Lock external drives by software upon booting?

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

Hi all, I posted a while back about my external HD crash, but got most
recovered to a new 320 GB WD external HD, however my old 120 WD drive that
crashed seems to be working OK now. I think the culprit may be my new iPod,
and syncing it up to iTunes. My new drive couldn't be found for a while
after I believe I rebooted without pulling out the iPod firewire cable
first. After a shutdown of both PC and drive, and a few minute wait, all
seems to be working well again. So I think the iPod has something to do with
my troubles now.

My question is, is there any way to "secure" my external drives when
shutting down or restarting? So I never get that nasty disk check message
again upon rebooting that it's "removing everything after the /"? Both
externals are NTFS formatted, and I have Win XP Pro.

Also, another question while I'm here, my new Western Digital 320 GB
external drive every so often makes two quick clicks, then it sounds like
it's spinning down. I never heard any of my other drives making the clicking
sound. I emailed WD, and they said that may be normal if it sounds like it's
spinning down right after the clicks. Anyone else? The model number is
WD3200B011-RNN. Thanks much in advance again.