Dell HD Failed: First Time Replacing HD

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Chuckiefresh

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Nov 30, 2005
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My Dell XPS 8100 pc has been freezing up intermittently for the last few days and now I can't even load windows. I did a pre-boot assessment and was given an error code that means hard drive failure. My system takes a 3.5" SATA HD and physically switching out the HD shouldn't be a problem for me. This is the replacement HD I'm planning on buying later today.

http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digit...=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1339163666&sr=1-7

I'm much more concerned about booting up the system and installing my retail version of windows 7. Is there anything I should know or keep in mind while replacing the hard drive? Thanks.
 
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If you are doing a new install things should be fine. You also have the option of using a clone utility (there are $ware and freeware versions out there) to make an image of what you have now and moving it out there. The WD Blue is a good drive, but if you have a few dollars more you can get two to four times the storage for just a few dollars more. Here is an excellent 1TB drive for just $15 more delivered http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145304
 
Thanks for the info. Normally I'd go with the drive you recommended but I'm able to get Saturday delivery through Amazon for $8.99.

I'm hoping to get my pc up and running asap because this is a Guild Wars 2 beta weekend. This couldn't have happened at a more inopportune time lol.

On a positive note, I love these forums - they are the best. I'll make sure to use the site sponsor link to order the hd.
 
Kind of a pain, but I would go the fresh install route. If your hard drive is failing, I wouldn't risk an error in copying into the new drive. Maybe I'm just paranoid?
 
I always recommend a fresh install. That said, if the image completes successfully you should be ok. A lot has to do with how the drive is failing.
 
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