Laptop issue/conked out!

WoodyWoodpecker

Not sure if I have any comeback on this one - bought a DELL inspiron laptop from ASDA just under 18 months back and have used it only for basic web browsing.

Laptop simply stopped working a couple of days back and computer shop I took it to stated the hard drive has collapsed and the drivers are missing thus I would basically need to put new hardware in.

After under 18 months do I have a case that the laptop should have lasted longer or am I clutching at straws?? :mad:

vuvuzela

Have you checked the service tag online to see if there is any warranty on it ?

http://www.dell.com/support/my-support/uk/en/ukdhs1?c=uk&s=dhs&cs=&l=en

WoodyWoodpecker

Cheers will have a look at that when I get chance

WoodyWoodpecker

vuvuzela wrote: »

Have you checked the service tag online to see if there is any warranty on it ?

http://www.dell.com/support/my-support/uk/en/ukdhs1?c=uk&s=dhs&cs=&l=en

Cheers just checked it out and it appears the warranty ended on 26/06/13 so am knackered :mad:

Mista_C

WoodyWoodpecker wrote: »

Not sure if I have any comeback on this one - bought a DELL inspiron laptop from ASDA just under 18 months back and have used it only for basic web browsing.

Laptop simply stopped working a couple of days back and computer shop I took it to stated the hard drive has collapsed and the drivers are missing thus I would basically need to put new hardware in.

After under 18 months do I have a case that the laptop should have lasted longer or am I clutching at straws?? :mad:

Take it to someone who knows what they're talking about.

1. Hard Drives don't "collapse", they fail due to a number of reasons, damaged platters, faulty ICs, heat, etc.
2. The drivers are based in software. If the hard drive has failed then drivers are irrelevant as you'll just re-download them once a new drive has been installed.

If you post the specific issues on the Techie Stuff area someone may be able to give you better help to get you working again.

WoodyWoodpecker

Mista_C wrote: »

Take it to someone who knows what they're talking about.

1. Hard Drives don't "collapse", they fail due to a number of reasons, damaged platters, faulty ICs, heat, etc.
2. The drivers are based in software. If the hard drive has failed then drivers are irrelevant as you'll just re-download them once a new drive has been installed.

If you post the specific issues on the Techie Stuff area someone may be able to give you better help to get you working again.

Out of interest is it common that something like this would fail within 18 months??

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth

WoodyWoodpecker wrote: »

Out of interest is it common that something like this would fail within 18 months??

No. Suggest OP takes it to another ComPutah shop.

Cycrow

its not uncommon for hard drives to fail, especially if they have heat problems.
Using laptops on beds can often causes problems like this

it really depends on what the problem is, as what you said in the first post doesn't really make much sense.

even if it is out of warranty, dell should be able to fix it, just at a cost

vuvuzela

Cycrow wrote: »

its not uncommon for hard drives to fail, especially if they have heat problems.
Using laptops on beds can often causes problems like this

it really depends on what the problem is, as what you said in the first post doesn't really make much sense.

even if it is out of warranty, dell should be able to fix it, just at a cost

If it is just the hard drive, then £35 quid or so will get you a new 320GB one and a case of beer to a friend who works in IT will possibly persuade them to reinstall Windows for you.
Buit as the above poeople said, a PC shop who describe a HD as having 'collapsed' isn't one I would be taking any advice from and would definitely get a second opinion...

WoodyWoodpecker

All in all I have to say the laptop itself is a piece of £%$£% just annoyed its gubbed itself after 17 months! Not sure I would want to fix it at an expense unless dirt cheap as might be better off looking at a decent replacement............wife actually refuses to use it as it is that poor!

On that note do you guys have any tips on decent laptops in the £250 - £350 price range as I only really use it for browsing the net, forums etc and watch a bit of sport on it. Something reliable

WoodyWoodpecker

vuvuzela wrote: »

If it is just the hard drive, then £35 quid or so will get you a new 320GB one and a case of beer to a friend who works in IT will possibly persuade them to reinstall Windows for you.
Buit as the above poeople said, a PC shop who describe a HD as having 'collapsed' isn't one I would be taking any advice from and would definitely get a second opinion...

Cheers thanks for all the advice

Thats the thing with us IT novices..........easy to fob us off. I will heed your advice and certainly not use that shop again!