I've been using this computer for around 4 years. Today when i went to explorer the page was blank for a long time and the harddrive made this clicking noise.The page finally loaded but when i went to new pages the same thing happened. So i rebooted the computer and the clicking noise was still there. As it was booting it didn't detect the primary master and 5 seconds later it says " boot disk failure, please insert disk " Is there a way to fix this?

Sounds like your hard drive may be dying or dead.  Try to back up and get a new hd

I agree 4 years for a hard drive is hard work what computer is it?

It is most likely a hard disk error. This could be caused by dust, old age or any number of factors. The first thing you should do is unplug the computer, open the case and then check the IDE and Power cables to make sure they are properly connected.

If they are connected, look over the hard disk for dust, do not directly try and remove it, but if you can blow on the hard disk to get rid of some of the dust do so.

After you've made sure it's all hooked up try a few startups (about 10 or 12) and if you can get it booted up once back up everything. I know someone who had a similar problem, and got the hard disk to boot up once and put everything on disk, afterwards it wouldn't work again.

If none of the above works, I suggest you buy a new hard disk (put an operating system on it) and put it in the computer as the master, and your old hard disk as the slave. It is possible for old broken hard disks to work as long as they are only the slave drive (not advisable as a permanent arrangement as it obviously won't work as a slave for long, but hopefully enough time to salvage any data).

Once you are sure you have all data off your old hard disk, it's probably best to format it. It may give it a few years extra life, but be sure to make sure you have all data you want off the hard disk before you format.

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Originally posted by welshboy222

I agree 4 years for a hard drive is hard work

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its a no name computer. i looked at the hard drive and it says its IBM. I wiped the dust of the hard drive and still same problem...i guess im just gona hafta buy a new hard drive.

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Originally posted by -Keef
i looked at the hard drive and it says its IBM.

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Oh no!

yea..its Deskstar..i guess i got ripped off...

Hard drive usually lasts anywhere from 2-5 years depending on make and model.  You could try to see if it's under warranty but I would suggest just do a backup and get a new drive they are cheap enough now you can get a 300gig for about 165.00 cdn

yea..i was wondering..if i buy a new hardrive..that means i have to buy a new operating system too right?

nope.  If you have a copy of Windows at home just boot the CD and install anything you want.

But i thought u can only have one serial key per computer. Can you use one key for two comps?

yes you can.  Microsoft let's you install windows on the same computer as many times as you want.

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Originally posted by YourNeibour
yes you can.  Microsoft let's you install windows on the same computer as many times as you want.

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Originally posted by .Lou

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Originally posted by YourNeibour
yes you can.  Microsoft let's you install windows on the same computer as many times as you want.

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Nope. That's not true. Your information is incorrect.

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Originally posted by Ddunk
but activation will not work after a certain number of times.

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Originally posted by Johny

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Originally posted by Ddunk
but activation will not work after a certain number of times.

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I think you have the right to X activations for each 6 months

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I have a VLM key for xp but if that is true that is dumb at the part of microsoft not able to activate more then4 times.

Why? people can then pass their key to others and have it for free...

hm...so..one serial key can cover 4 comps?