I am running a PowerPC867 with 640MB SDRAM, using OSX10.3.9. For several months now have noticed delay in accessing some software, particularly aware while running email (Eudora). Delay is accompanied by cycling noise from hard drive in four rapid pulses, pause, pulses, etc. Rainbow circle is on screen, sometimes ticking clock pendulum. If patient, the program does finally load. I also experience the problem within other programs - Safari, for example.
Am I looking at replacing my hard drive? I am considering reformatting hard drive but would appreciate wisdom from the forum gurus.