check disk help wanted, please

rmg1

I don't think that's it.
Definitely give them a ring (they might be open today).

ih8stress

It says on the receipt advice or support available 24 hours a day, so I should be okay. I just like to be prepared with what I need to do or say.

Thank you for your replies, and being so quick with them:T

rmg1

No problem. I'm usually lurking around here somewhere. Not as good as some of the others, but I try.

Taffybiker

ih8stress wrote: »

So you are saying that the problems with starting windows and losing the touchpad is definitely a hardware problem, right? And that doing a factory restore will not solve the problem? (Sorry but I get lost in the technicalities:D).

Can you tell me what exactly I should be saying (technically) to PCW then? The problem with not knowing much about computers is that if they start spouting something, I won't know if they are fobbing me off or trying to solve the issue.

As I understand it, you ran Scandisk and it found problems. If these problems are Bad Sectors (Scandisk should tell you this) then the hard disk is on its way out and will need to be replaced. This replacement should be under warranty, but you don't have much time since the warranty is about to expire.
A system restore will not fix the drive, but it will probably restore avoiding the bad sector(s) thereby giving the false impression that all is ok. By the time problems arise again - which they almost certainly will - the warranty will be long gone, leaving you to foot the bill.

My best suggestion would be to test the drive with one of the free tools available, and then you will have all the ammunition you need to insist they fit a new drive. If the diagnostics tell you there is no problem, then go ahead and do the restore.

ih8stress

Hi Taffy. Thanks for your comments. I've just looked at the link you provided but don't know how to check the make of the drive on the laptop (it just mentions for desktops). It also mentions creating a diagnostic floppy disk but there isn't a floppy drive on the laptop.

I'm also abit put off by the following paragraph it contains:

"No matter which program you use, read the on-screen instructions carefully. Some of the utilities include functions that could irrevocably erase all of the information on the drive. In particular, look out for formatting commands and "destructive" tests. The utilities warn you before doing anything potentially harmful, but still—be careful."

I have phoned PCW again and they say that I need to carry out a system recovery first and that it may be a windows problem. They will not take it in for repair as a hardware problem until this has been done.

They say this should show quite quickly if it has solved the problem. I've told them
it will be Tues/Weds before this can be done. I got him to confirm that if this didn't work, the repair would still be free. He said that as I'd phoned yesterday and today it was noted whilst still under warranty.

ih8stress

Taffybiker wrote: »

My best suggestion would be to test the drive with one of the free tools available, and then you will have all the ammunition you need to insist they fit a new drive. If the diagnostics tell you there is no problem, then go ahead and do the restore.

That sounds like a good idea but reading the link it looks quite complicated. Is there an easy way of doing this or a step by step guide I can look at.

I can hear the timebomb ticking away:eek:, I'm just not very computer literate!

Taffybiker

Ok, I understand. Try this one. It is software that will test any drive.

ih8stress

Hi Taffy. Coincidentally I've just been reading the seagate bumph on the other link you posted earlier, and trying to get my head round it:eek:

The link you have just posted is a License Agreement, presumably for the above?

Do I just click on 'I accept' and then download it? Do I have to create any disks for it?

Sorry, I've just read the previous bumph and got loads of questions:D

ih8stress

Right, I've clicked on the 'download now' for the SeaTools for windows setup tool and it's asking me if I want to run or save the file.

Do I just click on save? I don't fancy going through it all now, unless it is easy peasy:D


Okay, I've clicked on save to look at it later.

Taffybiker

After the program is installed, run it and select your hard drive from the tick box on the left. Go to basic tests and run the long drive self test, and the smart test. Also run the long generic test.