[Solved] Dell Hard Drive

[scobe]

My Hard Drive has finally given up the ghost!

 

I am now looking to replace it. I have a Dell dimension 2300 desktop. With Windows XP. (I know I will have to re-install XP)

Where can I buy a replacement?

I have been told that I will be unable to buy new, as my PC is pre 2005 with an IDE type hard drive that are not made any more. Is this true?

 

Any help would be much appreciated

 

Steve

 

PS: Apologies if this is in the wrong section.

[KenB]

Hi Steve

 

You seem to have been given wrong information;

 

Take a look here:

click here

 

You need a 3.5 inch IDE ( PATA ) drive for your desktop ( laptops are 2.5 inch ).

[RandyL]

Hi scobe.

 

IDE drives are still available. Many people still need them. Many parts stores might not carry them as demand is low but they still make them. An online search brings up drives from reputable sources.

 

This for instance from Western Digital.

 

SATA or PATA interface.

While SATA has become the industry standard interface, WD continues to manufacture desktop drives with a PATA interface for unique or legacy systems.

[scobe]

Thanks alot!

 

As you can tell I don't have a good knowledge of computers! (which is why I come to you guys!)

 

My next questions:

Are these hard drives a direct replacement? Or is there one specific for my PC?

I have an 80g hard drive at the moment, can I replace with say a 160g hard drive without any trouble?

 

Steve

[Armageddon]

Simple answer Steve is yes you can change your 80 Gig for 160gig even 250gig or 320gig if you like.

[Plastic Nev]

One further thing, do you have the original recovery disks that came with the PC? If so you should be able to use them to install Windows XP onto the new drive. If you don't have them, Dell may still be able to send you some, they will charge for them if they still have them, all you need is the service tag, or at least the full model name and number plus any serial number.

otherwise it will mean buying a Windows XP disk, plus finding a source for all the needed driver files as well.

 

Nev.

[scobe]

Thanks again.

 

I do have there recovery discs.

 

If I buy this hard drive http://www.amazon.co.uk/Generic-Hard-Disk-Drive-160GB/dp/B000OUI8OQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1331858861&sr=1-1 Do I need anything else to fit my Dell Dimension. Or will it fit straight in?

[RandyL]

Personally I would get the Western Digital one listed at that link but yes that should do. Nothing else needed.

[scobe]

Hopefully that's me sorted.

 

Took your advice Randy & bought the Western Digital.

 

Thanks again for all your help, will let you know how I get on.

 

Steve

[KenB]

Good Luck Steve

 

The other drive was a "no-make"

I doubt if it would have lasted too long ( who can tell ???? )

 

By the way - it may be possible to get data off your old drive if you need it.

Just ask :)