Computer Help Needed

[DreamN]

Okay, well I'm not to computer hardware/software savvy and I know many folks on here are so figured I'll give it a shot and make a thread about my current issue with my old laptop.

About a month ago my laptop was acting up. I would get messages on the screen that there was a missing filed/error of some sort and that I should back up my files immediately. I tried to, but the laptop kept freezing up. I tried to reformat the damn thing and it all went horribly wrong. It started the recovery process or whatever, but would get a bunch of pop-up errors and finally just blue screened. It stopped loading Window after this.

I figured I was defeated, forgot about all my music, and purchased a new laptop. Problem solved for me. Few days ago my mom told me she's taking computer classes and what not and I told her I could give her my old lap top (figuring it just needs a new hard drive) and it'll be cheaper than buying a new laptop. Plus she likes it because it's a 17" with a full sized keyboard.

Now I know what hard drive I want to get it, but what do I do about the software? Am I able to use the Gateway Recovery Disk to load up all the software or do I have to purchase new software for it?


Cliff Notes:
- Old laptop's hard drive took a shit.
- Mom is learning to use computers would like old laptop.
- Wondering if a new hard drive & original recovery disk is a viable solution.

This is my old laptop:
http://support.gateway.com/s//Mobile/Gateway/8500Series/5743nv.shtml

[zylvia213]

you gota stop going to them porn sites Jimmy lol...

sounds like a virus, thats what couple of my comps did in the past due to virus.

I remmember my cousin which is a computer nerd just replaced the hard drive... he was able to save most of the files on the old hard drive and transfer them to the new hard drive.....

Anyway just thought i share that.... probably doesnt answer your question... good luck!

[NINJASPY]

depends if the gateway disc has the operating system(win xp?) you are going to run. It may just be the driver files for the laptop and not windows itself.

So pretty much, replace hard drive, install windows, install gateway drivers, updates etc. Cd rom should work without drivers... if not you might need to make bootable usb or use usb cdrom.

[DreamN]

The disc is labled: "To re-install the operating system, programs and drivers." So I should be okay right?

[NINJASPY]

yes you should be good. And check the bottom of the laptop for the cdkey, it usually on a sticker.

[DreamN]

Yup, still on there. Great. Thanks for the help.

Jimmy, you think it was the porn? That's all I use my computer for lol. Well, porn and zilvia. It's my late night feel good combo. :keke:

[chanmansr20]

1) reinstall operating system
2) install system drivers
3) install avast antivirus! best antivirus software and its FREE!