Replacing HDD on UK Time Computer

[John Latter]

Hi,

I have a UK Time computer (bout 2 years old) and the hard disc needs
replacing.

As my copy of Windows Home XP is on the end of the hard drive, I was
wondering if anyone can give me any advice (particularly if they've
had experience) of installing a new drive & copying XP on to it.

My current HDD is a Seagate one & I haven't yet been able to get their
diagnostic software to give a full report. Bad sectors are being
reported though & I was also wondering what happens if the 'hidden'
copy of XP contains a bad sector?

Hope someone will be able to help

--

John Latter

Model of an Internal Evolutionary Mechanism (based on an extension to homeostasis) linking Stationary-Phase Mutations to the Baldwin Effect.
http://members.aol.com/jorolat/TEM.html

'Where Darwin meets Lamarck?' Discussion Egroup
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/evomech

 

[PCDaddy]

Hi,

I have a UK Time computer (bout 2 years old) and the hard disc needs
replacing.

As my copy of Windows Home XP is on the end of the hard drive, I was
wondering if anyone can give me any advice (particularly if they've
had experience) of installing a new drive & copying XP on to it.

My current HDD is a Seagate one & I haven't yet been able to get their
diagnostic software to give a full report. Bad sectors are being
reported though & I was also wondering what happens if the 'hidden'
copy of XP contains a bad sector?

Hope someone will be able to help

--

John Latter

Model of an Internal Evolutionary Mechanism (based on an extension to homeostasis) linking Stationary-Phase Mutations to the Baldwin Effect.
http://members.aol.com/jorolat/TEM.html

'Where Darwin meets Lamarck?' Discussion Egroup
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/evomech

You must have an OEM version of windows, in other words it was pre installed and your only reinstall copy is on your hard drive. Correct? Some times sectors can wear out and a fresh install can correct this problem, it doesn't mean your hard drive is bad but precaution is good. Back up anything important to disk or another hd, or whatever you choose, this should be your first step.
2. Another thing is, yes, it is possible that the copy of windows is corrupt. I have seen this many times and had to order the reinstall disks from the company for people. I truly hate the copy being put on the hd for reasons as your own. Try calling the manufacturer if possible and ask about getting the reinstallation disks. Even when out of warranty, not always, but sometimes they will still send the disks if you tell them the copy is corrupt on the hd. This is a good idea even if not corrupt, believe me.
3. The reinstall disks will work on another hd, usually, but not if you replaced your motherboard. Just a bit of info there.
4. I have had some success in putting in an extra hd, and copying the windows hidden to it but no guarantees. Have you tried to run any fix utilities? Even windowsxp volume check?
5. There are many other steps that can be taken but try a few simple things first.

 

[old jon]

Hi,

I have a UK Time computer (bout 2 years old) and the hard disc needs
replacing.

As my copy of Windows Home XP is on the end of the hard drive, I was
wondering if anyone can give me any advice (particularly if they've
had experience) of installing a new drive & copying XP on to it.

My current HDD is a Seagate one & I haven't yet been able to get their
diagnostic software to give a full report. Bad sectors are being
reported though & I was also wondering what happens if the 'hidden'
copy of XP contains a bad sector?

Hope someone will be able to help

Not got winXP on disk John ?. Got no way of accessing that partition ?.
And I think you know the answer to `bad sectors` in hidden partition. If
it`s `duff` it`s definitely `duff`. ..J

 

[Mike Hall \(MS-MVP\)]

John

Replace the hdd asap.. re-installing Windows will not fix bad sectors.. it
just avoids them.. save all important data to CD or some other medium..

The chances of Time Computers having recovery CDs for your computer is zero,
most likely.. if you can, go to one of their stores, as calling the
technical support is expensive.. if you can, find a supplier who will sell
you a new hard drive and OEM Windows XP SP2 CD..

Disconnect the present drive, and fit the new one.. install Windows.. once
up and running, reconnect the old drive as a slave and recover anything you
might have missed when you saved stuff.. email and address book for
instance.. before connecting to the internet, ensure that the XP firewall is
running, then connect and do the updates to Windows and your preferred
ant-virus and firewall programs..

Unless Time supplied bundled software on CD, you will lose that.. to make up
for it, Serif offer some great free downloads at
http://www.freeserifsoftware.com/ .. they may not be the latest versions,
but they are all good solid programs.. Open Office is a free office suite..
it is not exactly MS Office 2003, but gets good enough reviews from some..
http://www.openoffice.org/product/

Good luck..


