i think my hard drive is dead? D:

alright so, i'm having a big problem with my laptop. it's an HP. so today, when i turned it on, it had a black screen that said 'SMART hard disk error' with the option of going to the system diagnostics or to continue startup. this isn't the real problem - this screen has been coming up for about the past week. i've ignored it, it told me to backup my files, and i didn't. i don't know, i kind of figured it wasn't a big problem because i wouldn't mind if i lost my files, there isn't really anything that would matter if it was deleted (i thought the files that it was talking about were documents- pictures, music, etc.. didn't think it would ruin the whole computer lol) so, i pressed enter to continue startup, and it said 'Starting windows', then it said 'Windows is loading files...' with a large bar at the bottom. then it went to a blue screen, and said 'Startup repair is checking your system for problems...' and it ends up saying 'A hard disk problem is preventing Windows from starting'. it's done this a few times now, i'm not sure how to fix it. is my hard disk completely done for or can i still save it? or do i have to bring it to get fixed now (and if i do, does anyone know how much money that costs?)
by the way, i've already tried doing the system diagnostics; i checked my hard disk and did a start up test, they both said that the hard disk failed.
also, just a note for anyone that answers this, i'm not completely computer-savvy so try not to use complete techy language.. thanks lol.

What application did you use to diagnose the hard drive failure?

General recommendation is to use the tools provided by the hard disk manufacturer.

Hard drives generally aren't fixed---they are replaced. A desktop hard disk can cost as little as 30 or 40 dollars, depending on size, but notebook parts are usually more expensive.

ignatzatsonic said:

What application did you use to diagnose the hard drive failure?

General recommendation is to use the tools provided by the hard disk manufacturer.

Hard drives generally aren't fixed---they are replaced. A desktop hard disk can cost as little as 30 or 40 dollars, depending on size, but notebook parts are usually more expensive.

uh... system diagnostics? wrong answer i bet.. i didn't really use an application, it just said that the hard disk failed on startup...

okay. just wondering, do you think it would be smart to do a system restore or will my laptop still be screwed up?

oh, right. okay, thanks!

whs said:

It looks like it is dead - if that is what the diagnostic program says. I would get another disk and reinstall Windows with the recovery DVD that you have hopefully burnt from the recovery partition.

Here is e.g. a 320GB model for less than $50: Newegg.com - Western Digital Scorpio Blue WD3200BEVT 320GB 5400 RPM 8MB Cache 2.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Internal Notebook Hard Drive -Bare Drive

alright, so i'll just back up some things (recovery manager suddenly popped up about 5 minutes ago, thank god) get another hard drive and then it'll be fine?

okay, thank youu.

hjonesMCT said:

Hey Symphonic,

You're fine. That's the correct tool, it is built into the Windows Recovery Environment, which was trying to fix your computer (and which gave you the message saying "a hard disk error is preventing Windows from starting"). However, a System Restore will not solve your problem; your drive is kaput, which is a hardware problem, and you won't be accessing anything on it (unless you pay good money to do so). Your best bet would be to go out and buy a nice, reliable new laptop hard drive and reinstall Windows. Then burn a system image and repair DVD. :)

alrightyyy, thanks. but when i get the new hard drive, how do i reinstall Windows? will it just install when i turn on my laptop again?
i feel dumb asking all these questions lol, but how do you burn a system image? and what do you mean by repair DVD because i don't think i have one? :S

You need to install NEW Windows 7 after the purchasing of the new HDD. New programs new Drivers and new User.
The repair dvd is used to repair your damaged windows files. Recovery DVD however would recover your windows installation almost automatically and will make it easier for you to install windows 7.

Borrowing a disc and trying the key on the unit won't work. If you didn't make recovery discs, you will need to call HP and order a set. They cost between $15-$30.