Replacing hard drive or not

[tedspix]

It appears that the hard drive is nor functioning as it should as the component test failed.  This computer is about four years old and am wondering if replacing the hard drive is worth it or not.

Also, which hard drive would fit and is there a source showing how to go about it.

We have the HP Smart Friend support and their suggestion, after going through all the diagnostics  is replace not repair.

Thanks for any help.

[Prométhée]

Hi
4 years is not that old.
apart from that, if you had no problem with it, you can actually replace it, and use the computer, for a few more years
the only problem is the complexity of these devices, for dismantling
For replacement, you just look at the model in place, reference, and buy an identical one
From what I see, you can even use an m2 ssd

https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c05811384

One M.2 slot for SSD

in this case you can possibly try the crucial scan / site

Welcome to Crucial USA

check if this help

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBOjWFT7NCA

[BeemerBiker]

As pointed out by @Prométhée you have an M.2 slot that could be used for an SSD.

I took a guess that your product lD is 2HJ52AA#ABA and there is a cloud recovery tool available

Please verify by looking up your product ID

I would remove the HD and put in a cheap m.2 like WD blue SN550 and use that cloud recovery to reconfigure your system as it came from the factory.  I assume it had windows 10 and not 7 or 8 but anyway, just an idea to think about.

After you get it working with the SSD you can put the HDD back in and try to recover your files

[tedspix]

Thanks so much for your input.

What I have is a HP Pavillion 24 X026;  320-1030 (this is the best information I have on it), and the product code is as you listed ~ 2HJ52AA#ABA.

HP specifications state that a 1 TB; SATA interface; 7200 RPM Rotational speed; and 6.35 cm/2.5in width is the hard drive installed.

As long as I get the same size (configuration) as currently installed would it be worth purchasing and installing?  HP support said that the cause of the drive failing the component test could mean something else caused the drive to fail (motherboard?) so their advice is purchase a new computer.

This is my wife's and now that she has retired she doesn't use it that much and it is still working but apparently could quit at any time.  The small amount of data worth saving has been done in the event it crashes, but I'm wondering if, in fact, it's worth putting in the $50 to $75.  Or perhaps spend a little more and get an SSD

I've looked on the internet to find out how to open the back of this computer and cannot find any just like it.  The whole back is flat except for a rectangular 6" X 21" X1" on the bottom back of the unit.  Screws can be removed from the top of the stand that connects/holds it to the unit, but there are no visible screws (or plugs covering them) anywhere so I am not sure how to access the hard drive.

She has a plan with HP tech support (phone) and they will take care of the reinstall of the system once the drive is replaced if we go that route.

Thanks to anyone that can give some advice ~ it would be greatly appreciated especially in layman's language.

[BeemerBiker]

Disassembly and upgrading to an M.2 does require some skill  I think that @Prométhée recommended is best - replace the existing hard drive.

It is possible that the system is bad, not just the hard drive.   What were the results of the component tests?  

Was the test run from inside  windows?

Was it from tapping the ESC key after powering up and the BIOS runs the test?

It is expedient for Tech Support to recommend buying a new system.  A four year old system is not that old.  I would not get rid of it unless the display was going out in addition to the disk failing.

I found two videos on disassembly

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgozItuuMsg

and

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNsXkvWceNw

You could try to determine if the motherboard or drive is bad as follows:

Open the back and remove the hard drive or disconnect the cable from it

Power the system on and tap the ESC key and run diagnostics. 

Obviously the disk test will fail.  However, are there any other error messages or failing components?

If there are no other failing components it is likely the disk drive is bad.

Another possibility is to use an Air Duster after opening the back of the case  and get as much dust out as possible.  Then turn power on and see if it starts working.  If not then proceed to remove the disk drive and run diagnostics.

A replacement HDD is cheap but you will have to install windows on it.

[Prométhée]

hi

@tedspix 

it seemed to me to have been clear, in my answer
I do not doubt the skills of the people who answered you, I answer being that user, who has often encountered this type of case!
So if a hard disk is damaged, with a computer, not so old, yes, it's worth trying, you will find an equivalent sata hard disk, for less than 40$
Or opt for the M2 ssd, more expensive, but improves read-write speed
I already gave you a video official hp  in my answer, but you didn't tell me if it looks like this..

anyway, I insist on the fact that these computers are fragile, so if you can't do it, without risk, get professional help.

note :

there is a curious point with this model, the motherboard which is mentioned, does not have the specification page..

Bajoran-UF motherboard specifications.

https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-pavilion-24-x000-all-in-one-desktop-pc-series/17200066/produ...

and I have it seems to me found only two models with the same motherboard
watch the series here

sometimes it helps, because we have other models with the same motherboard, and equipped with original ssd, so it can provide some information