Imminent Hard Drive Failure - HP Pavilion dv6

[WooleyBeef24]

I'm looking to replace my hard drive, and understand that I will require my operating system cd that came with it - to install after replacing the hard drive. As my laptop is old - the cd is windows xp, and was upgraded to windows 7 free of charge in later years.

After installation - will it be updated free of charge to windows 7 again?

Or should I just bite the bullit and buy new?

Thanks

[mdklassen · Accepted solution]

Note that "imminent failure" is part of the 'SMART' diagnostics built-in to the disk-drive and motherboard.

There are over 20 different elements that are monitored -- if just one of the elements "fails", then you get the warning message.  Example: if it is running "too hot", that could trigger it.

Assuming that your current disk-drive is still working, purchase a new SEAGATE or WESTERN DIGITAL disk-drive.

Then, from the chosen company's web-site, download the free(!) "disk-cloning" software.

Use the software to make an exact copy of your current disk-drive, i.e., containing Windows 7.

Remove the "failing" disk-drive, and install the "clone" disk-drive, and you should be good-to-go.

Or, if you're reluctant to do the above, find a computer-technician that will do the above.

Stress to him/her that you want the "cloning" procedure, not just a replacement of the disk-drive.

[WooleyBeef24]

Thank you for a quick reply, and I will follow your advice.