Grinding noise - suspected HDD failure

[Alsatian]

Hi guys,

Over the past month or so my computer has been omitting horrible grinding noises. At first I didn't really notice it - perhaps subconsciously brushing it off as normal process noises  - but it's very consistent now and very loud. It also coincides perfectly every time the HDD light flashes, which all but confirms what I feared: my HDD is f**ked.

Before I go out and buy a replacement, does anyone have any suggestions for what else it could possibly be? The only other thing that I think it could realistically be is malware.

I'm happy to get a replacement (and one is probably well overdue) but I would much prefer to wait till the Christmas period to do so, therefore if it's something that I can actually fix myself I'd be grateful for your advice. If not, I'm not going to wait and risk file loss.

[Janar]

Do backups. Like right now.

How old is the computer? Could be just normal HDD wear (moving parts) and eventually complete failure. Malware doesn't cause this (at least I haven't heard of such case, can't find any logic how it could do either).

[Alsatian]

I've already performed a backup.

The computer is at least 3 years old. I can't remember exactly how long I've had it for. But I believe you're right in it being general wear.

Seems I'll be purchasing a new one then - I've always intended to eventually get an SSD anyway.

[TheRock]

Let's compare that to a normal virus, could it make such noises? Hell no :P

Try using Crystal Disk Info and post the results if you wish