--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/User

"If hard work were such a wonderful thing, surely the rich would have kept
it all to themselves." - Lane Kirkland

 

[M]

To test the hard drive you need a free copy of the SeaTools CD from
http://seatools.seagatestorage.com/en
It might be worth asking Seagate if they can replace the drive under
warranty if the test shows that there is a defect. They currently offer a
five year warranty http://5yrwarranty.seagatestorage.com/ although this
might not apply to an OEM drive or drive sold two years ago etc.

 

[John Latter]

Not got winXP on disk John ?. Got no way of accessing that partition ?.
And I think you know the answer to `bad sectors` in hidden partition. If
it`s `duff` it`s definitely `duff`. ..J

Nope, the XP is on the end of the HDD. Thought I might try copying the
hidden partition across to a new HDD first to try & avoid buying XP
again - I am so poor!

--

John Latter

Model of an Internal Evolutionary Mechanism (based on an extension to homeostasis) linking Stationary-Phase Mutations to the Baldwin Effect.
http://members.aol.com/jorolat/TEM.html

'Where Darwin meets Lamarck?' Discussion Egroup
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/evomech

 

[John Latter]

John

Replace the hdd asap.. re-installing Windows will not fix bad sectors.. it
just avoids them.. save all important data to CD or some other medium..

The chances of Time Computers having recovery CDs for your computer is zero,
most likely.. if you can, go to one of their stores, as calling the
technical support is expensive.. if you can, find a supplier who will sell
you a new hard drive and OEM Windows XP SP2 CD..

Disconnect the present drive, and fit the new one.. install Windows.. once
up and running, reconnect the old drive as a slave and recover anything you
might have missed when you saved stuff.. email and address book for
instance.. before connecting to the internet, ensure that the XP firewall is
running, then connect and do the updates to Windows and your preferred
ant-virus and firewall programs..

Unless Time supplied bundled software on CD, you will lose that.. to make up
for it, Serif offer some great free downloads at
http://www.freeserifsoftware.com/ .. they may not be the latest versions,
but they are all good solid programs.. Open Office is a free office suite..
it is not exactly MS Office 2003, but gets good enough reviews from some..
http://www.openoffice.org/product/

Good luck..

Thanks for the info & advice Mike - Time didn't supply much in the way
of software so I'm already using quite a bit of free/open source stuff
- thanks for the link though!

--

John Latter

Model of an Internal Evolutionary Mechanism (based on an extension to homeostasis) linking Stationary-Phase Mutations to the Baldwin Effect.
http://members.aol.com/jorolat/TEM.html

'Where Darwin meets Lamarck?' Discussion Egroup
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/evomech

 

[John Latter]

To test the hard drive you need a free copy of the SeaTools CD from
http://seatools.seagatestorage.com/en
It might be worth asking Seagate if they can replace the drive under
warranty if the test shows that there is a defect. They currently offer a
five year warranty http://5yrwarranty.seagatestorage.com/ although this
might not apply to an OEM drive or drive sold two years ago etc.

I'm having trouble getting the SeaTools full check to run to
completion, although I am in touch with Seagate tech support about it.

Seatools quick test fails my HDD & Seagate say theit warranty doesn't
apply to OEM stuff.

Oh well - perhaps I'll win the lottery tonight!

Jorolat

--

John Latter

Model of an Internal Evolutionary Mechanism (based on an extension to homeostasis) linking Stationary-Phase Mutations to the Baldwin Effect.
http://members.aol.com/jorolat/TEM.html

'Where Darwin meets Lamarck?' Discussion Egroup
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/evomech

 

[John Latter]

You must have an OEM version of windows, in other words it was pre
installed and your only reinstall copy is on your hard drive. Correct?
Some times sectors can wear out and a fresh install can correct this
problem, it doesn't mean your hard drive is bad but precaution is good.
Back up anything important to disk or another hd, or whatever you
choose, this should be your first step.
2. Another thing is, yes, it is possible that the copy of windows is
corrupt. I have seen this many times and had to order the reinstall
disks from the company for people. I truly hate the copy being put on
the hd for reasons as your own. Try calling the manufacturer if
possible and ask about getting the reinstallation disks. Even when out
of warranty, not always, but sometimes they will still send the disks
if you tell them the copy is corrupt on the hd. This is a good idea
even if not corrupt, believe me.
3. The reinstall disks will work on another hd, usually, but not if you
replaced your motherboard. Just a bit of info there.
4. I have had some success in putting in an extra hd, and copying the
windows hidden to it but no guarantees. Have you tried to run any fix
utilities? Even windowsxp volume check?
5. There are many other steps that can be taken but try a few simple
things first.

