Seagate Hard Drive?

Question

I bought a gateway about 2 months ago and it has a 320gb seagate hard drive. It is making some noise so I think it is defective and will die out on me soon. I am going to go buy a new hard drive today but this will be my first time dealing with hardware. Can someone please tell me :

1. A good company that makes hard drives
2. Not too expensive at the most $100
3. 100gb+ space is enough
4. A store such as Circuit City, CompUSA, Bestbuy, staples, or office depot that sells it
5. Will it be compatible with my computer? here is a link to a website with all my computer's specs.
http://www.dealtime.com/xPF-Gateway-Gateway-Media-Center-Desktop-with-Intel-Core-2-Duo-Processor-E6300-GM5260
6. How do I install the operating system onto it using my Gateway recovery (reformatting) CD?

Thank you!

Answer 1

Hard drives are so sensitive that they would definately break before they would make noise. after all, it does spin as fast as a racecar engine.
You have a SATAII hard drive, which is the best interface out right now.
SATAII hard drives are the same price as any other hard drive.
Here is a link from newegg, where I would get it from if I didnt get it from a store.
This is your hdd:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148140
This is western digital's version
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822136003
If you get it from a store it will undoubtedly be more, but this will give you an idea.

Answer 2

I personally like Seagate Hard drives.
The hard drive has a manufacture warranty that is probably still good. The warranty lasts anywhere from 3 to 5 years.
Pull the drive and look for the Serial Number. SN, You can check warranty status at Seagate.com. They will send you a replacement at no charge (You pay shipping to return the defective drive). They will require you to send the defective drive back. You can use a credit card as collateral to get them to send the new drive first. This provides you with faster service. They send the drive before getting yours. You can then send yours back in the packaging they sent the new drive to you in. They will charge your card for the New drive if the other isn't returned within 15 to 30 days.

As far as the Gateway recovery CD.
Just stick it in the drive and boot the computer.
You will get an option to perform the recovery.
WARNING: All current data on the Hard Drive will be lost.
Follow the prompts and you will be well on your way to a usable computer.

Answer 3

First of all if you bought it 2 months ago it should be covered by your warranty. Look into that FIRST.

DUDE the link says you have a "Warranty = 1 Year"

Call support ASAP & keep your money.

regards,
Philip T