hp notebook: a message says to "replace hard drive; failure is imminent" how do i replace it?

Question

i have made recovery discs and saved all the important stuff. Should i reboot and use the recovery discs to set every thing up again? problem: my notebook is taking forever to start up and sounds are distorted whether its from my windows media player or sounds online. i checked the speakers and the sound settings on wmp, but every thing seems to be running fine. i scanned my computer for viruses and anything else that isn't working properly, but all seems to be working perfectly. i even compressed unused files to free up some space (for memory? not sure but someone told me to try that) and there is plenty of memory and "space." i really don't know what is wrong with my laptop but i know that rebooting and recovering the system shud be a last resort. any suggestions of what is wrong with my HP laptop or what step i shud take next to avoid "imminent failure"?

Answer 1

Sounds like a hardware problem to me. Hard drive units are quite easy today to replace. Generally, new hard drives come with complete instructions (in any language you'd like) along with a install CD. Simply follow install directions and put in the CD--the rest gets done rather quickly.

The sound distortions do indicate possible sound/video card failure--something that CAN slow down a PC and may extend it's damage on a hard drive's software.

Tough call, but I'd buy a replacement hard drive, just in case, and then try the recovery disc restore first. If that fails, then go to the hard-ware install of the new hard drive. Be sure to pick up a copy of Windows XP, which by now should be affordable, seeing's Vista is now out.

If you need further help, contact the folks a www.suggestafix.com for free and see what they advise.

Answer 2

First step, back up everything that you can to another source.

Next, go to MyComputer, right click on the hard drive, properties, tools tab, and run error checking with all options selected. Then defrag your hard drive from the same tools tab. If you still have the error, then it's time to replace the hard drive. Check the manual, or download it from HPs website. The hard drive will either slide out with a release, or a couple of screws will release the cover. Once all the necessary screws are out, the hard drive just pulls out by sliding it away from the connector and then lifting it out. There may be a mounting tray that you'll need to move to the new hard drive. Check with HP for a compatible hard drive. Once it's installed, boot up with your Windows or system restore disks and restore or install windows. It's a good idea to download all the drivers for your laptop from HP support and have those on a disk or CD before starting. Finally, reinstall all you software and move your backed up files back. The whole process is easy, but time consuming.

Make sure you have all the drivers you'll need, and it helps to make a list of all the software you've got installed so you don't forget anything.

Answer 3

Hi,

Whenever you get SMART failure OR Imminent Failure, that means you have to replace the HDD. . There is no way this HDD is going to last long. You have to replace the hdd.
If it is under warranty then call the customer support and get it replaced for free. If it is out of warranty, then go to some computer store and get a notebook hdd. In Nehru place Delhi, the cost of 100GB seagate notebook hdd is around 4500 rs.
Then with the recovery Cd's, install the OS and the preinstalled applications.

Cheers
Sumit

Answer 4

Your present day equipment mutually as no longer the appropriate of the line, remains an extremely credible and usable pc. changing the the HD is a incredibly small cost to pay to maintain this pc. a number of steps to take even though earlier you do something. one million. get carry of a few Diagnostics, the two from the pc or HD producer's internet site, and ensure you suspicion that the HD is undesirable. additionally, working an entire equipment Diagnostics would be enormously suited! 2. If the HD is shown as undesirable somewhat procuring around on information superhighway and in interior reach pc shops would desire to teach Very valuable in finding out to purchase a alternative at a respected value. 3. If No difficulty is got here across with Diagnostics, it relatively is relatively useful to reload the OS and different application as that would desire to be the difficulty. 4. certainly, if the pc meets your needs then evaluate fixing it. stability the cost of maintenance against the cost of a clean pc - Which way is "maximum on your budget?" i'm hoping this enables!

Answer 5

Well read the message.. obviously the hard drive is fried.. just go buy a good 512mb one from the store.. they are not too expensive.. unscrew lap top and install.. then put your **** back on.. don't mess with a fried harddrive...