> Jean-Paul - I think (what else can I say) that it might just be the > disk, behaving normally. Maybe you have changed your work pattern? > > My Seagate internal disk is very quiet, but when it is very active > (eg P2P downloading from multiple sources to multiple folders, as it > often is these days), it makes a very quiet noise that does sound > like tiny gears running [I liked your description]. > > My external [BACKUP] disks do occasionally make small noises that my > wife describes as birds cheeping. She often asks what it is. I view > it as "normal" in that it has been like that for ever. > > hth, Trevor > > 1.25 Al-book Thanks for all the feedback. I have backed up (always a good idea) and am trying not to be too concerned with it. It may be any number of things, including a touch of hypochondria on my part, so I will just continue on and deal with any breakdown as and if it occurs. Thanks again, Jean-Paul