Archimedes failing to Boot

This is a sometimes problem.
Power-on is normal but screen stays blank whilst a seqeunce of two ‘clicks’ (about one second apart at about 8 second intervals)go on for some while before, after one of the two ‘clicks’, the hard-drive is heard to spool up, then all works well. I am guessing the motor drive on the hard-disc is sometimes failing to connect ?
Any thoughts – offers please ?
Thanks,

Wombat

First thought – unless you can stand to lose your data, I would try to track down a compatible drive (try CJE if you don’t have any old-style smaller drives to hand) and copy all of your data before the drive fails completely.

It isn’t unknown. Bearings, dryness, worn whatsits. At least your drive is telling you it is ill. It’s worse when one day the drive just doesn’t start at all, right out of the blue.

Ditto – it sounds like your drive is dying so back up your data now. I got an SD card to use as a replacement and although it is a bit slower to fire up programs than my old Simtec hard drive, it does the job. CJE micros will be able to help you out.