I have recently been noticing dust particles on several drives. Is anyone else experieincing the same thing. I am talking about drives that have not been opened since leaving the manufacturer. Primarily 3"5 Seagate drives from what I recall. I have come across at least 2-3 in the past weeks. I have one at the moment a 7200.9. Drive which was getting ready but would only image first few LBA's then die. Terminal log was giving the typical I can't read sectors log. After popping open the drive I noticed some pretty large dust particles. Surface has been cleaned and the drive is imaging fine now. Given Head 1 is somewhat week, but good enough to pull of the image.

on mobile drives (2.5") there is no special.
This can be even if somebody hits the drive once when running.
The drive can survive sometimes (seagate) but can be damage a little the surface and dust comes out from the cover layer.

On 3.5" drives, can be similar if was in external case.

Janos

It's actually quite common from what I've seen over the years. I'm always worried my flowhood allowed them in, but it checks out clean.

The dust could be entering the drive when you remove the lid. If you're not already doing it, always clean around the rim of the lid where it meets the base. Use a small brush

You would be surprised at the amount of debris we see along the edges of the lid.

http://www.gordonbrush.com/static.php

_________________
If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, you probably don't fully understand the situation. ... Mr Kipling

https://www.mjm.co.uk/

Usually I clean the external shell with Alcohol, I will order 2 or 3 brushed, looks like they could come in handy. The whole dust thing is really not a big issue, It's just that I have been seeing it more often lately. That's all.

Thanks!