Unwanted cracks and pops PT8.0.3

[shanemccarthy]

Hey, if anyone can help:

I was recording onto a laptop but as PT was giving me trouble so i sold it, coughed up a bit more money and upgraded to a better desktop:

Intel Core 2 Quad CPU Q8300 @ 2.50GHz Processor
Ram 4 GB
Pro tools M Powered 8.0.3
Fast Track pro interface
Windows 7 Home premium 64-Bit

Main Problem: When plug a mic into the input and record i get loud Clicks/cracks/and pops.

Here's a 4 second guitar part with 2 of the pops in it: http://www.box.net/shared/j7g69v4h2a

* It's defo not the mic or the lead. It happened on both PT8.0 & PT8.0.3.
* Internal sound cards and network connections are disables while recording.
* I've uninstalled Internet Explorer 8
* There's no clicks or pops when pro tools is closed and i'm playing a song through windows media player or online.
* i have read about clock sources but does it apply in my case where i just have a mic and the interface and no other external device?
* I've also tryed using my friends fast track pro and usb lead so its not the interface

Thanks
Shane

 

[markjay]

Hi Shane,

Are you using a Digi qualified firewire interface? Was this happening when you were using your laptop?

Mark.

 

[shanemccarthy]

hey markjay, cheers for the reply,

i'm using the Fast Track pro USB though, not firewire

No it didn't happen on the laptop.

I know it's not recommended ut i was recording onto the disk drive on the laptop, or some times onto a USB external hard drive. I've tried doing both with the computer but the noise is still there in both cases.

Do you think it's a good idea to go get a Firewire hard drive and firewire chipset? is there a good chance they're related?
i gather from this http://www.digidesign.com/index.cfm?langid=100&navid=54&itemid=23126 that i need a hard drive with the oxford 911 thing'a'magig.. but the type of chipset needed confuses me.. Will any one work?