OT: Laptop Harddrives

Defying · Aug 31, 2009

My laptop harddrive is going bad. It makes alot of noise, and about 60% of the time it cannot find the operating system.

I think by replacing the hard drive, it will take care of that problem, right? How do I "shop" for a hard drive, is there a certain size I look for? Anything else i need to know when looking online to buy one. I basically use the laptop for internet and when traveling. I don't need it to do anything special.

If it helps, its a Gateway
Model Number: w340ui

I did the search of that computer for a harddrive, but I didn't know if I could just search by size and broaden my search

Also, when it says "Hard Drive Caddy" is that just a case or something? What should I pay? Is it ok to buy used?

Thanks Rxers!

barman · Aug 31, 2009

I would encourage you to get all your important files and back them into another hard drive or storage device.

Failing that, mail them to yourself as Attached Files.

This way, if your HD just up and quits before you can replace it and transfer them, you'll be able to easily access them elsewhere for transfer at that time.

Defying · Aug 31, 2009

barman said:
I would encourage you to get all your important files and back them into another hard drive or storage device.

Failing that, mail them to yourself as Attached Files.

This way, if your HD just up and quits before you can replace it and transfer them, you'll be able to easily access them elsewhere for transfer at that time.

Thanks Barman, I already backed them up. I was going to just wipe it clean, but and put Windows back on it, but after talking toa buddy he claims its just the hard drive..

I found this on ebay.. is this a good price? Is this more than I need? http://cgi.ebay.com/160GB-Hard-Driv...0g-w340ui_W0QQitemZ230368647104QQcmdZViewItem

barman · Aug 31, 2009

I'm not qualified to answer questions about what you need as replacement and related value queries. Will need others to comment on those.

YourAllAmerican · Sep 1, 2009

If there's a Fry's where you live, that's an excellent place to do some price scouting before buying anything. It's also about the best shot you have of finding an employee who actually knows what they're talking about when it comes to computer hardware.