My Dell laptop hard drive crashed. Is replacing the hard drive better or just buying a totally new laptop?

+No, I don't agree with that assessment. The same brands of hard drives in PC's are used in Mac's. If your hard drive went bad, that is nothing abnormal. For ALL computers, it isn't IF your hard drive will die, it's WHEN. There is no need to replace an entire laptop b/c the drive went bad. That's like buying a new car b/c your radio doesn't work anymore.

Well that all depends.

Replacing just the hard drive will be the cheapest solution for you, running you from aroung $100 to $350. Depending on Hard Drive size and whether you are getting someone to install it for you.

Whether you should replace the laptop all together depends on the age of the Laptop. If it is already aging and due for an upgrade soon, you might as well dish out the extra cash now if you can afford it. As well if you buy a new Laptop you may be stuck with upgrading to Vista if that makes a difference to you.

The best way is to download Ccleaner here http://bitly.com/UrALrK

Or you can go on Windows operating system locate the command prompt and go there to do the following:

Create a Recovery file of system and date it today.

Then begin by;

delete the 'Temp' folders..they have hidden subfolders so you need to set the attributes in order to bypass this. For each subfolder delete all cookies and rubbish left behnd after install-uninstalled programs. Do a 'dir' command to check your progress. Make sure the 'Temp' file is empty.

goto c:\windows\prefetch and delete everything in there..no exceptions

goto c:\windows folder and delete all the '$' files that have been installed by updates. They can all be succesfully deleted and just take up disk space.

Locate the Internet Temporary Files..Check to see how high the saving level is..some have it set at 30 days..but that stores faaaar tooo much data..though it slows down the system overal. Keep this to a minimum..suggest 2 or 5 at most.

Delete all 'cookies' all those you don't need.

Locate the windows directory and go through the folders you know and those you don't need. Check this once a week at least. Some programs will install under XP as NT and older systems where there is no check of systems weight.

Check to see that system files have not changed since last booting. Things like .ini files or .bat are important items.

Check for 'Hidden Directories' all over the disk...do this at the command prompt:

dir *.* /ah wil show these hidden directories

Check the 'dir' command for all parameters

Yes, that is true about MACs. If they are going to replace the hard drive for free, then have them do it. BUT make sure you save all your files on another hard drive or burn them on a DVD as data. Backup your files so when you have the new hard drive you still have all your files.

If you have the money, buy a new one. A MAC. It is likely your laptop will crash again.

well i would buy a new laptop if it was in my case but if u have a recovery disk you can use it also so u can reset your whole laptop but also if it didnt come with one you can turn your power off and hold down the number zero (0) and turn the power on but dont let 0 go jus keep holding it for 5 minutes then let it go and your secret recovery disk will pop up good luck!

if your laptop is older than 3 years, get a new one. else replace your hard drive.

my computer's harddrive got messed up, so i bought a new one. but it was a computer, i know laptops are more expensive then replacing your hard drive, i'd rather just buy a new laptop and transfer everything. (i know this probably isnt the best answer..)

Well if it's under warranty, let them replace the drive for free. If you mod it yourself, you have to pay for the drive.

You can get a cheap hard drive at an electronics store. It will have storage, and it won't cost 1,000 bucks. But, if you find a new computer to be easier, be my guest.

well i have the brand new dell inspirion, and a friend who has a mac, so i have to say there about the same. macs are great, and so is the dell inpirion.