Replacing crashed laptop hard drive?

[CAMAN]

I've got a Dell Inspiron 1525 laptop that has a bad hard drive. I know it's the hard drive because I accidentally pushed down on the part of the computer that houses the drive with my elbow. Heard a few warning beeps and some grinding and a couple minutes later it was dead and now boots with a warning message stating "no bootable devices".

I don't have a Windows backup disk, so I expect I'll need to buy a new Win7 disk, which isn't a problem. But my question is, is it really as simple as it seems to replace the hard drive? From my research it just looks like I need to buy a new 2.5 SATA drive, exchange the casing that came on the broken one, install it, then just install the operating system. Is that all or is there more to it like setting up parameters and such?

Also is there a Solid State Drive that would work for this machine that won't break the bank? I don't need a ton of space, but would like the reliability the SSD's bring forth. Will a smaller 60gb SSD run Win7 or would I need to step up a size? Or should I just stick with the original 160gb 5400 rpm for $40?

I'd like to fix this machine simply because it is like brand-new and don't see a reason to replace it just yet.

Thank you for all the input!

[DTro]

Yes, in most cases, it is that easy.

I had a Lappy HDD crash a while back and you now what was easier? Buying one with the system software already loaded. Plug and play

[CAMAN]

Where does someone find one with a preloaded OS?

[DTro]

The big Auction site.

[DTro]

I just took a quick look and you can get a 640GB SATA drive with Win7 preloaded for $99.

Just do a search for "Dell Inspiron 1525 Hard Drive" Otherwise I seen a few for around the $50 range without software.

[pureinsanity]

Where does someone find one with a preloaded OS?

Buy a new hard drive, that is all you need. I can get you the disks seeing how close we live to each other. The key that is on the bottom of your laptop is the serial number for your copy of Windows. As long as you have that you are good to go to load windows back on.

and yes this is legal

[upnorth]

You need to be sure the disks are compatible with the key. Keys general are different than OEM and they don't interchange.

[CAMAN]

Thanks for the offer PI, but Vista came stock on this machine and we've all heard peoples love for Vista. I would rather upgrade to Win7 anyways since I'm doing this, so I'm guessing I'll still need to purchase the Win7 pack. I found on the Jungle site what they call an "OEM system builder pack" for Win7, its $60+ cheaper than what I can get at Bestbuy and the only difference I can find is it doesn't come in a fancy box, just brown cardboard.

[pureinsanity]

Alright. Good luck

[upnorth]

I would be cautious. They can easily sell a licensed copy that has already been activated. Then you try to activate it and all sorts of issues can crop up.

[CAMAN]

I would be cautious. They can easily sell a licensed copy that has already been activated. Then you try to activate it and all sorts of issues can crop up.

I'd be buying it directly from amazon, no third parties. So I assume I'm safe. There are also 5 reviews and they are all 5 stars. Hopefully it's not one of those too good to be true things but I've checked everything and it all seems legit and exactly what I need.

[Jim Almquist]

Just make sure to get the full version vs A Upgrade version. You can also go on Microsofts HSOforum and download Service Pack 1 and it will make updating a lot quicker.

[spearchucker]

I would be cautious. They can easily sell a licensed copy that has already been activated. Then you try to activate it and all sorts of issues can crop up.

I have heard of lots of problems buying Licensed software from the auction sites.

[pureinsanity]

My dad bought student version of office on amazon for dirt cheap. With amazon you can return products.

[CAMAN]

Just make sure to get the full version vs A Upgrade version. You can also go on Microsofts HSOforum and download Service Pack 1 and it will make updating a lot quicker.

Yup, it is the full version. The full description is "Windows 7 home premium SP1 64bit (full) OEM system builder DVD 1 pack" can't go wrong for $100. And if it turns out to be the wrong thing I need I can return it to Amazon. I'll keep everyone informed if it works or not.

[dlskills]

you need to make sure that the vista is the same already on the computer

be it home or basic or premium or ultimate the key won't work.

[spearchucker]

you need to make sure that the vista is the same already on the computer

be it home or basic or premium or ultimate the key won't work.

If he bought a copy it will come with a new key.

[CAMAN]

Simple as that!! Got the box from Amazon this afternoon. Took probably 30 minutes to install the new SSD and Win7. No problems whatsoever!

I'm loving this new solid state hard drive! Super fast and not a sound or bit of heat come from it! Simply AWESOME! Everyone should have one!

Thanks again for everyones input!

[CAMAN]

Oh, and for all you that need to update or install Windows, save A LOT of money and look for the OEM box, it is exactly the same thing as what you can pick up at the big box stores and doesn't contain any of the bloatware that probably comes with the big box versions.

[spearchucker]

Oh, and for all you that need to update or install Windows, save A LOT of money and look for the OEM box, it is exactly the same thing as what you can pick up at the big box stores and doesn't contain any of the bloatware that probably comes with the big box versions.

There is no bloatware. The difference is the Retail licenses can be moved to different hardware of you get a new PC, where the OEM license is tied to one computer and can't legally be moved if you upgrade.