Laptop refurb

unfit2006

Hi;

I have recently replaced my laptop because my old Dell Inspiron had become slow and unstable. It got to the stage where it was barely able to boot up and when it did it really struggled. It seemed as if the hard drive was hardly spinning and the cooling fan also seems to have stopped.
While I am happy with my new laptop, I would like to try to refurb the old one (if that is possible) and run it as a spare to operate car diagnostic software in my workshop and to access internet etc..
I am wondering is that is a realistic proposition and if so, where should I start to diagnose the problems in the laptop and the best route to follow in trying to put it right. Somebody has mentioned installing an SSD into it which I had not thought of myself.
I have never tackled laptop repair in the past but I would be quite techie minded so wouldnt mind taking it on as a project.
I would welcome any help and suggestions that you might br able to offer.

Thanks.

unfit2006

I reloaded windows on the laptop last night and it has made some improvement. I also looked inside the back cover and the hard drive appears to be just plugged in to a multi-pin type connection. I am looking to buy a SSD drive approx 250 gb. There appears to be lots to choose from. I'm looking to pay about €50. Can anyone recommend one in that price range.

wandererz

unfit2006 wrote: »

I reloaded windows on the laptop last night and it has made some improvement. I also looked inside the back cover and the hard drive appears to be just plugged in to a multi-pin type connection. I am looking to buy a SSD drive approx 250 gb. There appears to be lots to choose from. I'm looking to pay about €50. Can anyone recommend one in that price range.

What operating system is installed currently?
How much RAM is installed?

This Kingston drive shows up as £31.20 (€35) for me including shipping (I have Amazon Prime).

Kingston SA400S37/240G SSD A400 240 GB Solid State Drive (2.5 Inch SATA 3) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N5IB20Q/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_InppCbW3V30RP

A drive cloner could clone your drive with the existing OS & files etc. So no need to reinstall everything.

Install the SSD first & see what difference it makes. Should be pretty dramatic.

After that, if still not happy, then go to the Crucial website & download, install & run the scanner tool.
https://eu.crucial.com

That should tell you what options are available for memory.

unfit2006

Thanks for that.

Laptop runs Windows 8.1
It has 4gb Ram.
Is the disk cloner a software package used to copy over the contents of the HHd to the SSD ?
The Kingston SSD is good value. What speeds or features are looked at when comparing one SSD to another ? There seems to be a wide price difference between different brands.

wandererz

unfit2006 wrote: »

Thanks for that.

Laptop runs Windows 8.1
It has 4gb Ram.
Is the disk cloner a software package used to copy over the contents of the HHd to the SSD ?
The Kingston SSD is good value. What speeds or features are looked at when comparing one SSD to another ? There seems to be a wide price difference between different brands.

The disk cloner is both software as well as a cable that can connect the second drive & power it while cloning.

Alternatively, if its easier to do a full re-install then you won't need cloning.

For your use, i wouldn't worry about speeds. Just get that Kingston one while it's on sale. Its a good brand.

Your memory is way too low for todays requirements. At least 8GB would be better. Download the scan tool now & see what options Crucial gives you to get to 8GB. It may just be an extra stick of 4GB if there's a spare memory bay. Buy the memory from Crucial.

With both the SSD & 8GB RAM it should be flying!

Let me know how you get on and feel free to post any more questions.

Let me know what options Crucial gives you too.
Post up the model of the Latitude as well.

wandererz

Actually, some very good reviews on Amazon for that drive.

Here's an example:
"Capacity: 240 GB
Bought this SSD to replace an extremely slow 5400rpm laptop HDD.

After installing it in my laptop and reinstalling Windows using the ISO file from the Microsoft website it makes a 2014 i3 laptop go from running (and sounding) like a P reg Transit chugging down the M1, to running like a GT86 (minus the sound) racing down the Autobahn.

This SSD is perfect for upgrading a laptop or computer that has its ability bottlenecked by a mechanical hard drive, especially if you don't want to spend hundreds on a new machine. My computer now runs fast and quietly, and I'd recommend this SSD to anyone."

