Toshiba External Hard Drive Making Clicking Noise can be a troubling sign for any user. Often referred to as the “click of death,” this sound might indicate serious mechanical wear or internal damage.
However, not all clicking noises are a terminal issue; some can be resolved with straightforward troubleshooting steps.
This guide offers detailed instructions for both Windows and Mac users to diagnose and potentially fix problems associated with a clicking Toshiba external hard drive.
From checking the power supply and USB connections to updating firmware and scanning for file system errors, we’ll walk you through the necessary steps to address and possibly resolve the clicking noise issue.
The Toshiba External Hard Drive is Clicking
There are several reasons why your hard drive is clicking, and a data recovery lab can help. However, there are also many instances in which you will be able to handle the matter alone.
Toshiba External Hard Drive Not Recognized
Try these methods if your Toshiba external hard drive isn’t visible on your desktop or laptop. Update the hard disk drive first. Go to the Toshiba website, locate the model-specific driver, and download the most recent version. Try these actions for Windows PCs if installing the driver doesn’t help:
Step 1: Open the ‘Run’ application by typing ‘Run’ in the search box on your taskbar.
Step 2: Type ‘devmgmt.msc’ in the Run window and click ‘OK’.
Step 3: In the Device Manager Window, scroll down and click on ‘Universal Serial Bus Controllers’.
Step 4: Right-click on ‘USB Root Hub (USB 3.0)’, choose ‘Properties’, and then go to the ‘Power Management’ tab.
Step 5: Verify that ‘Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power’ is not selected.
Following these steps should help guarantee that your computer recognizes your external hard drive.
If you use a Mac laptop or desktop
Try these easy methods to resolve the problem if your Toshiba external hard drive isn’t functioning on your Mac. For those who are not very technical, simply carefully follow these instructions:
Step 1: Open the Terminal by pressing the Command + Space bar, type “terminal”, and select the Terminal app that appears.
Step 2: In the Terminal, type diskutil list and press Enter.
Step 3: Look for the /dev/disk* entry that matches your Toshiba external hard drive. It might be listed as /dev/disk3, /dev/disk4, etc.
Step 4: To check the drive, type diskutil info disk* (replace * with the number you identified) and make sure it matches your Toshiba drive.
Step 5: To safely eject the drive, type diskutil eject disk* and press Enter.
Step 6: Unplug your Toshiba hard drive and then reconnect it to start the drive mounting process again.
These steps should help get your external hard drive recognized by your Mac.
How to Fix Toshiba External Hard Drive Making Clicking Noise?
Although a clicking sound coming from your Toshiba external hard drive could be a sign of a failure, there are things you can do to possibly resolve the problem:
- Check Power Supply: Ensure the power source and adapter are stable and not causing the hard drive’s motor to click.
- Check USB Connection: Switch to a different USB port on your computer or try a new USB cable to rule out connection issues.
- Update Firmware: Sometimes, outdated or corrupt firmware can lead to erratic behaviour. Make sure your drive’s firmware is up to date.
- Inspect for Damage: Physical damage from drops or rough handling can cause internal issues. Check for any visible signs of damage.
- Examine File System: File system errors can lead to strange noises. Consider checking this aspect if others don’t resolve the issue.
- Scan and Repair: In Windows, right-click on the drive in File Explorer, go to Properties, select the Tools tab, click on ‘Check’, and follow the prompts to Scan and Repair the drive.
Conclusion
Toshiba External Hard Drive Making Clicking Noise often signals potential hardware failure, but not all cases are dire. Before seeking professional data recovery, several troubleshooting steps can be attempted at home.
These include checking the power supply, and USB connections, updating firmware, inspecting for physical damage, examining the file system, and performing a scan and repair.
By following these steps, you may resolve the issue and restore your hard drive’s functionality, potentially saving time and expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does it Mean When my Toshiba External Hard Drive Makes a Clicking Noise?
A clicking noise from a Toshiba external hard drive usually indicates a mechanical issue, possibly due to a malfunctioning read/write head or a problem with the drive’s platters. This is often referred to as the “click of death” and may lead to data loss.
Can I Fix a Clicking Toshiba External Hard Drive by Myself?
While some minor issues can be fixed at home, such as checking and changing the power supply or USB ports, serious mechanical problems require professional attention. Trying to fix these you can cause more damage.
How Do I Check if the Clicking is Due to a Power Issue?
Ensure that your drive’s adapter is properly connected and functioning. You can try using a different power cable or adapter to see if the clicking stops. Also, check for any signs of damage on the cable or adapter.
What Should I Do if my Computer Does not Recognize the Toshiba External Hard Drive?
Start by updating the hard drive’s driver from the Toshiba website. If that doesn’t work, use the device manager on a Windows PC to check the USB connections, or use the Disk Utility on a Mac to verify the drive. Ensure that the drive is properly connected and that the USB ports are functioning.
Is it Possible to Recover Data from a Clicking Toshiba External Hard Drive?
Yes, it’s possible to recover data from a clicking drive, but it is recommended to seek professional data recovery services. Continuing to use a failing drive can result in further damage and data loss.
