Head crash

read-write head of a hard disk making contact with the platter

A head crash is when the part of a hard drive that writes on the disks (the "head") touches the disk. Usually, there is air between the head and the disk.[1] However, if dirt and debris get into the drive, they can cause the disks to crash.[1]The crash itself then sends more debris which can make things worse. It is important to back up files before a head crash. Head crashes make sounds. Hard drive failures can also be caused by bearings, parts found in the drive motor.[1]

A head crash in a modern drive

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  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 How Stuff Works: Question 60. Archived 2010-11-23 at the Wayback Machine"How Fast Do Hard Disks Move?"