My computer has been running poorly for a few weeks now. It is a Dell Inspiron 1600, about 9 years old. The sound has also stopped working via speakers/headphones, is this a symptom of it too? How can I check this? I have run the Dell diagnostic and it has come back with - Targeted read test failed - Your hard drive may be experiencing a hardware fault or may have a configuration issue. SMART short self test failed - Your hard drive is operating outside of normal parameters and should be replaced. Linear read test failed - Your hard drive is operating outside of normal parameters and should be replaced. My question is about a replacement hard drive. What do I need to buy? What size? Is it worth it for an 8 years old laptop? Will this fix the sound issue too? Many thanks.
Personally I would take the opportunity to treat yourself to a new one, if cash is an issue, you have the original installation disks & your happy with your old laptops speed & performance then get on ebob or ebuyer & buy yourself a new hard drive... I'm no expert by the way & a mate did mine a few years back but I bet someone on here has done it and could advise if you go for the new HD option... Robo...
The hard drive probably wouldn't fix the sound but pcs are strange things. I would not bother trying to fix if you only use it for light web you can pick up a brand new computer for a few £00
Honestly? With a nine year old laptop? Replace, don't fix. You'll save yourself a load of headaches and have a much faster machine to boot.