You should get 15 second startup times & near instantaneous opening of applications (memory depending).
Windows 10 would be better, so perhaps look at upgrading to it.

what processor is it?

depending on that and what youre doing 4gb ram might rarely enough be troubled. no point adding 8gb ram to eg an old celeron etc

unfit2006

I ran the scanner and it tells me:

Memory - 1 Slot (1 bank of 1) - 4gb removable- maximum memory 8gb

Storage- Sata 3 -6 gbs

Chipset - Intel Series 8

The laptop is Dell Inspiron 15 (3542)

It then goes on to show me compatible memory and SSD for sale on their website.... 8gb memory starting at €59.03 and 250gb SSD starting at €54.11

unfit2006

Deleted User wrote: »

what processor is it?

depending on that and what youre doing 4gb ram might rarely enough be troubled. no point adding 8gb ram to eg an old celeron etc

Processor is Pentium 3558U @ 1.70 GHz.

Atlantic Dawn

There's only so much you can do when a laptop reaches a certain age, SSD is a big recommendation, plenty of free software to transfer over, I used Macrium Reflect before, worked perfect. Some laptops are easy enough to replace the RAM on, others can be a complete pain and best left to professionals where the cost of the job might bring you in to cheaper to replace the laptop territory.

wandererz

unfit2006 wrote: »

I ran the scanner and it tells me:

Memory - 1 Slot (1 bank of 1) - 4gb removable- maximum memory 8gb

Storage- Sata 3 -6 gbs

Chipset - Intel Series 8

The laptop is Dell Inspiron 15 (3542)

It then goes on to show me compatible memory and SSD for sale on their website.... 8gb memory starting at €59.03 and 250gb SSD starting at €54.11

Cool. So go ahead & get the SSD from amazon. It won't hurt at that price.
Do a fresh install of Windows & see how you get on.

If that's good enough then no need for more RAM (not at €60, although you may get some used RAM on adverts.ie for much much cheaper).

unfit2006

I intend to keep the Inspiron as a spare laptop in the workshop and it will mostly be used for internet use and running car diagnostic software which I think does not require too much memory or speed.

unfit2006

I did a fresh instal of windows last night and it actually speede it up a fair bit or so it seems. I will order the SSD tonight and come back here when it arrives.

wandererz

unfit2006 wrote: »

I intend to keep the Inspiron as a spare laptop in the workshop and it will mostly be used for internet use and running car diagnostic software which I think does not require too much memory or speed.

Most diagnostics software requires very little to run so you should be good. Even if you have multiple diag applications installed you won't be using them simultaneously.
This will extend the life of the laptop (rather than consigning it to the skip) & provide a better experience for the sake of €40.

unfit2006

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

There's only so much you can do when a laptop reaches a certain age, SSD is a big recommendation, plenty of free software to transfer over, I used Macrium Reflect before, worked perfect. Some laptops are easy enough to replace the RAM on, others can be a complete pain and best left to professionals where the cost of the job might bring you in to cheaper to replace the laptop territory.

Cheers. I bought a new laptop 2 weeks ago and I am going to use this old one as a spare in the workshop. Just looking to speed it up a bit really as it had gone very slow.

unfit2006

SSD ordered from Amazon. Will hold off on memory as you suggest.

wandererz

unfit2006 wrote: »

SSD ordered from Amazon. Will hold off on memory as you suggest.

Great, keep us updated.
Make sure laptop is powered off & battery removed before removing the existing drive. Should be a straight forward job for you.

Having recently reinstalled Windows, do let us know how much faster this next installation is.

ssd and clean install make a big difference

be interested to see if fan/heating continues a problem after.

second macrium reflect recommendation but if you dont need data brought over foean install better still (even a good clone can leave you with inherited windows issues etc)

AllForIt

https://www.partitionwizard.com is excellent for migrating OS to a new disk, and it's free software.

I find laptop fans get clogged up easily and it's well worth it if you can cleaning it out.

I've cleaned out some laptops in my time and you wouldn't believe how clogged up the fan can get and still function. Quite disgusting really.

wandererz

Deleted User wrote: »

be interested to see if fan/heating continues a problem after.

Apologies, i did not notice the bit about the fan. If it has given up the ghost, then here's a replacement.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F112860067575

Even if that's needed then you're still only €10 over your budget at around €60.

