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Question

Dead laptop harddrive

Oct 3, 2015 11:38PM PDT

4 years old computer.
I think laptop harddrive is dead. dont have the budget to buy new harddrive. Can i use usb drive other external hardrive to function as internal hardrive?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
No.
Oct 4, 2015 12:58AM PDT

That is to say, unless you buy the most expensive version of Windows that offers "Windows to go. But that is much more expensive than a new hard disk.

When I thought my daughters' laptop hard disk was gone, 10 years ago, it turned out to be the motherboard,

Kees

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Answer
Yes, but not for Windows. Can for Linux
Oct 4, 2015 2:04AM PDT
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Answer
The thing is, laptop drives have plummeted in price.
Oct 4, 2015 10:11AM PDT

I see folk have noted about Windows on USB and another OS that runs on USB without too much trouble.

At 4 years I would guess it's some SATA 2.5 inch drive.
http://www.amazon.com/MHV2060BH-CP170861-01-Fujitsu-60GB-Drive/dp/B00WNAEZ2Y/ was only 15 bucks so you would spend that much on some USB sticks.

Yes it's on the small side but the budget may be that small too.

Then you have the issue of restoring Windows. I don't know your skills but Windows does fit on this.

I'd shop the 500GB models since they are the usual size and run in the 50 buck range.

-> I've lost count of where the owner says bad HDD yet it's just a corrupt OS or other issue.

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Answer
only if you run linux a your operating system.
Oct 4, 2015 12:36PM PDT

you think the harddrive is dead??? post the issues you are having with it and possibly someone here can help jumpstart it.