I have a Western Digital external 250gb hard drive that has recently started clicking, the light is on but it continues to make a clicking noise for around 24 hours after it is turned on. when i plug it into my computer it does not register as there being anything plugged in and will restart making the clicking noise. there is no visible damage to it and It has not been dropped since it was last used. The data on it is very important to me but I do not have the money to spend to use a data recovery service. I am great with programming but my talent with the physical side of computers is rather lacking.Any insite on what could be the problem would be greatly appreciated.

This alone can have killed your data. If drive is clicking its 99% bad heads. This is not DIY. Sorry.

Dobre

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save some money for data recovery if the data is very important. Letting it run for 24 hours while clicking is bad, and from reading your post it has been dropped at least once in the past.

There is nothing more you can do on you end. Get a free evaluation from someone to see exactly what you are going to need to save up to.

User Jono-ats is local to you (Atlanta), maybe you can swing by his place and he can give you a free quote.

I would also request a free evaluation, it's the best idea.

Thanks for the info, it stinks but it looks like i'll be saving up for now. Thanks again for helping me.