Computer Hope
Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: bluecountry on June 05, 2011, 06:11:32 PM
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I am going to be running a CD that has a few hard drive diagnostics tools.
I'll need to know the manufacturer of the hard drive in order to select the appropriate tool.
I never saw the name while you were performing the tests with the Sony diagnostic.
I was told I could find it "by turning on the laptop and pressing whichever key the screen indicates for BIOS or setup."
But since I cannot boot windows, I don't know what key it is.
Does anybody know how I can find out the manufacturer of the hard drive?
My PC is a sony vaio laptop
Model: PCG-5G2L
Model Name: VGN-CR190
Service Tag: R5311448
Product Code: 29399144
Serial No: 3001189
MFD: 07/07
(Mods delete any info if unneeded).
Thanks.
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You don't need Windows to get to the BIOS...
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Have you already been on their site?
https://forum.sel.sony.com/
Hard drive diagnostics are usefully when the hard drive is mostly good. A badly damaged hard drive will not finish the diagnostics, which gives rise to the suspicion that the problem may be the motherboard. Having a spare drive on hand can give a better answer. If a good drive works, then it is not the motherboard.
As patio said, you can get into the BIOS and see what drive, if any, is recognized. If the BIOS does not see the drive, the next step is to try another drive.
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You could just turn the laptop over, open the hard drive compartment, and look at the label on the drive.
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Aside from this (I am uneasy about opening up the harddrive compartment, I do not know where it is, what tools to use, and am worried if I do so, how to safely place it back in securely) any other way to find out the manufacturer?
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As was suggested, look in the BIOS.
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OK...step by step...how do I get into BIOS?
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http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/model-home.pl?mdl=VGNCR190&LOC=3
VGN-CR Series Hard Disk Drive Replacement Instructions (http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/model-documents.pl?mdl=VGNCR190)
Direct link for hard drive removal: http://www.docs.sony.com/release/994655000_VGNCRseries_HDD_CRU.pdf
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Well this was clearly above and beyond my scope.
I shopped around, and found the best deal at staples, since the $70 diagnosis fee is credited towards any service performed.
Sure enough, the harddrive needs replaced, and the operating system needs re-installed.
They will try as well and recover data.
Cost is $250...but if you credit the diagnosis...is is $180.
They told me they highly recommend I replace the motherboard, as that would be like getting a new PC, and would definitely guarentee it functioning.
That cost if I did that would be an additional $110...bringing it to $360 or less diagnosis $290.
I figured this was a "come on" to get me to pay more, I just want it running for the next 1-2 years, and said no.
Questions:
1) Does this sound like I got a fair price, and does the diagnosis+work seem reasonable?
2) Do you think I should have gone for the motherboard, or was my call correct?
-I figure I save money, and if I need a motherboard, I can always get that done later, why do it now if I might not require it, plus I thought it was more trying to squeeze cash out of me.
3) What do you guys think of staples? They were MUCH more reasonable than BestBuy Geeksquad and SunMicroSystems.
They have a 180 guarentee anywho.
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3) What do you guys think of staples? They were MUCH more reasonable than BestBuy Geeksquad and SunMicroSystems.
They have a 180 guarentee anywho.
Sounds like a easy decision.