Thanks PCDaddy! I have been on to the nearest Time Computers outlet &
they've given me a head office number which I'll try as soon as I get
the chance.

Thought I might install a new HDD & try copying the XP stuff first (if
I can find the sectors) and only buy a new version of XP if I have to.

My current HDD is a 5200rpm 80GB Seagate - will I have any problems
installing a 7200rpm 120GB drive? (Seagate or otherwise).

Thanks again,

Jorolat

--

John Latter

Model of an Internal Evolutionary Mechanism (based on an extension to homeostasis) linking Stationary-Phase Mutations to the Baldwin Effect.
http://members.aol.com/jorolat/TEM.html

'Where Darwin meets Lamarck?' Discussion Egroup
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/evomech

 

[Mike Hall \(MS-MVP\)]

John

I noticed that they were not giving too much away on their website..
cheapskates is what they are..

--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/User

"If hard work were such a wonderful thing, surely the rich would have kept
it all to themselves." - Lane Kirkland

 

[PCDaddy]

On Wed, 15 Jun 2005 16:43:36 +0100, PCDaddy wrote:

>
>John Latter Wrote:
>> Hi,
>>
>> I have a UK Time computer (bout 2 years old) and the hard disc needs
>> replacing.
>>
>> As my copy of Windows Home XP is on the end of the hard drive, I was
>> wondering if anyone can give me any advice (particularly if they've
>> had experience) of installing a new drive & copying XP on to it.
>>
>> My current HDD is a Seagate one & I haven't yet been able to get their
>> diagnostic software to give a full report. Bad sectors are being
>> reported though & I was also wondering what happens if the 'hidden'
>> copy of XP contains a bad sector?
>>
>> Hope someone will be able to help
>>
>> --
>>
>> John Latter
>>
>> Model of an Internal Evolutionary Mechanism (based on an extension to
>> homeostasis) linking Stationary-Phase Mutations to the Baldwin Effect.
>> http://members.aol.com/jorolat/TEM.html
>>
>> 'Where Darwin meets Lamarck?' Discussion Egroup
>> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/evomech
>
>You must have an OEM version of windows, in other words it was pre
>installed and your only reinstall copy is on your hard drive. Correct?
>Some times sectors can wear out and a fresh install can correct this
>problem, it doesn't mean your hard drive is bad but precaution is good.
>Back up anything important to disk or another hd, or whatever you
>choose, this should be your first step.
>2. Another thing is, yes, it is possible that the copy of windows is
>corrupt. I have seen this many times and had to order the reinstall
>disks from the company for people. I truly hate the copy being put on
>the hd for reasons as your own. Try calling the manufacturer if
>possible and ask about getting the reinstallation disks. Even when out
>of warranty, not always, but sometimes they will still send the disks
>if you tell them the copy is corrupt on the hd. This is a good idea
>even if not corrupt, believe me.
>3. The reinstall disks will work on another hd, usually, but not if you
>replaced your motherboard. Just a bit of info there.
>4. I have had some success in putting in an extra hd, and copying the
>windows hidden to it but no guarantees. Have you tried to run any fix
>utilities? Even windowsxp volume check?
>5. There are many other steps that can be taken but try a few simple
>things first.

Thanks PCDaddy! I have been on to the nearest Time Computers outlet &
they've given me a head office number which I'll try as soon as I get
the chance.

Thought I might install a new HDD & try copying the XP stuff first (if
I can find the sectors) and only buy a new version of XP if I have to.

My current HDD is a 5200rpm 80GB Seagate - will I have any problems
installing a 7200rpm 120GB drive? (Seagate or otherwise).

Thanks again,

Jorolat

--

John Latter

Model of an Internal Evolutionary Mechanism (based on an extension to homeostasis) linking Stationary-Phase Mutations to the Baldwin Effect.
http://members.aol.com/jorolat/TEM.html

'Where Darwin meets Lamarck?' Discussion Egroup
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/evomech

you are welcome,
Off the top of my head, no, you "in theory" shouldn't have any problems. 7200 is pretty standard and "in theory" once again, and 120 gig should get recognized. I'd be a liar if I said I had much experience with UK time pc. Many times, when you buy a hd from someone they can look up the specs for your pc and let you know if it will work or not. It won't hurt to ask before purchasing. Hope all goes well.

