SMART Short Self Test Fail

[ZenixNet]

I ran Dell's PC Checkup and it failed on the SMART Short Self Test. From what I get this basically means my hard drive is going to fail any time, true? When I get a new hard drive can I use the Windows 7 code that's on my computer or will I have to re-buy Windows 7? Are there any tutorials for replacing the main hard drive? Thanks

 

[Bill2]

Well the drive may fail sooner or later but its a good idea to get another. Yes, you can use the key on the sticker on the computer to activate windows. Better still, while the current drive is still alive, just save an image of the windows install using Macrium free or Acronis to an external drive, then you can just restore to the new drive- you wont even need to use the sticker code.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/73828-imaging-free-macrium.html

Heres how to replace your hard drive:

Documentation

 

[GeneO]

You can also use windows to create an image backup on your other drive and restore from that. The easiest however would be, since you have a WD drive, to get the WD edition of Acronis (from the WDC support site) and clone your drive to a new one - assuming nothing is damaged on your drive.