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HDD replacement process to insure OS recovery for Inspiron 1545
I am looking at a possible HDD failure. I am wondering what it takes to replace the drive and recover my Windows 7 64bit OS? I have 2 Dell System Recovery Disks that I made when I bought the Inspiron 1545. Is it as simple as replacing the hard drive and booting from Disk 1 of the System Recovery Disk? I don't think I should have to pay for Windows 7 again, having taken the precautions of creating the System Recovery Disks when I got the laptop. Please send any links to process/procedure.
I am looking at this drive as a replacement.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Seagate---Momentus-500GB-Internal-Serial-ATA-Hard-Drive-for-Laptops/9326428.p?id=1218085426687&skuId=9326428
Please note I also have a Windows 7 System Repair Disk that was created at the same time as the SRD's.
And advice/help appreciated.
Jim
ejn63
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March 20th, 2013 16:00
Yes. If you want even better performance there's the Seagate Momentus XT, which is a hybrid hard drive-solid state drive. Or, you can use a solid state drive, though you'll likely have to go with a smaller drive because of the cost (500 G SSDs are still relatively expensive - upward of $400 or more).
jlandwehr61
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March 20th, 2013 11:00
Thanks enj. A big relief and good to know. When I do that from the current (failing/failed) HDD, it runs through the first disk and just hangs at a black screen with a cursor that is responsive to the touchpad. It never asks for disk 2. Restores in the past have worked and usually prompt you for disk 2, correct?
ejn63
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March 20th, 2013 11:00
Yes, those discs will restore the system to the way it was when you received it. Put the first disc in the drive, press F12 at powerup and boot from it - then follow the instructions.
ejn63
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March 20th, 2013 11:00
It should, yes - but if you're trying it on a known-faulty drive, it may not work properly.
jlandwehr61
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March 20th, 2013 16:00
Can I replace the 5400 RPM 320GB HDD, with a faster 500GB 7200 RPM?
jlandwehr61
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March 21st, 2013 08:00
enj, I bought a 320 GB 5400 RPM drive last night from Best Buy, installed it, put in the OS recovery disk I got with the Inspiron and an hour later I am back to normal. Thanks much for your advice and guidance. Any recommendations on a backup strategy? I have 4 laptops in my household, and am thinking a Macrium image of each should suffice. I'm open to suggestions though.