Hard drive failure is imminent... AGAIN

[strangetomato]

Okay, this isn't funny anymore, computer. Another hard disk failure? Really? WTF?

I haven't had this computer all that long, but it's causing me nothing but grief. I'm going to call tech. support again to see if they can do anything for me (maybe send another replacement? Seems like wishful thinking...), but I'm pretty sick of this. Even if I manage to fix it up again, I think I'm going to sell it and look into getting a new one. Maybe a Dell instead. I have an HP right now, and I doubt I'll ever purchase one of their products again, based on this experience.

At times like this, I really wish I had more technical knowledge about computers. I am learning, but I still have a long way to go. If you have any advice for me, I'll gladly take it.

*sigh*

Comments

[hviw.livejournal.com]

Are you going to sell it before you get another one? That seems like something you might regret.

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

Well, I could have a new one in as little as a day, or maybe a week at most if I get something shipped to me, so no... I wouldn't expect to regret that. I think I'll be able to live for a week without a computer at home.

Also, by the time I hear back from a potential buyer (I'll look for someone it at the local college), I should have the new computer. That's if I decide to go that route... and if it's worth selling (but I suppose the right person could fix it up without any problems anyway - I just don't have it in me to struggle with it).

[hviw.livejournal.com]

Maybe I'm the weird one. I couldn't stand going a week without a computer.

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

Well, it's not ideal, I agree, but I'm sure I'll be fine. :)

[madame-ugly.livejournal.com]

Wow. Now I know next to nothing, but if the hard drive is failing that fast I'd suspect they're not matching stuff up correctly (causing the fry out) OR underestimating your needs?

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

When the guy was talking me through installing it, he mentioned how I was supposed to have received the recovery disks with it (I hadn't), and his exact words were, "You should get that with your FIRST hard disk replacement." It really didn't inspire confidence in that hard disk. It was like they were just trying it out and expected to have to send another one.

I wonder if my fears about the sims games being too much for the computer are accurate? Could that be the source of my problems?

If so, passing ownership of my over-taxed machine is probably the best idea all around.

[madame-ugly.livejournal.com]

Ooh, that story does sound fishy. I'd almost bet that's the issue (bad customer service).

Does your computer break when you're doing NON sims stuff (like crash when you turn it on or when you're on the internet) or does it only complain when the game is involved? Are you running the game on a machine that has only minimum specs (or is your computer "too full"--like my technical terms?)?

(mine's "too full" right now, hence no new eps)

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

My CPU speed is a little slow for the sims games and Vista together. That's the only thing below the requirements.

I don't actually have trouble while playing the game. It rarely crashes, but I have been having the screen freeze while I'm in a web browser and just doing normal things.

Being "too full" isn't a problem. I'm sure I have enough space left. I put most personal files onto an external hard drive.

[cindyanne1.livejournal.com]

I wish I was more help. I put a new hard drive in my Alienware when it blew, but I have no idea why it blew in the first place so I could very well be re-creating the problems. The tech people told me it was a fluke (it was still under factory warranty even) but still... I worry about it.

My thing is heat. I'm always thinking the computer is getting way too hot. I bought a thing to sit my laptop on that has a fan so there's a constant circulation of air and I swear it runs better now. It's a lot more tortuous on my wrists since it makes the computer sit up higher but it's worth it.

My old desktop had a window fan I put under the desk and blew toward it when I replaced the graphics card and power supply... I swear I could cook eggs on the top of the dang thing, and I kept getting funny graphics glitches and blue screen of death crashes. After I put the fan on it I had no other problems like that. Of course it has a raging Suckurom problem so I can't play my sims games on it any more (it's not hooked up to the internet so I don't mind that) but still... it's a good machine and my kids play a lot of graphics-intensive programs with no problems.

But new computers are always a good thing too. ;) Hope you get things back to running smoothly soon!

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

Sometimes the hard disks just fail. The tech. guy made it sound pretty normal, really, but I'm still afraid my system isn't up to speed for what I need it to do.

The fan advice is good. I'll try to be mindful of that. I did add that graphics card, but I'm pretty sure it has it's own fan. It made the system a lot louder anyway.

You had a SecuRom issue? Scary. But don't you download things from the EA store now? I'd be afraid of getting SecuRom again.

A new computer would be exciting. I don't like to lay down so much money on a whim, but I think it would be a worthwhile investment in this case. It really is one of the only things I spend much money on.

[cindyanne1.livejournal.com]

Yes, my Dell has Securom all over it. It doesn't recognize discs, won't load discs, etc... I couldn't put Apartment Life on there even if I wanted to, because it won't recognize the disc in the drive. It's insane!

I'm sure my Alienware has Securom on it by now too, but I've always blamed the Dell for its' issues... if that makes sense. My Dell was so full of crap already, that I think the Securom found stuff on there it didn't like, so it caused problems. The Alienware is still new and "clean" I suppose, so it plays nice with Securom. So far, anyway.

