Off Topic: Need Computer Help

[OneFinger]

I know lots of guys that come here that are much more computer savvy than me. So I hope you will tolerate an off topic question.

 

My internal hard drive is making funny sounds when I turn on the computer. It sounds like the disks are having problems revving up and coming up to the correct speed. I'm afraid the system is going to crash.

 

Here's what I done so far:

 

1. Connected an external hard drive via USB.

2. Dropped and dragged personal files/data onto the external drive (including my extensive lavander library).

 

But, I'd like to use a second external hard drive to create a mirror image (and bootable copy) of my programs. Here are my questions:

 

1. Does the second external hard drive have to be the exact same size as my internal hard drive or can it be larger?

2. My internal hard drive has been partitioned using Partition Magic. Is this a problem?

3. What program (preferable free since I'm cheap) should I use to create a bootable backup?

 

Thanks in advance for helping me out.

[+ deej]

First: a mirror image and a bootable image are not the same thing.

 

If you want to create an "image" of your HD so it can be reconstituted after the disk is replaced, you want an IMAGE. You most certainly do not want a mirror. (It's a subtle difference, but it IS a difference.)

 

To create a disk IMAGE, you just need to make sure the target is big enough to hold the image. Here, size matters.

 

I actually don't recommend disk images for a machine that has been in use for a while. Restoring from the image will restore all the flotsam and jetsam you've accumulated over time and put you right back where you were. This IS however a great backup for someone that never set up a good backup before.

 

If you have the original media that shipped with your PC, you might get a leaner/cleaner install by using that and then just copying your backup files from the external disk (once you've replaced the HD).

 

If you don't have those, imaging software MAY help you or it may get you into more hot water than you think because everything about the image is tied to the old hardware (HD). That may take you a few phone calls to resolve, but it could be a stumble.

 

Having said all that, run out and grab a copy of Acronis TrueImage. (It will cost a few bucks.) I've never seen it create an image that can't be brought back to life.

 

And run out and get it quick because once an HD starts making sounds, it's already circling the drain.

 

Here's another consideration for you: replacing a failed hard disk is often more expensive than replacing the whole damn computer. Sick as it seems, computers are consumables these days with prices falling daily.

 

You might do best (financially) buying a new PC and just copying all your files from the external drive to the new box. I recently needed a new HD and it came wrapped in a super-fast computer. ;-)

 

It's kinda like printers. Buying new is cheaper than repair. Go figure!

[OneFinger]

Deej,

 

Thanks for the quick reply. I forgot to mention that after 3-5 minutes the hard drive noise stops and it functions just fine. But, I still think I need a backup.

 

Don't have all original disks to re-install everything I have. That would be a nightmare for me. So, despite all the downsides, making an image is exactly what I want to do.

 

So, I've found two products and need confirmation of which version of Acronis TrueImage to purchase. Google first sent me to Acronis True Image 9.1 Workstation. This appears to be more for corporate use and looks more powerful (and confusing) than what I could easily do.

 

The second link was for Acronis True Image 10 Home. I "think" this is better suited for my needs.

 

Is the home edition enough horsepower for a single system?

 

BTW, I totally agree with your recommendation of thinking of my computer equipment as "disposable". I've just about decided that my next system will be a laptop with a docking station. Packing my desktop in the luggage when I travel is becoming too much of a hassle. But, until I get a new system, I'd like a band-aid for what I've got.

 

Thanks for your help!

[+ deej]

>Thanks for the quick reply. I forgot to mention that after 3-5

>minutes the hard drive noise stops and it functions just fine.

>But, I still think I need a backup.

 

Well you certainly need a backup, but a noise that goes away once the machine boots up may be more a power supply problem than a HD problem. Clean the cat hair away from the vent openings. ;-)

 

Those power supply cooling fans are just like us. As they age, they get a little cranky when roused to action but once they're unfurled they're good to go! Your entire computing life is in the hands of a $2 plastic fan.

 

You can pick up a replacement power supply for 20 bucks or so. Of course then you you have to have the skills to install it, assuming that was the problem in the first place. And the only way to really know is to subjugate yourself to the 20-something geek squad guy at BestBuy.

 

TrueImage Home is probably what you need. It's a relatively new offering. The "home" edition is exactly targeted at a single user/machine.

[OneFinger]

Well you certainly need a backup, but a noise that goes away once the machine boots up may be more a power supply problem than a HD problem. Clean the cat hair away from the vent openings.

 

Hey, there's no pussy in my house!! That hair is from the dog (and what little is left on the top of my head).

 

I, too, assumed it was a cooling fan problem. But I've taken the compressed air and cleaned the fans numerous times. Even made sure the fan on the CPU was working properly but the noise continued.

 

I've been running with the top and sides off the cabinet for a couple of weeks and the noise really appears to be coming from the front of the machine (near the HD) and not the rear (near the cooling fans).

 

I'm going to download a copy of TrueImage Home and run it over the weekend. Also have decided NOT to turn off my computer until I get a good backup. Once it gets up and running the noise goes away. Just doesn't seem to like the initial boot-up.

 

Thanks again.

[+ deej]

Seems right and reasonable.

 

(Of course we could both be completely wrong.)

 

Be sure and let us know when you're back up and running on the other side.... ;-)

[OneFinger]

Well, I still running but haven't done the backup yet because I got side-tracked with the "real" problem.

 

Early this morning I woke up when the computer sounded like an airplane taking off. Noise was louder than before and this time it was obviously NOT coming from the hard drive, power supply or CPU fan. (I could actually feel cool air being circulated from the power supply and CPU fans).

 

Finally isolated the sound to the cooling fan on my video card. (I actually didn't know my video card had its own fan.) Removed the card and used compressed air to clean the dust. A couple drops of oil lubricated the fan. Reinstalled the video card and its working like a champ. My PC no longer sounds like an airplane.

 

Still planning to image the computer so I have a just-in-case backup. But, I don't have the sense of urgency like I did yesterday.

 

Thanks again for the info on backup software.

[+ deej]

LOL!

 

Typical testosterone-laden male response.

 

If it moves and it shouldn't, use duct tape.

 

If it doesn't move but should (or makes noise when it does) use WD40.

 

(This actually DOES solve most household repair problems. LOL)