Laptop issues, anyone...?

[Woza]

Hi all, so my laptop decided to not work one day.

Phoned up useless Dell who tell me the Hard Drive is done.

I had this confirmed at the local shop and apparently I need a new Hard Drive and then install xp.

I have the product key written on the base of the laptop but do not have the original disc.

Am I right in thinking if I buy a new hd and get hold of the disc, the laptop will be ok again?

Also does anyone have a copy of xp home edition or know where I can get a copy to use?

Thanks,

Woza.

[S2red]

Try posting in computer section

Someone had a laptop problem recently similar and got it resolved

Edited by S2red on Saturday 10th October 16:11

[RDM]

If you're changing the hard drive might be worth looking at Solid State Drives,
still a bit more expensive but depending on your set up and what you use it for
it might be a nice upgrade.

[Easty-5]

Woza said:

Am I right in thinking if I buy a new hd and get hold of the disc, the laptop will be ok again?

Providing that it is actually your HD then yes in theory a new HD and fresh install of XP will solve your problems. If your struggling with getting hold of a disk then it may be worthwhile going into Granite Chips on Clifton Road. You'll get Andy Thomson, You will stuggle to find anyone as knowledgable as him when it comes to IT.

[ninja-lewis]

Getting hold of a full (not upgrade) XP Home CD should allow you to reinstall XP. The only hiccups that may occur is if the CD is not a proper XP cd but an OEM manufacturer's (e.g. Dell) own version of XP. In that case the CD may not work with your serial number. Equally the serial number (as it's a Dell) may only work with that manufacturer's CDs. The other issue I've heard of is problems relating to service packs - recent serial keys may not work with with original XP/XP SP1 CDs - you'd need an XP SP2/SP3 CD.

[Gramrugby]

Just go straight to Granite Chips. You won't regret it - VERY highly recommended.

[onlynik]

You will need an OEM disc, as the key on the base of your laptop will be and OEM key.

You may be able to get teh discs off Dell for a fee.