Hard drive clicking or not spinning
A click, a tick or a repeated spin-up and stop means a mechanical fault inside the drive. This is the one fault where trying things makes it worse.
Likely causes
- Failed read heads. The classic repeated click.
- Stuck motor or heads. A hum or buzz, then nothing.
- Damaged surface. After a drop or knock.
- Electronics. No sound and no spin at all.
Try this first
- Switch it off and leave it off.
- Do not run repair or recovery software on it.
- Do not open it, tap it or put it in a freezer.
What it costs
A bench diagnostic is £54, deducted from the repair if you go ahead, and you get the price before any work starts. Data recovery starts from £79 + VAT; drives with mechanical damage are opened in our cleanroom and cost more. See data recovery. Send an enquiry, or see the price list.