S.M.A.R.T Error message

[TexasT]

Well I'm getting a smart error message on the home desktop. I'm no computer guy so I googled it and it is saying that the hd is about to fail.
This gets me to not knowing what to so next.

I swapped in an old hard drive that has w xp on it but it wanted an activation code. This came out of a computer we bought in Houston around 04 so needless ro say I don't have one.

So I surfed newegg and tiger direct for a refurb as that is what I usually buy as it is cheaper. This failing drive is a sata but the rest of my stuff is ide so I guess I want to copy the contents off the failing drive onto another maybe new drive. Then get this piece going again but I am thinking I might need an activation code for it too. Is this a valid fear? I see there are code mining programs so I could try that.

Your thoughts?
Tia

Rich

[roliath]

buy new hdd, use macrium reflect to image your current drive to your new drive.

[mstng86]

If you try to put in a harddrive with windows already installed, windows detects a different motherboard and CPU so it assumes its a new setup.

I would just go get a new drive and do what roliath said.

[TexasT]

This macrium , it can be downloaded, or is this something I need to buy?
I'm guessing I need an operational computer to do this.
I found a cheap refurb that has an hdmi so I coud use it to stream on my tv if I get this broke one working.

Thanks for the help. Off to find out about macrium.

[TexasT]

If you try to put in a harddrive with windows already installed, windows detects a different motherboard and CPU so it assumes its a new setup.

I would just go get a new drive and do what roliath said.

So if I find that motherboard/processor can I get it up or did I goof ot up by trying the wrong one?Tia

[TexasT]

Well I got the xp to go by doing a system restore. Can't get it to the internet. I think we were using Ethernet when we used this. So I guess I need a driver for the USB wireless . I also have a wireless that plugs into the motherboard. Can't get it recognised either. Daughter wil be home this weekend so I might be.able to download something then.

[Tx Redneck]

Where are you located

[TexasT]

South Arlington near parks mall
Just south of 20 at the park springs exit

[Tx Redneck]

Man, if you feel like bringin it to me in N Garland, just south of 190 and bring a new HDD w/it, I'll image it over for ya.

[TexasT]

Let me see what I can accomplish this w/e. Might just take you up on it.

[TexasT]

A couple questions if I may.

So, I need a new hd.
I think this motherboard has a couple sata "ports". So I need a couple sata cords to plug the hd in? I think the power supply has the right plugs on the string so I think that is covered.
I found this cranium reflex as a free down load so I will get that downloaded.

So with these new things I can just hook it all up , run the program and I should be able to put the newly reflected hd in the other computer and it should work?
Also, I don't see a jumper on the sata drives like there is on the ide drives. Is this something I'm missing, or do the sata drives not need the jumpers.

Sorry, I'm not to schooled in computers. I appreciate the help.

[Tx Redneck]

Macrium is good, but unless something has changed, it doesn't create a bootable image. I have a program I'll PM you a link to.

[TexasT]

Thanks, I got a new(used) drive and some cables to hook it up at a place called discount electronic sales on pioneer in arlington.

[TexasT]

Macrium is good, but unless something has changed, it doesn't create a bootable image. I have a program I'll PM you a link to.

What does a bootable image do?
I'll look for the pm.

[Tx Redneck]

Bootable image means, the program makes an exact copy on the new drive, that once it's connected in place of the bad one, the pc will boot as if nothing has changed.