Is my drive on its last leg? Keep an eye out for the following signs:

• You know that a file is on your computer and can see it but the operating system claims that the file doesn't exist
• Odd text and gibberish suddenly appear in the name of your documents or folders
• Invalid system disk error when starting your computer (make sure that a floppy isn't in the floppy drive)

Often hard disks will make unusual sounds or noises before they fail. If you find yourself in a position where your computer is making any of the following four sounds, BACK-UP your data ASAP. If you cannot gain access to the data on the disk:

• Try using data recovery software (Fujitsu's Final Data2.0)
• If the data is of a large value contact a data recovery service (www.drivesavers.com) for an estimate to attempt a recovery procedure.
   

Sounds:

Bad Bearings

Cycle Click

Excess

Grind