 

[John Latter]

John

I noticed that they were not giving too much away on their website..
cheapskates is what they are..

They certainly are! Any technical query is at £1 per minute too -
though I must admit that this is the very first time I've had a
problem with my system (3 yrs old in july)

John

ps I like your quote

--

John Latter

Model of an Internal Evolutionary Mechanism (based on an extension to homeostasis) linking Stationary-Phase Mutations to the Baldwin Effect.
http://members.aol.com/jorolat/TEM.html

'Where Darwin meets Lamarck?' Discussion Egroup
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/evomech

 

[John Latter]

you are welcome,
Off the top of my head, no, you "in theory" shouldn't have any
problems. 7200 is pretty standard and "in theory" once again, and 120
gig should get recognized. I'd be a liar if I said I had much
experience with UK time pc. Many times, when you buy a hd from someone
they can look up the specs for your pc and let you know if it will work
or not. It won't hurt to ask before purchasing. Hope all goes well.

Thanks again PcDaddy - the reason I asked if I might have problems is
because I have a 'restore' disc which accesses the hidden XP files on
the end of my 80GB HDD.

I thought that if I copied tthe XP files onto the end of a 120GB HDD
then the restore disc might look in the wrong place - suck it & see I
guess

I got a mobo manual so I ought to pick the right HDD ('fingers
crossed')

--

John Latter

Model of an Internal Evolutionary Mechanism (based on an extension to homeostasis) linking Stationary-Phase Mutations to the Baldwin Effect.
http://members.aol.com/jorolat/TEM.html

'Where Darwin meets Lamarck?' Discussion Egroup
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/evomech

 

[PCDaddy]

On Thu, 16 Jun 2005 03:49:18 +0100, PCDaddy wrote:

>
>John Latter Wrote:
>> On Wed, 15 Jun 2005 16:43:36 +0100, PCDaddy wrote:
>>
>> >
>> >John Latter Wrote:
>> >> Hi,
>> >>
>> >> I have a UK Time computer (bout 2 years old) and the hard disc needs
>> >> replacing.
>> >>
>> >> As my copy of Windows Home XP is on the end of the hard drive, I was
>> >> wondering if anyone can give me any advice (particularly if they've
>> >> had experience) of installing a new drive & copying XP on to it.
>> >>
>> >> My current HDD is a Seagate one & I haven't yet been able to get
>> their
>> >> diagnostic software to give a full report. Bad sectors are being
>> >> reported though & I was also wondering what happens if the 'hidden'
>> >> copy of XP contains a bad sector?
>> >>
>> >> Hope someone will be able to help
>> >>
>> >> --
>> >>
>> >> John Latter
>> >>
>> >> Model of an Internal Evolutionary Mechanism (based on an extension
>> to
>> >> homeostasis) linking Stationary-Phase Mutations to the Baldwin
>> Effect.
>> >> http://members.aol.com/jorolat/TEM.html
>> >>
>> >> 'Where Darwin meets Lamarck?' Discussion Egroup
>> >> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/evomech
>> >
>> >You must have an OEM version of windows, in other words it was pre
>> >installed and your only reinstall copy is on your hard drive. Correct?
>> >Some times sectors can wear out and a fresh install can correct this
>> >problem, it doesn't mean your hard drive is bad but precaution is
>> good.
>> >Back up anything important to disk or another hd, or whatever you
>> >choose, this should be your first step.
>> >2. Another thing is, yes, it is possible that the copy of windows is
>> >corrupt. I have seen this many times and had to order the reinstall
>> >disks from the company for people. I truly hate the copy being put on
>> >the hd for reasons as your own. Try calling the manufacturer if
>> >possible and ask about getting the reinstallation disks. Even when out
>> >of warranty, not always, but sometimes they will still send the disks
>> >if you tell them the copy is corrupt on the hd. This is a good idea
>> >even if not corrupt, believe me.
>> >3. The reinstall disks will work on another hd, usually, but not if
>> you
>> >replaced your motherboard. Just a bit of info there.
>> >4. I have had some success in putting in an extra hd, and copying the
>> >windows hidden to it but no guarantees. Have you tried to run any fix
>> >utilities? Even windowsxp volume check?
>> >5. There are many other steps that can be taken but try a few simple
>> >things first.
>>
>> Thanks PCDaddy! I have been on to the nearest Time Computers outlet &
>> they've given me a head office number which I'll try as soon as I get
>> the chance.
>>
>> Thought I might install a new HDD & try copying the XP stuff first (if
>> I can find the sectors) and only buy a new version of XP if I have to.
>>
>> My current HDD is a 5200rpm 80GB Seagate - will I have any problems
>> installing a 7200rpm 120GB drive? (Seagate or otherwise).
>>
>> Thanks again,
>>
>> Jorolat
>>
>> --
>>
>> John Latter
>>
>> Model of an Internal Evolutionary Mechanism (based on an extension to
>> homeostasis) linking Stationary-Phase Mutations to the Baldwin Effect.
>> http://members.aol.com/jorolat/TEM.html
>>
>> 'Where Darwin meets Lamarck?' Discussion Egroup
>> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/evomech
>you are welcome,
>Off the top of my head, no, you "in theory" shouldn't have any
>problems. 7200 is pretty standard and "in theory" once again, and 120
>gig should get recognized. I'd be a liar if I said I had much
>experience with UK time pc. Many times, when you buy a hd from someone
>they can look up the specs for your pc and let you know if it will work
>or not. It won't hurt to ask before purchasing. Hope all goes well.

