I think I can hear potential whirrings on my laptop, that sound very similiar to the sounds previous HD's have made, on other computers I have had before crashing :wack:

 

Also on start up, the laptop sometimes comes up with a window saying ERROR and I have to shut it down!

 

My first question is, is there any way of confirming it is my hard drive in some sort of error log?

 

Secondly are HD's for my laptop (dell inspiron 1300) readily available and how hard are they to install?

I think I can hear potential whirrings on my laptop, that sound very similiar to the sounds previous HD's have made, on other computers I have had before crashing :wack:

 

Also on start up, the laptop sometimes comes up with a window saying ERROR and I have to shut it down!

 

My first question is, is there any way of confirming it is my hard drive in some sort of error log?

 

Secondly are HD's for my laptop (dell inspiron 1300) readily available and how hard are they to install?

Mark,there are ways of checking your drive but to be safe next time you get it up and running make back ups of all your important bits either to a disc or USB stick and then start looking for a replacement drive at somebody like Ebuyer etc a 80 gig being a good size for reasonable money(That is assuming your bios can handle it) It should be relatively straight forward to change to a new drive,just a case of removing a few screws for access,not knowing the model but most Dells are not to difficult.

PS just make sure you get the right type,yours will be PATA 2.5" :)

 

Stuart

Pop the case and check to see who the manufacturer is for the drive, there is usually a preformance test on their websites to check for errors, impending failure etc. When they start making weird noises its worth backing it up just in case :)

 

The only thing you need to look out for when buying a new one is the thickness of the drive, its either going to be 12mm or 9mm, the newer laptops all appear to have 9mm drives in, I think any generic 2.5" drive would be ok, as far as im aware I don't think Dell are firmware specific!

 

Hope that helps,

 

Dave.