''flipping The Hard Drive'' -update-

[vancouver]

Anyone have any idea how much a computer store will charge to ''flip my hard drive''

My good computer crashed, so I took it in and they said my hard drive needs flipped.. he said it shouldn't be a big deal..

I'm wondering if anyone's had experience with that before and how much approximately it cost them..

I also will have to get windows xp re installed which I've had done before for around $50

 

[smurfyy_2k3]

ive never heard of a hard drive being flipped a new hard drive doesnt cost much these days, i recently got a 80gb for £30

 

[nicelights]

As an IT professional, I have never heard the expression 'flip' a hard drive. I think it's a load of rubbish made up by the supplier to con you out of money. I really don't llike these terms being used, as it breeds fear and preys on individual ignorance.

If I were you, I would ask for exact details of what they will be doing, and what they expect to acheive with this. I would also only agree a fixed price for the repair, otherwise you could have them spend 'hours' repairing an item that doesn't need it. With XP, it is not unknown for it to have issues with the primary hard drive and if you are reasonably happy to have a play with the system, it can be resolved quite easily. If you can get more info on what exactly happens when you start up your system, PM me and I'll see if I can help.

Gordon

 

[Flumpus]

Ya, I gotta agree with what has been said so far, never heard of anyone "flipping" a hard drive, and really can't even begin to think about what it actually means. I even did a couple searches real fast, and got a couple things that it MIGHT mean, but even then, it doesn't make a lot of sense.

 

[vancouver]

Yea I have a feeling he might have meant flip out the old one and flip in a new one..

I'm guessing that's what he meant..

Doesn't sound like it will be too bad

 

[smurfyy_2k3]

you know changing the hard drive only takes seconds and you could do it yourself

 

[vancouver]

I did not know that..

I'm needing them to install windows, so they'd have to take the computer regardless.. I think

How much does it cost to buy windows xp ?

I'm not the most computer literate person when it comes to this type of stuff

 

[Griz]

Did you receive a copy of WinXP (a disc) when you purchased your PC?

What problems are you having that is leading them to suggest this? (flipping)

I've not heard that term before, but if they are talking about reformatting your HD and reinstalling Windows, it's really not difficult at all. Especially if you have the WinXP disc, it won't cost you anything. If they are talking about installing a new HD, it makes me wonder why. Again, installing a new HD is a do-it-yourself job even for a novice.

 

[vancouver]

Unfortunately, we bought the computer from an extremely shady place. They installed a burned copy of xp onto our computer, and were just a horrific place to deal with. I couldn't do windows updates because a copy was installed. I really should have reported them to the better business bureau.

Someone my dad works with recommended the shop, and they were just straight garbage. They gave everyone that bought computers from them the same MAC address.. so only one of us could be on the internet at a time.. finally figured that out after numerous calls with my ISP...

So no xp cd.. I'm wondering if I should make a backup disc when I get the computer fixed.. would that have solved the hard drive crash or no? Can I make a windows disc after it's installed?

I'm assuming everything on that computer is now lost.. is that true?

 

[PaulasPets]

yes, everything 'on' your computer is stored on the harddisk, so if the harddisk is broken you will have lost all information and programs on your computer. Things like this happen, the harddisk has a lot of parts that can fail, making the disk unreadable. I know it's a bit late for that now, but this is exactly why you should regularly make a backup of your data...

Paula

 

[vancouver]

Yea I'd never done a backup..

I guess that's the first thing I will do when I get the computer back..

''master hard drive fails''

It also said enter system disc and press enter.. I'm assuming that was the backup disc I didn't have that it was talking about.

 

[voo]

Usually the computer says that at start up when there's no operating system installed on the harddrive... or when there's an error and it cant find an operating system. I've had it a few times, just a format / reinstallation sorts it out. if they do it correctly you should still have all your data on there so you shouldnt have lost anything. Of course you will have the great task of reinstalling all your programs

The shop might just reinstall windows, which for $50 sounds about right. Here in the UK it's just over £20 to get it done. They might charge you a bit more as you'll want data saving and that'll take time.

Most places will only reinstall windows with your copy, and an original copy at that.

Good luck!

 

[vancouver]

heres the update..


They decided not to call me and tell me what they were going to do.. they just went ahead and did it..

GREAT.

Anyways.. they installed windows and charged me for a windows disc and everything.. that was $125.. I guess its ok having the windows disc at least..

I originally had a 40 gb hard drive.. they put in a 160 and charged me $100

then they charged $130 for labour..

so basically $350... if we would have known that we probably would have just bought a new computer..

I'm kinda mad.. having to install everything again is annoying, and I miss my old configurations.

I just hope nothing else goes wrong from here on out.

 

[demonmagus]

heres the update..



then they charged $130 for labour..

ouch!, is it even legal to do something and not tell you if you requested them to tell you?

$130 - wow, for about 10mins of work as well

 

[vancouver]

Yea hes like.. it took them an hour and a half.. at $75 an hour plus tax..

I'm thinking oh great..

Wont be taking a computer there ever again.. definitely just trying to make as much money as possible..

Then he was trying to get me to buy an anti virus.. hes like ''it says on here you dont have an anti virus installed'' .. I was like yea I think our isp has one.

At least I've got a windows disc and a computer that works.. I'm trying to think positively.. I'm also glad I didn't have to pay! Thanks parents!