[phillpower2]

Hello -PBot,

 

PCB = printed circuit board.

 

The above is on the outside of a HDD and can often be replaced by the end user, the internal workings of a storage device are completely different and are an area where specialist assistance is required.

 

 

1. How exactly do I install my OS onto the new HDD. I don't recall how I did it last time.

 

 

Depends on what type of Windows media you intend using, Microsoft DVD, OEM DVD, ISO etc, let us know and we will advise accordingly.

 

 

2. In case I have trouble getting my info off the drive, what apps do you recommend to help?

 

 

Already done in my reply #2, this option is relatively inexpensive and convenient, an alternative would be to try the HDD in an external HDD enclosure or adapter if you have or can borrow one.

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Heya!

OK, I'll ask more about the PCB if I get to that point. Thanks for the explanation, Phill.

RE: The rest: Obviously, the best option would be to try and clone the drive...

I do have an enclosure, but can I clone from an enclosure to the newly installed HDD... Like, if I load the OS onto the new drive, can it clone to that new drive then restart my PC or will I need my 2nd enclosure and yet another drive to clone from enclosure to enclosure?

I have no access to another PC.

As for what I have to load the OS: I have the Dell DVD and an external cd/dvd drive (no internal cd drive, in case that makes a difference).

Will I need to do anything with the drive before loading the OS?


Thank you as always, Phill.

PBot

[Phlegmbot]

Heya!

OK, I'll ask more about the PCB if I get to that point. Thanks for the explanation, Phill.

RE: The rest: Obviously, the best option would be to try and clone the drive...

I do have an enclosure, but can I clone from an enclosure to the newly installed HDD... Like, if I load the OS onto the new drive, can it clone to that new drive then restart my PC or will I need my 2nd enclosure and yet another drive to clone from enclosure to enclosure?

I have no access to another PC.

As for what I have to load the OS: I have the Dell DVD and an external cd/dvd drive (no internal cd drive, in case that makes a difference).

Will I need to do anything with the drive before loading the OS?


Thank you as always, Phill.

PBot

[phillpower2]

Hello -PBot,

 

can I clone from an enclosure to the newly installed HDD

 

 

Unfortunately not as cloning or making a back up image of HDD is done the other way around as in you boot the computer into Windows and the clone or create a back up image on a second internal or an external HDD, see guide courtesy of Essexboy here

 

As you know the present HDD is bad your best option really is to do a clean install on the new HDD and then try accessing the bad HDD via the external enclosure to see what if any data you can salvage.

 

If you had not had the warning that the HDD was failing it would of been worth trying to repair Windows but from the info provided it would appear that the drive is beyond help.

 

As for what I have to load the OS: I have the Dell DVD and an external cd/dvd drive (no internal cd drive, in case that makes a difference).

 

Will I need to do anything with the drive before loading the OS?

 

 

Couple of questions;

 

Is the Dell DVD that you have specifically for this computer.

 

You are getting a BSOD on boot, can you tell us what the stop code is that you are getting.

 

To install Windows to the new HDD from the external DVD drive enclosure, you will need to change the boot sequence in the BIOS to the external USB device first and the HDD second, save the settings, pop the Windows DVD into the external drive, restart the computer and then follow the onscreen prompts such as press any key to boot from disk etc.

 

Windows 7 formats the drive as part of the installation process so you need do nothing else regarding installing Windows but unless on the same disk you may need to install the Dell chipset and other drivers afterwards.

 

You are welcome btw -PBot 

[phillpower2]

Not heard back from you PBot, do you still require assistance or is the issue now resolved, an update would be appreciated.

[Phlegmbot]

Hi, Phill,thank you for checking in.I still haven't received my new drive.

I don't know what the BSOD code was, and I was afraid to boot it up again.

Whether I get my drive tonight or not (it's due here between today and Thursday), I will check and make sure I know how to change the boot options.

BTW, I may end up buying a new PC. But I'm torn between a Dell -- b/c of price and the on-site repair, oh and huge HDD space -- and Mac, which of course has a better reputation and is more reliable. But it's solid state drive is SO small. I'm also concerned about the lack of HDMI output on Macs (to expand the screen to my TV) and, of course, the transference of myriad Windows files to Mac. Thoughts?

