Q: How do you spot a Firmware Failure?

 

A: The following symptoms often indicate firmware failures:

• Despite normal spin-up and calibration noises the drive is not identified, or in some cases incorrectly identified byte the BIOS or computer system.
• In Western Digital drives a firmware failure can also cause the drive to produce a clicking noise (although this is far more likely to be caused by mechanical failure)
• The drive being recognised by its family name rather than the model number printed on the front of the drive
• The drive hanging busy and not accepting any commands from the computer whatsoever

Please note that it is often difficult if not impossible to distinguish one particular firmware failure just from these symptoms. The best course of action is to contact us and let our expert engineers determine the cause and extent of the firmware failure.

Emailed in by Hannah in Ludlow

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