OS: Windows XP

Upon launching the program dolphin, my computer emits loud and continuous grinding sounds

I hear these noises occasionally when the Microsoft Update searches for updates and occasionally few sounds when a virus scan is being completed

Launching Konqueror too emits these grinding noises - though not as frequently as Dolphin

Should I be concerned - or is this normal upon launch?

Is there a CD or DVD in a CD or DVD drive when the sound happens? If so, does is still occur if you remove the disk?

Hi TheBlackCat,

I appreciate your reply
As for the question - their is no CD/DCD in the drive

Additionally, today I installed the digiKam, GwenView - and they too cause loud grinding noises - however, not at the frequency as the dolphin program (which is almost non-stop, and terribly loud)

What is more, I am merely launching programs - and not even using them, yet these noises are still produced

In Dolphin, merely adjusting the size of the Dolphin Window causes the grinding noise

I am not certain as to how HardDrives function; how they write and erase data - but when I delete files, I often run at minimum 7 passes -and have been doing so for quite a time. Could this possibly be wearing out my drive? Can this possibly have a relation to the loud grinding noise I am hearing?