New
#1
Windows Detected a hard disk Problem
I have a 3 year old Dell Inspiron Desk top with a 1TB Seagate HDD running Win 7 Home Premiuim 64b. On start up I get an error message in old 'DoS type white on black' font along lines that Hard disk drive is outside one of parameters etc. Back up data etc. Clearing that message takes you to BIOS and after escaping that the PC starts fine. Whilst working/changing accounts Windows intermittently presents a dialogue box stating 'Windows detected a hard disk problem Back up your files immediately etc....(screen shot hopefully attached)
I have backed up but to replace the presumably about to fail hard disk, can I connect a new internal hard disk (same size/manufacturer) in an external enclosure, then run 'Backup/Create system image' on to this new drive, then swap the old drive out for the new drive that now carries the system image?
I fear it wont be that simple. Does the Win 7 Home Premium 'system image' process clone the whole disk exactly including hidden and boot partitions etc to enable this, or do I need disk cloning software........? I am worried that if the disk is failing, the system image process may tip it over the edge? -Also 3 years seems a short life span - can I verify the supposed frailty of the disk somehow?
Thanks any input gratefully received
DWH