** Advice on replacing hard drives **

[__DP__]

I will say first of all that my computer skills are basic but I can follow instructions if people are willing to help.

 

I bought a Dell XPS420 almost two years ago. Then my computer started freezing and then would not start up at all. After posting on the Dell forums I have been told that one of my hard drives has failed.

 

My computer has two 500GB Samsung HD501LJ hard drives - 1TB Serial ATA RAID 0 Stripe.

 

I was just going to replace the one that had failed but after looking at some reviews these hard drives seem to be very unreliable.

 

Basically, I want to know how I can replace them with the least amount of hassle. Preferably, I would like to just have one 1TB (or bigger) hard drive.

 

I would appreciate it if people could recommend other compatible drives.

Is it just a case of unplugging the two hard drives and plugging in the new one? (I’m sure it’s not!)

 

Any advice appreciated.

[Jelly Bean]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

 

Sorry I am a little busy tonight and maybe a little slow to reply.

 

Ok your computer can take upto.

 

160 GB2 7200 rpm SATA w/ 8M Cache

250 GB2 7200 rpm SATA w/ 8M Cache

320 GB2 7200 rpm SATA w/ 16M Cache

500 GB2 7200 rpm SATA w/ 16M Cache

750 GB2 7200 rpm SATA w/ 16M Cache

1TB22 7200 rpm SATA w/ 32M Cache

 

I can recommend Seagate/Western Digital,Maxtor.

 

Examples.

 

Amazon.co.uk: internal hard drive 1 tb 16 mb - Electronics & Photo

 

 

To install an internal hard drive you have to switch off the computer and remove from power outlet.

 

Open up the computer and touch the power supply for a few seconds.

 

Look at how the old hard drive is secured,which is usaly clips or a few small screws.

 

It is also connected to the power supply and to the mainboard.

 

Disconnect the SATA data cable and the power supply from the hard drive.

 

Undo the clips or screws and remove hard drive.

 

Simply do the reverse of above to fit the new drive.

 

You will then have to partition and format the new hard drive.

 

JB.

[Tootech]

I'd be happy with either of these two drives

 

Western Digital 1TB Hard Drive SATAII 32MB Cache - OEM Caviar Green - Ebuyer

 

Samsung SpinPoint F1 HD103UJ 1TB Hard Drive SATAII *32MB Cache* - OEM - Ebuyer

 

As far as Samsung drives go - I use them 250, 500 and 750GB drives and don't have problems.

 

Bear in mind that drives do fail, all makes and models and you will always find people commenting on the failures, but won't find too many commenting on drives that have lasted 2 or 3 years.

 

Alot of Dell systems stack the drives next to each other and they do get hot. Heat can be a drive killer - maybe as you say just a single drive will deal with a few problems at once and give you a chance of better reliablity :)

[maynardvdm]

Hi

 

Also some HDD manufacturers give longer warranties, for example my Seagate HDD have a 5 year warranty.

So there is another thing to look at ;)

[__DP__]

Thanks for all the help so far.

 

I have already looked inside and the hard drives are just held in with a couple of clips. So hopefully taking them out will not be a problem.

 

I will need to look up how to ‘…partition and format the new hard drive’ a bit later (I told you my skills were basic!!).

 

 

You are right, Tootech; the drives are right next to each other and my computer used to give out a lot of heat.

 

Thanks again.

[Jelly Bean]

Hello and welcome back here is how to install:

 

Vista:Installing and reinstalling Windows - Windows Vista Help

 

 

XP:How to partition and format a hard disk by using Windows XP Setup program

 

I hope that helps?

 

JB.

[__DP__]

Back again!

 

I bought the Western Digital 1TB Hard Drive SATAII 32MB Cache.

 

I took out the two old hard drives and plugged in the new one. When I start the computer up it says 'No boot device available'.

 

What do I actually have to do to install it?

 

Sorry to ask basic questions!!

[__DP__]

I'm installing Windows now....