Hard Disk fault? 'Clunking' noise...

Question

I bought a Dimension 2400 last month.

The pre-installed hard disk (which Device Manager tells me is an IC35L060AVV207-0 if that means anything to anyone) has recently been acting strangely, exhibiting random 'clunking' noises and causing any activity to slow dramatically.

Running scan disk and disk defragmenter does not solve the problem. A SMART program, ('Active SMART') occasionally indicates a 'Seek Error Rate' problem - although this may be unrelated.

Any suggestions as to what I could do? Or does it sound like it needs replacing?

Thanks in advance. pauledwdz

JDre · Answer

Try Ctrl alt del, processes tab, see if there is anything hogging your CPU.  System Idle Process will be 90+.  Spyware would stall your system.  If there is none call for a new drive.

pauledwdz · Answer

Thanks for the advice. System idle processes are pretty low - AdAware keeps the Spyware clear. As I suspected, the hard disk is at fault.

Does anyone know if I have to send the whole system back to Dell or can I just send the hard disk?

shesagordie · Answer

paulededz.

You do not sent the system, etc, back to Dell. First, phone Dell's Technical Support @ 1.800.624.9896 and request a replacement hard disk. They will either send a Techie to replace it, if this happens, the techie will take the old HD with him/her, or Dell could send the hard disk to you, for self-installation, after the replacement, you are then required to return the HD to Dell at their expense.
Have you tried using Dell Diagnostics to check the system, instructions for using them are in the Owner's Manual.

Bev.

pauledwdz · Answer

Thanks for the info. Would this be the same process in Europe (or more specifically the UK)? Would I receive the same kind of treatment as I only paid for the basic 'return to base' service cover?

I'm worried about being able to get everything off my current hard disk if I were to carry out a self-installation of a replacement. I'd pretty much like to clone the whole of my current hard drive - but presumably I wouldn't be able to do that while Windows is running off it. Do you see what I mean?

I'll investigate the Dell Diagnostics thing you mentioned. In the meantime, I've emailed Dell Technical Support.

littlewhoo · Answer

If it's really a hardware error and you are worrying, if you'll be able to backup your data before the disk completely fails, I'd recommend getting Norton Ghost (or another diskcloning software), disconnecting the malfunctioning harddisk until the replacement harddisk arrives and then starting the computer with the Norton Ghost Bootdisk/Bootcd to clone the whole disk to the new one.

shesagordie · Answer

pauledwdz.  All the answers are based on Dell's US policies. As you reside in the UK, then you will have contact Dell's UK support about service coverage.  Bev.

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Hard Disk fault? 'Clunking' noise...

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