Windows Startup Repair query

gregrocker · 20 Oct 2014

Others can answer that better than I.

Boozad · 20 Oct 2014

For an SSD Samsung and Intel tend to be the 'best' brands, and for a standard HDD I'd recommend Western Digital (Caviar Black for performance such as gaming or running programs, Caviar Green for storage).

Gator · 20 Oct 2014

FWIW, I have a cheaper crucial SSD and it works perfect. Don't get too caught up in name brands. You basically have the same likelihood of getting a bad HD/SSD no matter what company you choose.

Boozad · 20 Oct 2014

Oh I'm not saying the others are bad, far from it. My backup rig has a Toshiba SSD and there's nothing wrong with it. But Intel and Samsung are generally recognised as better makes when it comes to SSDs, hence the higher prices.

Gator · 20 Oct 2014

Boozad said:

Oh I'm not saying the others are bad, far from it. My backup rig has a Toshiba SSD and there's nothing wrong with it. But Intel and Samsung are generally recognised as better makes when it comes to SSDs, hence the higher prices.

Oh sorry, I should have quoted the OP, I was just giving him other options, not a rebuttal to your post in any way. :)

RedLad · 21 Oct 2014

Thanks for the replies, really appreciate it.

Is it OK to ask one more question?!

I'm presuming the hard drive was the main culprit, but the drive works fine when plugged into another laptop as I said, so that seems weird to me, but I still won't go back to using it again. So would I be best bringing the laptop to a repair shop for a checkup just to see there are no other hardware issues before I go installing 2 brand new hard drives and a fresh copy of Windows?

Just that I don't want to get it all setup for something else to happen, for example the motherboard or ram may have issues? Is there a way to determine if these and the laptop in general is healthy without having to bring it to a shop? Sorry I know these are total 'newbie' questions guys.

Cheers,

Paul

Boozad · 21 Oct 2014

There's no need pay for diagnostics on your hardware. If you've ascertained that your HDD is bad and are going to replace it you can test the RAM yourself.

Download and run MemTest86+ to test your RAM.

Note

Run MemTest86+ for at least 8 passes. Ideally set it off before you go to bed and leave it overnight, we're looking for zero errors here. A single error will show something's going bad with your RAM.

RAM - Test with Memtest86+

If there are any more tests you would like to carry out just let us know.

RedLad · 21 Oct 2014

Boozad said:

There's no need pay for diagnostics on your hardware. If you've ascertained that your HDD is bad and are going to replace it you can test the RAM yourself.

Download and run MemTest86+ to test your RAM.

Note

Run MemTest86+ for at least 8 passes. Ideally set it off before you go to bed and leave it overnight, we're looking for zero errors here. A single error will show something's going bad with your RAM.

RAM - Test with Memtest86+

If there are any more tests you would like to carry out just let us know.

Thanks Boozad, I don't need an operating system installed to do that do I?

Boozad · 21 Oct 2014

No, MemTest86+ will run independently from whichever bootable media you create. Just make sure your run it for at least 8 passes which will take a fair amount of time.

RedLad · 21 Oct 2014

gregrocker said:

Install the OS to the SSD, the move the User folders to the HDD: User Folders - Change Default Location, alternatively create new User folders on the HDD which you then rightclick to add to the related Library - Include a Folder setting the data drive one as the default: Library - Set Save Folder.

If you stick with these steps, tools and methods for the Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 then you'll have a perfect install for as long as you do.

Hi Greg, just about the factory OEM Windows 7 you mention - is that if I don't have a Windows 7 disc? The laptop came with Windows 7 home edition installed as far as I can remember, but I went and bought the Ultimate version shortly after.