. Now, I have a pair
of WD's and drive a Pontiac.

Cheers, JAX
 
Nah, it is the user! <w> My systems here (all six) run on at least two
drives each and have never to this day <knock on wood> had any issues,
within five years to speak of. BTW, they are all Maxtor and Western
Digital.
 
Not if you plan on visiting me. FORD's are not allowed in my circular drive
(never have and never will be). Oh, special note, neither are any vehicles
with the color red. Sorry if you are included within both categories.
 
Here's a quote from another post, " I guess some people have good luck with
Fords. Now, I have a pair of WD's and drive a Pontiac." It ain't red. What's
for dinner??

JAX
 
<LOL> Depends on which night.....but for the most part is always 'Cajun'.
Weekend menu's are best, especially during lent. Beings, I am a great cook,
you may want to consider relocating? <w>
 
Perfect, arrive hungry in a non-red vehicle! :o)

--
All the Best,
Kelly

Microsoft-MVP Windows® XP
2004 Windows MVP "Winny" Award
 
UMMMMM!

Cajun chicken with red beans and rice (onions are a must with them also!), with a nice spicy Boudain!
 
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