220-1101 Question 395
Single answerUnusual noiseA user reports that a desktop PC has started making a loud grinding noise a few minutes after startup. The system still boots, but the noise gets worse when large files are copied. A technician opens the case and confirms the sound is coming from a 3.5-inch mechanical hard drive. Which of the following is the BEST next step?
- A
Run a full disk defragmentation to reduce mechanical movement inside the drive
- B
Back up the data immediately and replace the hard drive as soon as possible
- C
Apply lubricant to the hard drive spindle motor to reduce friction
- D
Reseat the SATA data cable and continue using the drive if the noise stops
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
On the A+ Core 1 exam, unusual noise from a mechanical hard drive should immediately raise concern about imminent drive failure. Grinding, clicking, or scraping sounds from an HDD typically indicate internal mechanical issues rather than a simple connection problem. In a real support scenario, the technician should minimize further use, back up critical data right away, and replace the drive. This aligns with standard troubleshooting and data-protection best practices from drive manufacturers and enterprise support procedures: preserve data first, then replace suspected failing storage hardware. Actions that increase disk activity, such as defragmentation or extended testing, can worsen the problem on a mechanically failing drive.
- A. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Defragmentation increases disk activity and can place additional stress on a failing mechanical drive. If a drive is already making grinding noises, the priority is to protect data, not perform maintenance that causes more reads and writes.
- B. Correct.
Correct. A grinding noise from a mechanical hard drive is a classic sign of impending hardware failure, such as damaged bearings, spindle problems, or head movement issues. Best practice is to back up data immediately and replace the drive before complete failure occurs.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Hard drives are sealed components and are not field-serviceable in this way. Opening or attempting to lubricate internal components would damage the drive and risk total data loss. This reflects a misconception that HDDs can be repaired like external mechanical devices.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Reseating the SATA cable can help with detection or communication problems, but it will not resolve an internal grinding noise from the drive itself. Even if the sound temporarily changes, the described symptom points to a failing mechanical component, not a loose cable.