You are Exactly right, this is 100% hard drive failure, nothing else.
High-end SCSI drive may make noise when running (15000rpm and some old
10000rpm drives), but popping noise is always a point to physical failure.

Jun Qian

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Whalen - The Computer Valet" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, November 07, 2002 5:43 AM
Subject: [PCBUILD] HDD makes loud noises...


> Hi,
>
> I hope this isn't a silly question, but alas...
>
> Someone wants me to install Win98 on a Compaq Presario. Supposedly,
> the hard drive inside was new and blank.
>
> Well, I started to install Win98 on it and, during formatting, the
> HDD started making loud clanging noise like the arm inside was
> popping back and forth.
>
> Now, I know their OLD hard drive made these noises and they bought a
> new hard drive. But when they gave me the system, the new hard drive
> was supposed to be already installed.
>
> I have trouble believing that.
>
> So, just a reality check: These noises can't be caused by anything
> other than a physically damaged hard drive, right

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