Time Machine drive keeps spinning

Good to know that it appears that Time Machine is not causing the issue. I downloaded DriveDX which kindly allows a 14 day trial, but it would not test the drive even though I followed the instructions. Any idea why it isn't working? There is no option to approve in the security pane.

Also, if it is a drive which should be replaced, is it safe to use the same enclosure with a new HDD?

Okay, I actually managed to get the DriveDX extension installed, so now it's working, but it is now only displaying the internal HD and one of three external drives. Not the Time Machine backup and not my external SSD. So wonder why that is.

Thanks for the tips, but it would feel good to have the drive checked fully before I toss it. Still, as you say, maybe it's just safer to do it anyway.

No, definitely no Time Machine activity going on. In fact, just now it was doing an update of the back up and when it finished, it went quiet for a moment and then started doing the spinning up thing again. Sometimes it does sit quietly and other times it makes the noise of spinning up and then down and up and down... It's like it's trying to do something, but no indication it's anything to do with Time Machine.

For a back up disk, is it better to stick with 7200 RPM rather than 5400, or does it really matter? Should it be a drive that requires power or takes power from USB? If I'm going to replace it, be good to know which is best to buy. Thanks.

Sounds like maybe 5400 is okay, for backup, but better to use a powered drive. Having said that, you say you have used WD portable drives successfully, so maybe they are fine, but powered seems like a more logical choice for a desktop.

Separately, I cannot get DriveDX or Disk Drill to read the disk. This despite enabling SMART and following all the instructions. Just doesn't work for me, which is too bad. Wonder why it doesn't "just work".

Thanks. I'm getting the feedback that the drive just should be replaced at this time, which is not something I have considered as a thing one has to do. Wondering, if I have an older HDD, but it is used primarily to store files which are only occasionally used, that is, the drive mostly remains in a drawer, but sometimes is plugged in to access, then would the lack of physical use of the drive mean that it should have a much longer shelf life? It's not like a jug of milk, but something which wears out from actual use, I assume. Is that right?

I'm guessing it's correct that this drive simply does not work with SMART, but then I also have a brand new SSD drive plugged in and that also will not work with SMART, so wonder why that is.

Is the SMART thing in any way related to the drive case, or could I just swap the HDD and use the very nice Lacie Neil Poulton designed case? Or is that too old as well?

steve626 wrote:

Not sure why you seem perplexed that replacing an eight year old drive is something you might need to do. These drives are basically like consumables and they all wear out over time. Just like batteries, automobile tires, light bulbs, etc.

I'm not perplexed about the idea of replacing a drive. I hadn't thought about it, but advice here says it's a good idea, so I accept that. Only question is whether or not an 8 year old drive sitting in a drawer most of the time is the same thing as an 8 year old drive which has been hooked up and used regularly. I imagine it's not the same thing as the wear from an unused mechanical drive would be much less.

Good point about the enclosure not having the SAT capability. It's probably that. I am learning a lot about the particulars of hard drives!

Yup, that's what I've come to learn from this thread, so I agree. My main question was really if the problem was being caused by Time Machine or a faulty drive, just so I know if there is something more than it just being an older drive. Seems like the drive is the issue.

One more question for this helpful thread. Is there anything wrong with using the lovely Neil Poulton designed housing with a brand new drive in it? It's about 8 years old, but it is really solid and has USB 3 interface, which is fine. I can get a brand new WD Elements case and drive for essentially the same price as a bare HDD, so it's not really about saving money. I just hate to toss such a nicely designed case if it can be reused. Is an old case a potential risk or just fine?

Thanks for your detailed reply. Actually, the Elements range has a 2 year warranty, but the similarly priced My Book range has 3 years, so I would go for that. In both cases, the enclosures are totally plastic and I don't believe they have fans. In fact, my newer black Lacie drive does not have a fan and neither does the old Poulton one. What it does have is a lot of heat dissipating metal, which I think makes it superior to the very cheap plastic WD enclosures, so what I am really wanting to know is if there is any inherent reason that an older enclosure should be avoided simply because it's old. Is the functionality outdated? Do the electronics become faulty over time? If it's a better enclosure, is it better to use it with a new drive than buy a WD My Book?

No. Only the one partition for the whole drive.

I actually called Lacie and they said the drive is failing, but I am suspicious that it's not true. Did you update the firmware to fix it?

I just took a video of the drive doing it's noisy thing. Thought that might be helpful just in case anyone has any further thoughts once you hear it. https://youtu.be/ODPmtc48EsY