Not that it's any excuse for EA to put that awful program on everything they make *shakes finger at EAxis* Because what if the Dell was my only computer and I couldn't get another? I'd be out of luck when it came to the Sims 2, because I couldn't play any of the games. I can't even install them on that computer. *shakes head*

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

If I had an Alienware computer I would not allow SecurRom to be on it at all. I'd be too heartbroken if it wrecked it. If I do decide to go for one of those Dell XPS gaming systems, I'm going to protect it with my life. I'll probably put a condom over the mouse before I surf the internet. (Just kidding, but it's not that far from the truth. I don't like to take risks that way.)

EA should be ashamed of themselves for using such a terrible copy protection program. It's so awful. Your story with your Dell is just scary, and that's happened to SO MANY people. It sucks.

[cindyanne1.livejournal.com]

I thought about being ultra-protective of the Alienware, but in all honesty I was too afraid of the measures I would have to take to prevent Securom. I looked into all of those torrent sites, etc. and they freaked me out. :P Especially when one of them made my McAfee SiteAdvisor go crazy and start recommending I LEAVE THAT SITE IMMEDIATELY. O_O

That and I just don't know enough to crack anything or understand what I'm supposed to do. Most of the no-cd cracks I've seen require the game at least be installed on your computer first and my Dell won't even do that. And the pirate sites just make me feel dirty. :P

My husband was no help. I brought the whole Securom issue up to him once and he said, "So what does it do... just prevent you from playing the Sims? What's the problem?"

No help at all. :P

I do blame EAxis for all of that crap though. They're the ones who have made people go to such extremes to protect their systems. Honestly... are they that afraid of losing a little bit of money? Sheesh. They need to get over themselves, lol.

[indigoleo.livejournal.com]

I have a Dell and it's been working pretty well for me. Just check into the graphics card when/if you get one. The one I had that came with the machine did not play The Sims well. I had a new graphics card put in and I can do pretty well. Plus I know that you can get pcs more for gaming. If/when I get another computer that's what I would look for. I've had mine for two years now.

I'd probably flip out if I got a warning like that. :P

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

I'm thinking a gaming-specific system is the way to go too. That's mostly what I want to use it for, and then I'd be ready for Sims 3 and other games too. I'll be sure to get the best graphics card that I can. I've had my computer for almost two years too, and that doesn't seem like very long, but after having so many issues with it, I think it might be time to move on.

What's truly sad is that I don't even flip out anymore. I've been having these problems nearly non-stop, so I've come to expect it. It looks like I'm facing another major failure now though. Something very bad is happening.

[pixelcurious.livejournal.com]

I hate Dells, but that's based on only having had one. It crashed on me every single day, even though I totally babied it and the only games on it were little tetris-type things. It was just a piece of junk, and since I bought it refurbished I had no warranty.

My advice is to try a local computer shop (ask around for recommendations) and have one built for you specifically for gaming, by people who totally know what they're doing. *pats Large Marge* I paid more, but I don't think I'll ever regret it.

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

Dell has been recommended to me by a number of people, though. My SO uses one at work and he says it's literally never frozen or had any problem, and he uses some pretty involved graphics programs.

I was looking at some of the XPS gaming systems they have on their site, and getting something like that really appeals to me. That way I'd know I was well over the requirements for playing the game (and Sims 3 too, no doubt). It would also be good for running graphics programs, which is good for my SO (and me too, since I want to play with XSI). They have some good deals on right now, so I'm tempted.

Being in a small town, I don't have many options for local shops. There is this odd little place (a shack, really) in the valley, so I could go there and see what they can do for me. The look of the place, like the building has been rotting away there for at least 50 years, doesn't instill confidence, but it would be nice to support a local business.

With that in mind, I just priced some of the components of the Dell gaming system, and it really doesn't seem like it would be any cheaper to build it yourself... and I could have a warranty too. Hmmm. I hate making decisions over big purchases.

[pixelcurious.livejournal.com]

It sounds like you've already looked into this quite a bit, and that the gaming Dells will be a good option for you.

I have a warranty from my local shop, and they have a great rep. Yours does sound sketchy, with the rotting shack and all.

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

I've done a little research on it, but I'm far from an expert on the subject. I'm just matching the components to the gaming requirements, and making sure I have more than enough. I've also looked at some prices at different locations and things like that. I think I can make a reasonably informed decision, but I'm never fully confident in my computer knowledge. There's just so much to know.

Yeah, it sounds like you have a great computer shop there. That little shack could very well be great too - I have no idea, but I should probably check it out and give it a chance. Looks can be deceiving, and it's not the only rough looking building in town, to say the least. Hmmm... Who could I ask for advice on this? One of my SO's friends is really into FF Online. I wonder if he uses a gaming rig for that?

