hard drive not recognized.

My hard drive started making a funny noise last night so I made the kids shut down the computer to cool it off. When I tried to bootup the computer would only go as far as detecting hard drive and stays there. It never recognizes the drive.

Any hints I might try to save this drive?

Many thanks, Brenda

 

Brenda, sorry, I hope you haven't been waiting around expectantly for the "magic" fix-all reply . Truth is, if you hear noises from the drive it is probably...mmm...defunct .

A long-shot. Your computer should have two IDE (ribbon) cables for the primary and secondary channels. Try swapping the cables.

There is a data-saving "possibility ". If you needed information/data off the drive, you could try putting it in the freezer for a few hours. When you install it back into the computer you would need to quickly transfer the data to another harddrive.

I wonder now why the drive is not recognized by the BIOS. Usually they just sit there "clicking ". Try running the harddrive manufacturers utilities. It could just possibly be a corrupt MBR.

Matt