[rshaffer61]

NewEgg has 4 for less then $100 but forget the bottom one on the list as it is refurbished.

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Looked at newegg.com and saw the 4 you mentioned. The $69.99 was out of stock. The top 2: $84.99 and $124.99, basically, what is the difference? I noticed they were all 250GB. I guess that is big enought right. (As you know my old one was only 100GB. My daughter's is 320GB)

[Chief1974]

Looked at newegg.com and saw the 4 you mentioned. The $69.99 was out of stock. The top 2: $84.99 and $124.99, basically, what is the difference? I noticed they were all 250GB. I guess that is big enought right. (As you know my old one was only 100GB. My daughter's is 320GB)

[rshaffer61]

The 129 dollar one is much faster at 10,000 rpm's versus the 7200 rpm's on the other. The more expensive is also WD's top of the line except for the SSD drives.
If you can afford it that would be the one I suggest. It is a work horse model so it will be very dependable and fast.

[Chief1974]

Thanks for the information. So, if I order the hard drive will you or someone at this site be able to walk me through installation? I read on the forum that you and someone else were helping someone (lexy) install one. What else would I need to buy for install. One of the postings in that discussion mentioned having to buy a SATA data cable. Would I possibly need that or anything else. I also read somewhere about needing some sort of disk that may have come with thier computer to download something. I have read so many posts trying to figure things out, can't remember who said what.
Thanks for your help, once again.

[rshaffer61]

Yes you may need a SATA cable and you will need the OS installation disk.
From there then yes I can post the full instructions on how to do a clean install of your OS. When installation is done you will have to download and update your drivers plus get any Windows updates from Microsoft. Once that is all done then you only have to install your programs and you are then ready to go.

[Chief1974]

Don't think I have an OS installation disk. How/where would I get one?

[rshaffer61]

You could simply borrow one from a friend but it has to be the same that was originally installed on your system.
Since it is a desktop system there should be a sticker on the side, back or sometimes inside the case that gives you the original OS and serial number.

[Chief1974]

Is this a disk that would have come with my computer when I bought it? I usually don't throw things about like that, but would have to try to see where it is if I still have it.

[rshaffer61]

Doubtful being a branded system it would have had a recovery partition on the hard drive to restore the system back to factory settings. Since the hard drive is bad then the partition cannot help. One option is to contact the system manufacturer and maybe purchasing a set of recovery disks which would include the OS, drivers and all application installed from the factory when the system was new. Normal cost of these is usually $30 for the set.
A lot cheaper then having to purchase a new OS disk at $100 or more.

[Chief1974]

Ok thank you for all the information. When I get set to start the installation, or if I need something before that, I'll let you know.
Have a great day.

[rshaffer61]

You are welcome and I look forward to your return.

[Chief1974]

Oh my gosh, back so soon. Looked up SATA cables on internet and there are tons of them listed. Sorry, but again I need to you point me in the right direction. Which one do I need?

[rshaffer61]

This one HERE will be just fine.

[Chief1974]

Had another quick thought. Since I have my orginal hard drive (the one the computer shop gave me back when I had problems)would it have the OS and all that info on it? They said all info intact but would probably fail soon. Just wondering.

[rshaffer61]

Yes and you may be able to try a recovery and have it install on the new drive but you would have to set it up as a second drive to do that.