Is it possible to save my laptop?

[mellow139]

Hi all. As the title says, I'm wondering if my laptop can be saved. I have a Sony GR-370 running XP home. The HD was made by IBM (travelstar model at 4200rpm). Just recently it started acting up. I'll try to describe it as best as I can. It would work just fine for 1-2 hrs, then the hard drive would start making funny noises. It kind of sounds like the platters will start to spin, then I would hear a loud 'clack' noise. The would happen every once in awhile, then it would increase in frequency; spin...clack...spin...clack, etc. Then the screen would freeze and the computer fails to respond. I basically have to unplug the computer to get it to shut down. When I attempt to start the computer again, the screen is black and all it says it "operating system cannot be found". The next day, I'm able to start up the computer again, only to go through the same cycle. Now, it's starting to happen after just about 30-45 min of computer use instead of the 1-2 hrs. My friend had the same problem with her computer (same model). Now she cannot even start up the computer.

Is this a hard drive problem? Can I just install a new hard drive and all will be fixed? Thanks in advance for the replies/advice.

[tempus]

save all your important files quickly. if the hard drive is failing, and it sounds like it, then its only a matter of time.

[sdkfz]

Go here and pull the now Hitachi since IBM sold their HD unit to them utility to check the drive. Prgonosis sounds bad though.

http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/support/download.htm

[Panama Red]

As stated, save critical files NOW, before you run any diagnostics. Diagnostic tests can stress the hdd and kill it permanently. Replacement hard drives aren't too expensive. Here's a decent 60Gb, 5400rpm from Western Digital with a 3 yr warranty.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822144375

You'll need to use your Sony Restore disks to format a new hard drive and make it just as it was when new. You'll also have to reload all programs you added.

[mellow139]

Thanks for all the replies. I actually saved all of my files the first day it started happening.

I'll try running that diagnostic program. Thanks for the link!

And thanks Red for the the restore tip. That was actually my next question.

I was also wondering if I ever decide to replace the hard drive, can I just install a stand-alone copy of Windows XP? Will it automatically install all the necessary drivers for my laptop? I'm asking because I never really used the software that came with the laptop. I'd rather not clutter the drive with things I wouldn't use.

So can I pretty much bet that this is a hard drive problem? Are there any other parts prone to failure that would present symptoms like these?

Sorry for the slew of questions. I really appreciate the help. I'm a broke student, and I can't readily shell it out for a new laptop.

[tempus]

Originally Posted by mellow139 Thanks for all the replies. I actually saved all of my files the first day it started happening. I'll try running that diagnostic program. Thanks for the link! And thanks Red for the the restore tip. That was actually my next question. I was also wondering if I ever decide to replace the hard drive, can I just install a stand-alone copy of Windows XP? Will it automatically install all the necessary drivers for my laptop? I'm asking because I never really used the software that came with the laptop. I'd rather not clutter the drive with things I wouldn't use. So can I pretty much bet that this is a hard drive problem? Are there any other parts prone to failure that would present symptoms like these? Sorry for the slew of questions. I really appreciate the help. I'm a broke student, and I can't readily shell it out for a new laptop.

I would start with the diagnostic for the drive just to see if it really is the drive that is failing and it sounds like it.
Yes you can installl a stand alone copy of windows and the drives should be there.
There are no other parts that would make the noises you have described that i know of.

[kilgoretrout]

I would use the sony restore disk. Laptops, especially sonys, can have a lot of special proprietary hardware. The restore disk will have all the drivers you need for that hardware. A generic winxp install disk may not.

[mellow139]

Well, the hard drive failed one of the diagnostic tests. Looks like I'll be ordering another hard drive.

What do I need know to insure compatability?
Dimensions are a given.

Here are some specs on my broken HD:
Model: IC25N030ATDA04
30gb capacity
ATA-5 interface
4200 rpm
2mb buffer
Here's a link to the spec sheet
http://www.hitachigst.com/tech/techlib.nsf/techdocs/85256AB8006A31E587256A7700611974/$file/T48gh30gn15gn_ds.pdf
Mine is the 30GN model.

I'm interested in getting the biggest drive I can afford right now. What do you guys think about this one? (link to the spec sheet)
http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/support/5k100/5k100.htm
I'm interested in the 100GB parallel-ata model.

Will this one work?

Thanks guys. Again, I really appreciate the help.

[mellow139]

[Panama Red]

That one should work unless there is something in your bios that prevents recognition of one that large. Don't know your location but if you're in the US, here's that exact drive at Newegg.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822145092

[stupid_idiot]

use pricewatch and search under notebook hard drives.
chose a model with ata-5 interface.

[mellow139]

I want to thank everyone here for their advice. I installed a new Hitachi 100GB drive and everything is working perfectly so far.

I have some concern however about this happening again and ruining a new drive. Could my symptoms have been caused by an overheating issue? I don't think it's a CPU overheat issue because I have ran the new drive longer than the time it would take the old drive to lock up. Or was it just my old drive's time to give up the ghost?

I can't seem to get into the Hardware monitor to check the system temperature.

Any ideas? Thanks again.