Computer failing need new one quick!

notakid

Hi my trusty 5 year old XP 745md computers hard drive is failing and I need to buy a new one ASAP.

For 250 or under (hopefully!)

I have done a seach on cheap computers but tbh I am totally overwelmed by the specs I have no idea on what to look for.

I'm a middle aged housewife who uses to net each evening I don't do much more than that! Store pictures and listen to music thats my limit!

My computer is the gateway for the wireless connect to the whole house using tiscali broadband so I guess I don't need a moden installed?

I have a flat screen moniter so only need the tower desktop really thou some speakers and new keyboard wouldn't go amiss!

I've seen these deals but would like to run past them with people with more knowledge first!

http://outlet.dell.com/Emea_Dfo/EuDispatcher?target=ShoppingCartPage&action=addSystemsToCart&sessionID=61FvLJpW!1738843030!NONE!1221896598287

http://www.bigpockets.co.uk/product.php?nav=227&product=GRADEA188&title=Gateway+E+Machine+E4214+Computer

I know this question comes up all the time but please help:o

Conor_3

The absolutely cheapest computer you can find will do the job. If it is running Windows Vista, make sure it has at least 1GB of RAM. Other than that, it doesn't matter. Dell Vostro range are good.

notakid

Many thanks for the reply.
Would this be any good?
I've added a wireless card even thou I've a router.
http://configure.euro.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?b=&c=uk&cs=ukbsdt1&kc=D4X20001&l=en&m_30=138816&oc=D092016&rbc=D092016&s=bsd&dgc=SS&cid=5186&lid=121454

espresso

Why don't you simply replace the hard drive?

notakid

'cos its a really old computer org only 215mb and when I took it in to be repaired they said it really wasn't worth it and quoted me a price which tbh isn't much less than the price of the computer I've quoted above.

Things have been going hairwire for a while, I'd taken it in to some dodgy place (didn't know at the time!) to be repaired last year and have had problems ever since. The place I took it to be repaired last time had heard about the other place and where correcting loads of problems caused. I just think the hard drive is at the end of its natural life and worry if I pay for that to be replaced something else will go!

I really like the sound of this one but I would like some opinions first please!
http://configure.euro.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?b=&c=uk&cs=ukbsdt1&kc=D4X20001&l=en&m_30=138816&oc=D092016&rbc=D092016&s=bsd&dgc=SS&cid=5186&lid=121454
Many thanks

espresso

A new hard drive and a clean install of Windows has got to be worth it. Easy, quick and cheap. see here

totalsolutions

There is a software fix to check your drive and repair if there are any defects on the drive surface. Very well know product for those in the know and not advertised in the shops, really a techs tool but it works fine, and has saved lives too. <Really>
HERE

shadowdragon

yreah but spinrite is 60 dollars, new harddrive costs as much and for a home user to use once is a bit pointless

Conor_3

espresso wrote: »

Why don't you simply replace the hard drive?

It wasn't something I said flippantly. £40+ for a new HDD in a computer where the motherboard and PSU aren't far behind packing up as opposed to £200 for a new computer that'll be infinitely quicker than the old one.

notakid

Conor would this be okay? I can get it at 119 if I put in one year warrenty:eek:
http://configure.euro.dell.com/dells...186&lid=121454


Many thanks

espresso

Conor wrote: »

It wasn't something I said flippantly. £40+ for a new HDD in a computer where the motherboard and PSU aren't far behind packing up as opposed to £200 for a new computer that'll be infinitely quicker than the old one.

It's not necessary to spend £40+ though!

:rolleyes: