Is it smarter to replace my hard-drive (it crashed) or to buy a new computer?

Question

My hard drive crashed and I have the option of fixing the hard-drive and getting my data saved ($295) or to back up my data on an external drive($160) and buy a new computer?? ($$$$) I have heard once the harddrive goes, everything else starts to go. Is that true? Or am I okay to just have it replaced and keep the computer?

PS My computer is four years old.

Thanks!!!

Answer 1

neither of those options sound good to me

unless you have $160 to $295 worth of irreplaceable data i'd say format the hard drive if its still working and reinstall the operating system yourself and forget about everything you lost

if the hard drive is not working anymore just buy a new hard drive and throw the broken one in the trash

if you want to get a new computer it might not hurt cause its 4 years old but don't pay extra to recover your data if the data is not anything important

Answer 2

Hard drive failure is not directly related to other component failure, provided you have kept the cooling aspects (fans, vents, etc.) in working order.



If all alternate attempts fail, & you've got a lot of valuable files that must be recovered, have a look @ 'SpinRite' from GRC.

Recovers data & fixes HDD errors; disk maintenance; checks cable interfaces; many deep disk checks; etc.

Self contained DOS, so functioning OS not required.

THE industry standard.

About $90 US;

Money back if not satisfied (how many software items have you seen with that?).



Google for reviews.

Well worth the money.

http://www.grc.com/sr/spinrite.htm

or

http://www.grc.com/sr/testimonials.htm



If you decide to give this a try, read the help files on what modes do what, cause it can be a tad confusing. Whatever 'mode' you select, don't be impatient: this works slowly, but methodically, and just may pull your drive back from the brink of doom.

Does not work with newer "solid state" drives, but does work on ANY spinning type (Mac's, Tivo's, game console's, etc.).

For older systems, make sure to have plenty of ventilation in the tower as it puts extra demand on the drive mechanics, causing elevated heat in the drive.



ADDED: Time to formulate a back up strategy while your @ it.

Answer 3

Get a new computer. You would have a faster and more updated advanced more graphical laptop and still would have your information!