My Computer is Alive Again!

I finally ordered and replaced the hard drive in my laptop. It feels so good to have my own computer again! I didn't realize how much I depended on it until I had to share.

I forgot to take pics of the process...you really don't want to see the mess I created anyway.

I had a few troubles during the process: screws that didn't want to come out, screws that I missed so other stuff wouldn't come out, and leftover screws after I had put it back together. After loading Windows 7 back on to my computer it wouldn't go online. It wouldn't use WiFi nor would it use a networking cable. I messed with it and messed with it...I wasn't happy. I finally took it back apart to make sure everything was hooked up (which it was), and in the process of putting it back together I found where the missing screws went.

After all of that it still wouldn't go online. I had the drivers and utilities CD for it and tried installing drivers and they wouldn't install until Bob said, "what are those ones with the check mark next to them?" I thought the check mark meant that the drivers were already installed; it didn't. It meant that I had that hardware and those were the drivers I needed to install. Bob sat with my computer and babysat while it installed the needed drivers. I was past frustration at that point and needed to walk away.

I had a million updates to install, but it's working great again! It starts up faster than it did before (which was a sign of a failing hard drive; who knew?!).

So, anyway, I'm back in business and working on some things you'll read about in future posts.

Let me say that if it wasn't for YouTube, I'd have been spending $500 on a new computer and having to wait until we had the money to buy one. I'm very happy I decided to try this!

 

Important links that helped a LOT:

Lost Windows 7 Install Disc? Create a New One From Scratch

Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool (Necessary to burn the installation DVD properly)

Inspiron N4110 Hard Drive Removal Video

DIY- How to Remove the Hard Drive from a Dell Inspiron N4110

 

UPDATE 10/20/14:

My computer started telling me that my version of Windows 7 was not valid...I tried all kinds of things to get it to work. I finally had to call Microsoft and use their automated system to confirm my product key. I had to do it twice in order for it to go through. I hope this is the last of the glitches!

Replacing My Hard Drive?

I've been back and forth since I got that notification from my computer on whether to fix it or to just buy a new one.

I've decided to try to fix it, even though I read some horror stories on how hard it is to do.

However, I decided to dig a little deeper. I'm fairly handy...most of the time. I found two YouTube videos on how to replace the hard drive, and it didn't really look that hard. Yes, it's more difficult than other computers because the hard drive is under the motherboard. I think I can do it!

A new hard drive (500 Gb) is only around $40 for my computer (Dell Inspiron 14R). If it doesn't work, I'm out $40, but if it works, I don't have to spend $500+ on a new computer...especially since they all come with Windows 8, and everyone in my house knows that I really dislike 8 (but love 7).

I also found information on how to make my own Windows 7 install disc because my computer didn't come with one. I tried to make a system image since the computer is still working (barely), but it would have required a lot of discs. I don't mind starting from scratch since everything important is backed up already.

So, maybe in a week or so I won't have to borrow a computer or use my tablet or the old, old laptop that barely works!

I'll probably post about it whether or not I'm successful including links to the information I found.

We're Going Under Captain!

Yesterday, my computer notified me that it is dying. :-(  Apparently, my hard drive is on its last legs. I've run all kinds of scans and they're all telling me the same thing: replace the hard drive.

From what I can gather, it isn't easy to replace the hard drive on a laptop, especially my Dell. You have to practically dismantle the whole thing to do it.

So this means that my time online is limited to my tablet until I can either replace the hard drive or replace the computer. I am currently writing this post from my tablet. It's not quick, I can tell you that.

I'll be MIA for a week or so...