HP ENVY TS 17 Notebook PC Hard Drive Failure

[riskitall]

A little background:

My moms HP ENVY TS 17 Notebook PC is running very slow. For example the computer will not stop searching for software updates, yet it says that it's missing updates. The computer is very slow so I downloaded the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI). I ran a fast test and the Hard Drive/SSD Short DST Check: FAILED. The processor, wireless module, hard drive/ssd smart check all passed. 

My mom just wants to access the internet and does not need any files or data on her computer.

My Questions:

Can I just pop out the hard drive I have and bring it to Best Buy and get a new one? 

I want the computer to be factor reset to have nothing on it when I put in the new hard drive what are the steps I should take? 

If there is malware or viruses on the computer will they be erased if I factory reset the computer and replace the hard drive?

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

Do not have Best Buy do the work. You can likely buy a hard drive there but can probably find one cheaper and have it delivered in a day or 2 from amazon.com. Windows 10 for reinstallation is a free download and re-activation is automatic. You need to go to the Microsoft Media Creation Tool site and download the image and have it make a thumb drive for reinstallation. This will be a squeaky clean new image with no malware. We can suggest some free antivirus and anti-malware apps for her use going forward. Drivers and HP apps to restore to original factory state are available for download here. 

We do need the exact model number for me to get the right service manual and/or a video with instructions for replacing the hard drive. I would suggest getting a small 2.5 inch SATA SSD like 128 or 256 gigs. Plenty of room for Windows and minimal apps just for web browsing and she will appreciate the improved speed of the system. Something like this:

Amazon.com: ADATA SU635 240GB 3D-NAND SATA 2.5 Inch Internal SSD (ASU635SS-240GQ-R): Computers & Acc...

Follow instructions here to give me the exact model number:

HP Notebook PCs - How Do I Find My Product Name or Number? | HP® Customer Support

You can do this and avoid spending a couple hundred dollars. Just need to buy the drive. Post back with any more questions.