What Caused the Clicking Sound?
Some clicking sound are normal.The read/write head of a hard disk drive is mounted on the actuator arm and moves back and forth to access files across sectors of the platter. Different models of HDD make different clicking sound and if your HDD has been making clicking sound and appears to be functioning correctly then these clicking sound may be the natural working sound of your drive.
If you are hearing unusually loud clicking sound, there is great chance that the read/write head is about to worn out and unable to function normally after a long time of service. It also could be a design/manufacturing defect. A malfunctioning read/write head is unable to access data correctly and will move back to its original position to try again. This process rapidly repeats thereby making the clicking noise.
If the read/write head fails completely and you cannot access any data, you may need to bring it to a professional data recovery company where the experts may try the following:
Step 1. Open up the HDD case in a class 100 dust- and static-free cleanroom to determine the cause of malfunction.
Step 2. Swap a new head that matches the original model and make fine adjustments.
Step 3. Begin the process of disk cloning. This is the most crucial part and requires advanced tools and expertise. Depending on the level of damage, this process could last from minutes to days.
Step 4. Data recovery and re-organize. This is the last part where data are recovered from a cloned disk. Depending on data size, time needed for this process vary from minutes to several hours.
It is highly recommended to cease using the HDD when unusual clicking noises appear and backup important data when you still can access data, or send it to professional hard drive recovery companies for more secured solution.
The clicking sound may also be caused by scratched or damaged platter. Learn more about data recovery from scratched platter.
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