Hi Matt,

I would like to know the exact error message you are getting to check if the HDD has to be replaced. . Is ‘D’ drive an external drive? Please provide the snap shot of the error message you get while backing up the files.

Also find the link below for steps to backup Windows 7.

http://dell.to/1bjtlhk

Revert for further queries.

Hi Sujatha,

Here is the error message I am receiving when I log into my computer:

I ran a diagnostic via Dell of my hardware and got a similar error message saying my SAMSUNG HM640JJ ATA Device failed the Smart Status Diagnostic and thought I would need to get it replaced (I am out of warranty).  

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When I attempt to backup my data to the preset D drive, which is just another partition of my in-computer hard drive (I currently do not have an external Hard Drive, I get this error message:

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After I ran the diagnostic with Dell it did give me a number to call for low-cost out of warranty support.  Do you believe I should just go that route or do I have other options?  Thank you for your help.

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-Matt

this is what i did and it worked great...get a Sandisk USB key...at least 64 mb and copy all your files. install the new hard drive and load windows....you have a recovery cd right? ok  now   put the sandisk in the usb and keep it there and follow the prompts..DO NOT remove the Sandisk at anytime. after completion, restart the system and the rest of the files from Sandisk will load and you'll have exactly what you had b4 your hard drive failed. Dont wait until the hard drive completely fails or you'll be in trouble. I know this!! good luck   nice post

Safest course of action:  remove the drive, mount it in a 2.4" external case and attach it to a working system by USB.  Back up your data files.

Then replace the drive.  If you don't have a set of install media and are in the US, you'll need one:

http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/software-os/w/microsoft_os/476.2-0-requesting-a-microsoft-windows-reinstallation-cddvd-from-dell.aspx

(there will be a charge for the media if you're out of warranty).

I appreciate all of the comments! Do you guys have any recommendation on which hard drive I should purchase as a replacement? Thanks!

-Matt

Also, I wil have to look for my recovery cd but I do not remember it coming woth my laptop. Would I be able to order a new one if I can not locate mine?

Hi Matt,

This system model is shipped with SATA hard drives and it is a customer replaceable part. The drives are available at 7200 and 5400 rpm drive speeds.
Along with conventional HDDs SSD is a new offering from Dell which replaced the conventional HDD. The SSD has much faster access, more reliable and durable. 256 and 512 GB SSD is supported on this system.

You can purchase the HDD from the sales department. Let me know the region you belong to, to provide the contact information to purchase the same.

I have looked at my options and I was fine purchasing one of the HDD models.  However, while on the phone with a sales rep, they informed me there would be about a $90 service charge for information on how to install it and reboot my Windows 7 OS.  This honestly made me want to take a completely different non Dell route.  I still might purchase a Hard Drive via dell to ensure compatibility, but I think it is slightly ridiculous that I paid $1000 for a laptop and need to pay $90 for basic customer service on a replacement (mind you this laptop is only 2.5 years old anyways, so it is frustrating that I already have to replace the HDD).  

I will in all likelihood go to Best Buy or a tech savvy friend for the replacement information/migrating my OS onto the new HDD unless Dell lowers/waives the $90 service charge.  

Hi Matt.Donegan,

I am sorry for the inconvenience. If you are comfortable replacing the HDD, you may do it yourself. Installing the operating system is also a simple process; refer to the following link for assistance.

Click on the link below for service manual:

XPS 17 (L701x)
XPS 17 (L702x)

Click on the link below for a video on Windows 7 installation:

http://dell.to/1809bCE or http://dell.to/169355f

Let me know if you need further assistance.

Your friend is the "free" option -  BB will charge you (and more than $90) to reinstall the OS.