HDD fail, and reinstalling windows 7

[saketis]

My WD HDD is failing. I am thinking about new HDD. Does that make any problems when reinstalling Windows 7 with the same licence? Thanks.
About failing:
It suddenly from time to time freezes and slows down computer drastically, and I see led for HDD usage working. It unfreezes after 5-10 minutes.
Sometimes when I turn on my computer there is a message ‚‚Error loading operating system‚‚ which I have to remove by restarting my computer.
Some unusual noise comes from that HDD when it freezes and when it starts. Like scratching or smth like that.

 

[Corazon]

No, there won't be any problem reinstalling Windows once you have replaced the harddrive. And yep...the current one is definitely dying - all the symptoms of a headcrash that's already happened.

Also read this for more tips: http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/151566-reinstalling-windows-7-a.html#post1300819

Good luck

 

[ignatzatsonic]

You can download and run the WD diagnostic utility to confirm your suspicions:

WD Support / Downloads / SATA & SAS / WD Caviar Blue / SE / SE16 (SATA II)

I'd get my data backed up immediately if you have not already done so.

 

[saketis]

I did all the diagnostics you suggested and there is no error reported. Everything is fine.

 

[whs]

It may be easier to make images of your current partitions and transfer those to the new HDD.

A little tip: If the HDD really blocks, take it out and put it into the fridge for a couple of hours. Then put it back. Chances are high that it will work again - at least for enough time to make the images. That trick has also worked for defunct USB sticks.

 

[saketis]

It is not blocking that hard, I am using it now. It blocks sometimes in interval of 5 to 10 minutes. I am pretty sure it is not virus nor some software because I installed this OS a month ago. I did all diagnostics and every test passed. Also I hear some noisy fan that stops being noisy after boot. It started happening 7-8 days ago. I have another HDDs that are working normally and this one makes noise like two metal surfaces on each other moving .

 

[whs]

I think it would be prudent to move your OS to another disk. Metal noise is not very inspiring.

Maybe you use the opportunity to move your OS to a small SSD. Would make your system a lot faster: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/149969-ssd-install-transfer-operating-system.html