Thanks again PcDaddy - the reason I asked if I might have problems is
because I have a 'restore' disc which accesses the hidden XP files on
the end of my 80GB HDD.

I thought that if I copied tthe XP files onto the end of a 120GB HDD
then the restore disc might look in the wrong place - suck it & see I
guess

I got a mobo manual so I ought to pick the right HDD ('fingers
crossed')

--

John Latter

Model of an Internal Evolutionary Mechanism (based on an extension to homeostasis) linking Stationary-Phase Mutations to the Baldwin Effect.
http://members.aol.com/jorolat/TEM.html

'Where Darwin meets Lamarck?' Discussion Egroup
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/evomech

You have a restore disk that uses the hidden info on the hard drive?? Well, we learn something new every day. Perhaps the restore disk will put this hidden info on the hard drive? This would make more sense to me. I would not erase your old hd, install the new one only. Don't connect the old one at all. After you get set up, run the restore disk and see if it reinstalls win for you first on the new hd.

 

[Mike Hall \(MS-MVP\)]

John

To get the best answers to a problem, it is a good idea to put all facts
down in one post than gradually over a series of threads.. too many
assumptions have to be made if there are few things to go on..

--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/User

"If hard work were such a wonderful thing, surely the rich would have kept
it all to themselves." - Lane Kirkland

 

[John Latter]

You have a restore disk that uses the hidden info on the hard drive??
Well, we learn something new every day. Perhaps the restore disk will
put this hidden info on the hard drive? This would make more sense to
me. I would not erase your old hd, install the new one only. Don't
connect the old one at all. After you get set up, run the restore disk
and see if it reinstalls win for you first on the new hd.

I've just checked & its actually called a "Reload/Backup" disc which
came with another CD labelled "System & Driver CD".

As far as I understand it, the Reload/Backup CD accesses the preloaded
XP files on the HDD rather than writes them there. Course, I certainly
could be wrong!

--

John Latter

Model of an Internal Evolutionary Mechanism (based on an extension to homeostasis) linking Stationary-Phase Mutations to the Baldwin Effect.
http://members.aol.com/jorolat/TEM.html

'Where Darwin meets Lamarck?' Discussion Egroup
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/evomech

 

[John Latter]

John

To get the best answers to a problem, it is a good idea to put all facts
down in one post than gradually over a series of threads.. too many
assumptions have to be made if there are few things to go on..

I apologize for that Mike & I did become aware of it while writing my
last but one post to PcDaddy.

The only excuse I have is that when I began I didn't know anything
beyond "There's a problem on my HDD".

Its only because of the replies I've received from helpful people like
yourself that I've been able to learn as I go along.

Next time I'll be better able to express all the parameters of the
problem - I'm sorry you've been part of my learning curve but I do
very much appreciate the help you've given.

--

John Latter

Model of an Internal Evolutionary Mechanism (based on an extension to homeostasis) linking Stationary-Phase Mutations to the Baldwin Effect.
http://members.aol.com/jorolat/TEM.html

'Where Darwin meets Lamarck?' Discussion Egroup
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/evomech

 

[PCDaddy]

John

Replace the hdd asap.. re-installing Windows will not fix bad sectors.. it
just avoids them.. save all important data to CD or some other medium..