[madame-ugly.livejournal.com]

*butts in*

If you know how to build it, you can get good deals on the pieces and parts. My father is very fond of telling me about the deals he scores on Ebay and the like (and the stuff is new, not used). When I went to see him last, I heard multiple times about the free flash drive he was getting for buying so much memory (from some store). The man loves a deal.

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

Yeah, good deals can be had if you know what you're looking for and use Ebay and such. That's so not my forte, though. I need your Dad on my side. Can you lend him to me? *snicker* No, really.

For me, it's far safer to get something from a computer manufacturer, unless I can find a decent local place, like Pixel suggested. The Dell site did give options for the different components, so it's sort of like you're building what you want. It's surely not the cheapest way, but with some of the specials on now, it's not unreasonable. And it would be so easy... I like easy.

I just want to know what I'm doing. I don't want to be in the same boat a couple of years from now.

[cindyanne1.livejournal.com]

I'm totally considering an XPS for my next desktop. :D My problem is I always end up adding so much because I don't know what NOT to get, if that makes sense. If I knew more, I'd probably spend less.

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

Yeah, those options can really add up if you always select the "best" one, but I have a pretty good idea about what I need, and will likely need in the future, so I don't let myself get tempted to go over that.

[cindyanne1.livejournal.com]

Hee. Maybe since you'll probably get a new one before me I'll be able to model mine after yours. :D

[nessa-seragon.livejournal.com]

I have owned 3 Dells now. My parents have my old one. DD & I both have XPS machines. I had to have the disc drive replaced less than a month after I bought them. Dell even sent a tech to the house to replace it for me.

Recently we had an issue with DD's not booting. It took an hour on the phone and a lot of restarting, but they completely walked me through what to do.

Another option is to have a machine built for you. A friend in one of my sims groups bought hers here: http://kc-computers.com/

She loves her machine & loves their tech support so much that she's referred her parents there.

BTW, I have also owned an HP and will never buy one again.

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

Well, it sounds like those problems were resolved fairly easily with your tech. support. I've spend far more than one hour on the phone with a rep. from HP, working through a problem, so that doesn't sound too bad to me. Aside from those handful of issues, you've been happy, though, right?

Pixel mentioned that too, but I'm not sure if there is a decent place to have one built locally or what places might ship here. That place you linked to seems good, but I doubt they'd ship here (though you never know - maybe they would).

Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'm done with HP. I was never thrilled by that computer (the best thing about my system - the graphics card - was added by me), and it's leaving a very sour taste in my mouth. What issues did you have with your HP?

[nessa-seragon.livejournal.com]

I have been quite happy with my Dells. I know there are horror stories out there. I've never had a bad tech experience with them. Oh, and my parents just recently bought a Dell laptop.

I also like that they will extend their warranty (for a fee, of course).

My major problem with the HP was that it didn't come with recovery disks. I had to use someone else's copy of Windows when I needed to do a re-format. System Recovery just doesn't always cut it.

[a-gates.livejournal.com]

Did you clean up your junk? Like your hard drive clean up and your internet files + cookies?? I really hope that you don't have another failure. I have an HP too, for like three years and it's never gone wacko on me. Maybe overloading the hard drive??? *Is Uneasy* back up your sims. :(

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I run disk cleanup pretty much every day. If only my house were that well-kept.

I'm trying to backup all my files right now (since the computer seems stable enough - hope it lasts), but now it's not recognizing my external hard drive, so that's another annoyance. Boy, it's just one thing after another with this computer...

*hugs*

[redqueenofevil.livejournal.com]

What kind of hard drive do you have? I hope you don't mind my asking. Also, is it possible that they replaced your original drive with a refurbished drive?

Sorry to hear that it died again. I was so looking forward to your update too!

Re: *hugs*

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

I'm not really sure. I'd have to look it up. I'm pretty clueless about it - what different types are there?

It could have been a refurbished drive. I wouldn't be completely surprised.

For now, I'm still able to use the computer, so the update might still happen. I can't make any promises, though.

[tanathir.livejournal.com]

I really really really really really really really *takes a breath* really really like Toshiba. I'm on my second Toshiba laptop, after having the first for several years with no problems. It's a Toshiba Satellite U305, runs Vista Business, and even with 4GB downloads and 5 EPs it runs great! A bit slow on large lots with more than 6 Sims, but it isn't bad at all.

Seriously, Toshiba = Tanathir love.

[aite-eternelle.livejournal.com]

I've got a Dell laptop and no problems yet! Actually, I haven't really heard of anyone having a problem with their Dell laptops(I don't know about Dell desktops, as I don't know anyone with one).

It's funny, my friend's HP laptop has this big black mark going through the middle of the screen. My uncle's HP's wireless thing went out(I'm not a techie at all), and he hasn't had his for even a year.

Yeah, a lot of us stick with laptops now. Meh. It plays my sims games just fine, though!