How do I fix/replace a corrupted 'C' drive?

Recently had my computer go mad. Tried to restore factory settings. Didn't work. Eventually found out that the C drive is corrupted.


Are these easily replaceable? A standard thing to buy/get fitted?


I will buy a new computer soon, but would like to save this.

How do I fix/replace a corrupted 'C' drive?
Best thing to do is to copy off everything that you want to keep - emails, documents etc and then format your drive. This will wipe off everything and allow you to start again.





If you're running XP boot your machine off the cd - put the disk in the drive and turn the machine on - watch the screen and you will be prompted to hit any key to boot off CD - do this and then follow the instructions to make a fresh installation - you may well want to partition it into two drives so you can keep your personal data away from windows so if you have any problems in future you can format your drive without losing your personal data.





UPDATE:





You can ALWAYS boot from the CD no matter what the state of the C drive. Put the CD in the drive - reboot your computer - watch the screen carefully for the command - to boot from cd press any key... Press anything and you will go to a menu and your computer will run from the CD and not from your C: drive. If you are not getting this option then you need to check the BIOS - usually F8 or DEL and ensure that your CD drive is listed as your primary boot device. It will work - you just have to follow the instructions properly. It seems you are not doing it properly and not booting up from the CD as opposed to trying it when windows is already running. You need to try this properly before buying a new drive - you'll have to do the exact same process if you buy a new drive as you'll need to format it and install windows.
Reply:If by 'rebooting' you mean reinstalling the OS, are you sure it tried to format the drive? Do you know what formatting a drive actually means? If you're running WinXP, just boot on the CD and delete the whole partition, create a new partition and then format it.


IF that fails, it sounds like a hardware fault on the disk (bad sectors) and it will need replacing.
Reply:go to this site below and read some of the articles





http://www.techtutorials.net/Windows_XP/...





hope this helps
Reply:These are way easy to replace. Buy another Hard Drive or HD from a computer store. Or Wal Mart. Make sure the pins on the back are set to the "Master Mode" Take the old HD out, you might need a screwdriver and put the new in it's place. Good Luck
Reply:Replacing a hard drive is very easy but you will have to have a full copy of an operating system to do it.





If you have a desktop pc then use the link below for detailed instructions.





Laptops are even easier - remove the back cover, remove old drive, swop connecter to new drive, put new drive back into lappie and refit cover - then you just need t run your disc to put the OP system on





Cost of doing it yourself will vary depending on what size of drive you need to put in. Run a quick search on line.

cabbage