No it won't actually repair them, but a lot of times, you may not get bad sectors for a long period of time and the hd is usable and the basic problem is patched\fixed\ignored. I have a 6 year old maxtor 80 gig that had this problem twice and it still runs like a charm. I simply back my data , which should be done anyway.

The chances of Time Computers having recovery CDs for your computer is zero,
most likely.. if you can, go to one of their stores, as calling the
technical support is expensive.. if you can, find a supplier who will sell
you a new hard drive and OEM Windows XP SP2 CD..

There is a three year extended warranty and you get charged according to your policy when you bought the pc. If the op has his, he might still be under warranty and might get free calls.

Disconnect the present drive, and fit the new one.. install Windows.. once
up and running, reconnect the old drive as a slave and recover anything you
might have missed when you saved stuff.. email and address book for
instance.. before connecting to the internet, ensure that the XP firewall is
running, then connect and do the updates to Windows and your preferred
ant-virus and firewall programs..

Fit the new one? That might be jumping the gun a bit, the op doesn't even know what to get yet. The op doesn't know if he can install windows..eg, hidden windows files, try to copy to another hard drive.

Unless Time supplied bundled software on CD, you will lose that.. to make up
for it, Serif offer some great free downloads at
http://www.freeserifsoftware.com/ .. they may not be the latest versions,
but they are all good solid programs.. Open Office is a free office suite..
it is not exactly MS Office 2003, but gets good enough reviews from some..
http://www.openoffice.org/product/

Good solid programs as long as you agree for them to send your info to other places and send you junk mail. If you don't mind that then yes.

--
Mike Hall

 pcdaddy

 

[Mike Hall \(MS-MVP\)]

PCDaddy

Win 9x/ME could cope with bad sectors.. XP is not so forgiving.. more bad
sectors will appear eventually, and the system will become more unstable.. I
can't see the point in waiting for the inevitable, regardless of backup
policy..

Time Computers do offer a three year extended warranty with new purchases,
but I doubt very much that it covers old recovery CDs and certainly will NOT
include free calls to Technical Support.. I suggested to John that he calls
into one of their salesrooms for confirmation..

Re replacing drives.. you go to a store and buy one according to your needs
and means.. if the store can supply an OEM XP CD with the purchase of
hardware, that gets over the problem of trying to move the contents of a
hidden partition to a similar partition on a new drive.. if means will
stretch to a full retail XP, all the better as it would be easily
transferable from one computer to another in the future..

As far as I know, Serif's policy of allowing older versions to be downloaded
freely is a marketing ploy to get the user to upgrade to latest versions
once having seen how good the product is.. that does not take anything away
from the free programs.. I have not received e-mail from any company as a
result of downloading free programs from Serif.. I have never had need to
download OpenOffice, but have never heard of any unsolicited mail arriving
due to downloading it..

--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/User

"If hard work were such a wonderful thing, surely the rich would have kept
it all to themselves." - Lane Kirkland

 

[John Latter]

PCDaddy

Win 9x/ME could cope with bad sectors.. XP is not so forgiving.. more bad
sectors will appear eventually, and the system will become more unstable.. I
can't see the point in waiting for the inevitable, regardless of backup
policy..

Time Computers do offer a three year extended warranty with new purchases,
but I doubt very much that it covers old recovery CDs and certainly will NOT
include free calls to Technical Support.. I suggested to John that he calls
into one of their salesrooms for confirmation..

Re replacing drives.. you go to a store and buy one according to your needs
and means.. if the store can supply an OEM XP CD with the purchase of
hardware, that gets over the problem of trying to move the contents of a
hidden partition to a similar partition on a new drive.. if means will
stretch to a full retail XP, all the better as it would be easily
transferable from one computer to another in the future..

Thanks Mike, from what I've read elsewhere Microsoft UK may be quite
sympathetic & allow me to borrow a copy of XP Home - I'm going to call
them on monday

John

As far as I know, Serif's policy of allowing older versions to be downloaded
freely is a marketing ploy to get the user to upgrade to latest versions
once having seen how good the product is.. that does not take anything away
from the free programs.. I have not received e-mail from any company as a
result of downloading free programs from Serif.. I have never had need to
download OpenOffice, but have never heard of any unsolicited mail arriving
due to downloading it..

--

John Latter

Model of an Internal Evolutionary Mechanism (based on an extension to homeostasis) linking Stationary-Phase Mutations to the Baldwin Effect.
http://members.aol.com/jorolat/TEM.html

'Where Darwin meets Lamarck?' Discussion Egroup
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/evomech