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AR15.COM
1/25/2004 8:08:12 PM EDT
This started about a month ago, the hard drive is making a high pitched squeeling sound, it's making me nut's, I have to power down for relief.

Anyone have an idea what this is and how to fix?

It's a Dell 4400 thats out of warrenty.
1/25/2004 8:11:03 PM EDT
[#1]
You sure it's the hard drive and not the fan?
1/25/2004 8:15:22 PM EDT
[#2]
Most noise that develops is a fan, the CPU fan typically dies first.  That being said, a Dell typically wont have a CPU fan, it will have a case fan and a molding drawing air from the CPU.... so check the power supply fans and the case fans first, just to be sure.

If you are sure it is the hard drive, thats bearing whine.  It can develop when they get older.... the only thing you can do is replace the drive.....  they can often run for years with substantial whine too..... but i'd back your data up just to be safe.
1/25/2004 8:31:18 PM EDT
[#3]
The drive seems to be a solid unit, does it have a fan built inside?

The two other cooling fans are okay, can't hear them.

If it is bearing whine, can i open up the case of the hard drive and use some kind of very light oil lube?
1/25/2004 8:36:24 PM EDT
[#4]
I think it's the drive.
Back up everything on it just in case.
1/25/2004 8:44:00 PM EDT
[#5]
DO NOT open the case of your hard drive.  

Your best option is to buy a new drive and transfer the data.  Prices are cheap these days.
1/25/2004 8:46:31 PM EDT
[#6]
Thanks everyone, I will check prices tomorrow because I can't take this freaking noise.
1/25/2004 8:46:40 PM EDT
[#7]
Drives dont have fans, and no you cannot lube them.
1/25/2004 9:01:30 PM EDT
[#8]
1) Are you SURE it's the drive???
Most hard drive 'noises' are a louder clicking/clacking noise as the drive accesses...

Most squealing noises are from the 3-6 fans found in most PCs these days...

Open up your case and listen to the hard drive to be sure (this assumes that you don't think your system unit is the 'hard drive' (it's not a 'modem' or 'cpu' either, however I've heard 'em called that before too))...