AllForIt wrote: »

I find laptop fans get clogged up easily and it's well worth it if you can cleaning it out.

What he said ^^

unfit2006

I hadnt thought of replacing the fan. I will look into that also. Is the fan as critical with SSD as it would be with HDD ? I thought that maybe the SSD might make the fan redundant so to speak. I think that replacing the fan requires the removal of the complete back panel of the laptop. The HHD is accessible by removing a smaller panel and is very handy to get to. I dont suppose removing the rear panel is a major operation. I have never had the back off one of these before.

fan cools the processor which v likely will be working harder than before in keeping up with ssd speeds, but rly it couldve been a dozen things causing an issue with it previously some of which might resolve themselves with an ssd install

if not, have a poke around for some videos relating to cleaning fan on yr model. nkt a uuge job but a few things to watch out for surely

unfit2006

Hi,

My new SSD arrived and I hope to start working on installing it asap. I do not have a Sata /USB connecting cable so I was wondering is there another way that I can copy the contents of my existing hard drive onto the SSD. I have transferred all of my personal files over onto an external hard-drive so afaik all that remains on the laptop would be the operating system.

Any help or guidance on this would be much appreciated.

Cheers.

unfit2006

unfit2006 wrote: »

Hi,

My new SSD arrived and I hope to start working on installing it asap. I do not have a Sata /USB connecting cable so I was wondering is there another way that I can copy the contents of my existing hard drive onto the SSD. I have transferred all of my personal files over onto an external hard-drive so afaik all that remains on the laptop would be the operating system.

Any help or guidance on this would be much appreciated.

Cheers.

you need something like this (I used this one - works perfectly)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00IJNDBM4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

then you can also use the hd in the laptop as an external usb drive

I'd go a clean install of windows tbh tho - beneficial

wandererz

unfit2006 wrote: »

Hi,

My new SSD arrived and I hope to start working on installing it asap. I do not have a Sata /USB connecting cable so I was wondering is there another way that I can copy the contents of my existing hard drive onto the SSD. I have transferred all of my personal files over onto an external hard-drive so afaik all that remains on the laptop would be the operating system.

Any help or guidance on this would be much appreciated.

Cheers.

Hi,

You previously said that you reloaded Windows onto it.
How did you do that? Do you have the Windows disk & product code. If so, just do that again on the new SSD. You will then start with a clean operating system.
Keep the old HDD just in case.

Use Veeam - Enterprise Backup and recovery for free
https://www.veeam.com/windows-endpoint-server-backup-free.html

Install and backup to an external.

Create a recovery ISO, which you can burn to a USB.

Replace drive, Boot ISO on USB and point to external hard drive with last known good backup.

Or, if its a crucial ssd, you can use Acronis for free crucial.com\clone

wandererz

wandererz wrote: »

Hi,

You previously said that you reloaded Windows onto it.
How did you do that? Do you have the Windows disk & product code. If so, just do that again on the new SSD. You will then start with a clean operating system.
Keep the old HDD just in case.

I believe it's a Dell.
And with a Dell you can use the following tool to burn the OS and it will activate automatically.

https://www.dell.com/support/home/ie/en/iebsdt1/drivers/osiso/wt64a

unfit2006

wandererz wrote: »

Hi,

You previously said that you reloaded Windows onto it.
How did you do that? Do you have the Windows disk & product code. If so, just do that again on the new SSD. You will then start with a clean operating system.
Keep the old HDD just in case.

Hi,

I used "Remove everything and reinstall Windows" option in the "Update and recovery" menu of the laptop. I do not have a Windows disc.

unfit2006

glasso wrote: »

you need something like this (I used this one - works perfectly)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00IJNDBM4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

then you can also use the hd in the laptop as an external usb drive

I'd go a clean install of windows tbh tho - beneficial

I alraedy have a 1tb external drive and hardly ever use it so I probably would never use the old HDD as an external drive. If buying the above item (or a Sata/USB connector lead) is the simplest way to go then I wouldnt mind shelling out the few Euro to keep things simple.

unfit2006

NoDrama wrote: »

I believe it's a Dell.
And with a Dell you can use the following tool to burn the OS and it will activate automatically.

https://www.dell.com/support/home/ie/en/iebsdt1/drivers/osiso/wt64a

Thanks for that. Reading this now. They say to use a blank USB drive. I could use my external hard drivr but that has files/photos already on it. Would that matter ?

unfit2006

^^... It appears that when burning the OS onto the USB drive that all data on that drive will be lost. I will look around for a blank USB drive that I could use. I might have one somewhere.

wandererz

unfit2006 wrote: »

^^... It appears that when burning the OS onto the USB drive that all data on that drive will be lost. I will look around for a blank USB drive that I could use. I might have one somewhere.