[phillpower2]

Hi PBot,

 

Thanks for the update 

 

Makes sense not restarting the computer until you have the new HDD 

 

Is the Dell DVD that you have specifically for this computer.

 

 

Can you answer this for us please.

 

I`m not best placed to answer your Mac Vs PC question I`m afraid, I build computers so get better value for money than buying pre built, Macs have their merits but are expensive imo.

[Phlegmbot]

THX.

And, yes, my DVD is specifically for this PC. I also have the driver CDs.

[phillpower2]

Having the right disks will make things easier for you, just be sure to install the Dell drivers in the correct order, info for you here

 

Will look out for an update from you over the next few days, any questions meanwhile give us a shout.

[Phlegmbot]

OK. I just got the HDD. just to be sure I'm following protocol correctly:

1. Put new HDD in.
2. Boot, get into boot menu
3. Choose USB/external DVD, whatever the option is
4. Reboot with disc in DVD
5. Once Windows is installed, do the drivers in order provided.

When I restart after installing drivers, will I have to change the boot order once more so that it checks the HDD first?

Thank you!

PBot

[phillpower2]

1 and 2 in either order but all in all yes you have it right.

 

Changing the boot sequence when done may shave a second or so off the boot times as  your OS will be found and start loading quicker.

 

You are welcome 

 

NB: Calling it a day soon as its getting late here, check back tomorrow, good luck 

[Phlegmbot]

Hey, Phill,

Some problems: I can't seem to install some of the drivers. I followed the driver order but a couple aren't taking.

I'm getting a digitally signed driver error on the video drivers.

I also got it on another one, but I can't recall which now.

The Windows update isn't working. I know this is an issue with still having Win7. Last summer when my previous HDD died MS admitted it was a glitch; they want everyone to have Win10. So, unless you might know of a new fix from the last couple of months, nothing will fix this (MS fixed it by taking control of my PC and uploading some special program that repaired Windows update. It was not publicly avail. b/c they don't want to admit that they're forcing users to Win10).

In the attached, the first two look the same, but at bottom, you'll see they are different.

Attached Thumbnails

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[phillpower2]

Hi PBot,

 

Is the computer working ok with the drivers that you have managed to install, reason I ask is because with newer OSs Windows own generic drivers will often work ok with hardware once the chipset drivers have been installed.

 

For the Windows update problem, try the MS update troubleshooter tool that you can download from here

 

Can I just make sure that you have installed AV protection, if not, MSE or Avira free would be what I would suggest.

[Phlegmbot]

This is a 6-y-o PC, and a laptop. Windows' drivers will not work (also been through that in the past).

I have no idea what I'm doing wrong; I followed the same methodology I used the last time this happened.

The PC works so-so. It has internet, but it's slow. The video drivers are not installing. The audio drivers don't seem to be taking either.

Ugh. Any ideas would be appreciated, Phill. Sorry if I'm being short with you -- I'm just frustrated at the whole thing. (And I'm going to have to pay for a file recovery service; the old drive isn't even recognized.)

I'll let you know how the MS download goes.

PBot

[phillpower2]

You have the computer running which is something that you didn`t have so you have at least made some progress.

 

Couple of Dells own tools below;

 

Dell System Detect

 

Dell Diagnostics

 

(And I'm going to have to pay for a file recovery service; the old drive isn't even recognized.)

 

 

How have you got the problem HDD connected to the computer, internally or in the enclosure.

 

Have you installed any AV protection.

[Phlegmbot]

Hey there, Phill,

I can't DL the MS Updates fix, b/c my "browser is not supported." I cannot execute the new browser b/c my OS doesn't support it (I.E.9). Catch 22. I need the SP7 DL, but in pretty sure that won't with either...i can't seem to connect to any MS pages.

As such, neither of the Dell diagnostics will work either. (FYI: I know those Dell tools well -- they don't work right anyway... The Detect one doesn't work at all)