Laptop help for computer numpty please...

[Chappy]

So my old laptop died - I couldn't even log on to it in the end, and was getting 'hard drive is faulty and needs to be replaced' type messages.

So I've bought a new laptop today. I'm going to try and replace the hard drive myself on the old machine - nothing to lose, and it will be nice to have a spare laptop. I'm probably going to get a solid state hard drive for it.

If I create a windows 10 recovery disc from my new machine, will I then be able to transfer it all onto the old one?

[Someone-Else]

Just my opinion.

As the hard drive has failed, and you have said its old I would seriously look into the costing, then ask, is it worth it? I can't help but wonder how bad is the keyboard and mouse of the lap top, how long before they fail? Yes you can use external for both, but then its not really a laptop, and then its more £ oh and a new xxx which is more £ If it were a desktop then I would agree, but laptop, no.

[Chappy]

I see your point.
The old machine is a very nice one - much nicer quality than the new one. If I get a hard drive for say £40, and can transfer my OS from the new one (do Microsoft let you do that even?).....or even get a copy of windows 7 off ebay, and get the upgrade to 10 through the updates, I still think it might be worth it - everything else is in good nick on it.

[kellys_eye]

I doubt you can transfer Windows between machines - not even legally.

I got a SSD to resurrect an older laptop which has now been loaded with Ubuntu 15.10 (free) and used for surfing the web mainly although the (also free) Office Package that comes with it is M$ Office compatible too. The SSD increased the speed of the lappy enormously (along with the Ubuntu install) and boots within 5 seconds!

So from a slow and decrepit laptop (DELL 9400) I now have a usable machine that is quick, safe (er) and very usable.

Worth a punt as a standby machine.

[Chappy]

Never even crossed my mind to go Microsoft-free. I'll look into that, thanks KE.

[Chris Skilbeck]

I'm in the middle of getting a friend to set up an old laptop for me as a spare, using a Linux distro instead of a Microsoft OS - as KE says, it's all free, and I found a lot of helpful advice on -

http://www.linuxquestions.org/

where several people chipped in to tell me the best distro (the term Linux uses instead of 'Operating System') to use for the particular machine and my own needs - they've warned me there'll be a bit of a learning process, 'cos it's not quite the same as Windows (obvs!) - but it's still basically pointing a pointer at things and clicking, so how hard can it be?

[BillyGoat]

What was the previous operating system installed?

If it was 7 or 8/8.1 then that's good. If it was 10, it's even better.

If it's the first, use your new laptop to download the installer for Windows 10. It will let you create a bootable USB key which you can install onto your old laptop (no upgrade, clean). Once you are in Windows, you can activate using a 7 or 8 product key (part of the November update).

If you already upgraded to 10, install 10 again and when it's installed and net connected, it'll activate without any issues.

BG

[aeromech3]

I have replaced the HD on my old laptop but luckily had the XP op disc and key, on one that i did not i loaded Linux Mint, burnt a dvd download on another machine, very happy with mint and use it most of the time on my main PC.

[Chappy]

All very interesting, thanks all. Need to buy a HDD first.
Can anyone tell me what hard drives are any good?
The laptop is a Dell Inspiron N5010.

[aeromech3]

I think 1st you need to establish what model is fitted and find what is available Dell often quote their own part numbers but there will be a generic # on the old drive which should help to spread the manufacturers list; i don't particularly like W.Digital. When U are in the box clean the fan and if noisy change it to had success on an Acer but my own Toshiba is buried too much for my skills.

[BillyGoat]

All very interesting, thanks all. Need to buy a HDD first.
Can anyone tell me what hard drives are any good?
The laptop is a Dell Inspiron N5010.

You check check what is installed on Dell's system check site - just put the service code in from the bottom.

I'd guess it's just a 2.5" notebook drive, so options a plenty. If you are after occasional use, then something like a cheap Sandisk. 240GB will set you back 40 odd notes. Quick, put I'd not put my life on them.

If you want something reliable and quick, then look at something with MLC memory - like Cruical / Intel parts. Maybe 240GB for around 80 quid.

Just shop around. BG

[Chappy]

Thanks BG.
The other issue is that if I do stay with a microsoft operating system, the key for my windows 7 is on a sticker on the bottom of the machine........which has worn off so I can't read it.

[Someone-Else]

AS you only want it for a "spare" you could consider one of These Yes its not perfect, but it is only a spare, and its only £150 less than twice the cost of the hard drive you will have to get, and you know how to use windows.

On the other hand you could spend your £80 have all the fun of changing a hard drive (not that bad really) loading a new operating system on it getting all the updates, spend ages trying to figure out why it doesn't work and then realising it is only a spare so putting it to one side for a long time...........

[Chappy]

Arrrggghhhhh!!!
You posted a link to Currys! Never Ever Again! Bastards!!!!!

[Someone-Else]

yes, I don't much like a curry