Copy the contents onto your other (new) laptop (assuming you have sufficient space) .

Alternatively, stick both drives into parcel motel to me & I will clone it for you (I offer a service for this )

wandererz

wandererz wrote: »

Copy the contents onto your other (new) laptop (assuming you have sufficient space) .

Alternatively, stick both drives into parcel motel to me & I will clone it for you (I offer a service for this )

I'd delete your sex tape videos first tho! before sending to this guy.


unless you have some programs installed that you can't get again just do a fresh install of windows 10 from a usb key and later install the programs again

this will also help speed up your pc as for example you'll have a fresh registry

you've already copied off your personal files as you said.

therefore no need for cables or cloning

unfit2006

I downloaded the Dell OS recovery tool but it wouldnt install because the laptop didnt have Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 installed. I then attempted to download and install the .Net framework but it consistantly refused to install onto the laptop.
Rather than transfer the contents of my external hard-drive onto my new laptop, I took the plunge and purchased a Sata to USB connector cable for the princely sum of £3.98 with free postage. Should be here in a few days.

unfit2006

glasso wrote: »

I'd delete your sex tape videos first tho! before sending to this guy.


unless you have some programs installed that you can't get again just do a fresh install of windows 10 from a usb key and later install the programs again

this will also help speed up your pc as for example you'll have a fresh registry

you've already copied off your personal files as you said.

therefore no need for cables or cloning

Now that you mention Windows 10.... when I bought the new laptop they included a USB stick which they called " OS Recovery Media".
Could I use that USB drive to load Windows 10 onto my old laptop ?

unfit2006

wandererz wrote: »

Copy the contents onto your other (new) laptop (assuming you have sufficient space) .

Alternatively, stick both drives into parcel motel to me & I will clone it for you (I offer a service for this )

Thanks for that Wanderez and I know that the handiest way out for me would be to give it to someone to sort out. But I'm one of these old codgers that enjoys the hardship of trying to sort things out as much as I can myself. Fixing up old drills,grinders and compressors is nirvana to me LOL.

unfit2006

unfit2006 wrote: »

Now that you mention Windows 10.... when I bought the new laptop they included a USB stick which they called " OS Recovery Media".
Could I use that USB drive to load Windows 10 onto my old laptop ?

no.

it will be out of date.

download win 10 free from microsoft in iso format

google how to create usb key bootable from win 10 iso

make key on wiped min 8gb key

go into bios on reboot (f12 usually) and set usb to bootable

install key and go ahead

may be prudent to disable secureboot also (google this and do before starting)

as if secureboot enabled means usb booting will be blocked

wandererz

Microsoft guidance here:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/install-windows-from-a-usb-flash-drive

unfit2006

Hi,

I received the Sata/USB cable this morning. I transferred the OS from my laptop onto the the new SSD using software called Partition Wizard which I downloaded free.
Initially I thought that my laptop would not recognise the new SSD as it wasnt appearing in "my computer". This required me to use the disc management function to configure the new drive so that Windows would recognise it.
After that, the Partition Wizard guided me through the process of transferring the OS across and when I inserted the new SSD the laptop booted up fine and is much much faster.
Thanks to everyone here for steering me in this direction. The new drive was a great idea for relatively small money.

Just one last question .... should I go ahead and look at the fan which was working very slowly (you can just about feel air movement at the outlet vent of the laptop). It probably makes sense to check it out I suppose.

Thanks again folks.

good to hear

maybe give the fan a few days, unless its an issue already

no harm to do it once youve the rest done in any case i suppose

wandererz

unfit2006 wrote: »

Hi,

I received the Sata/USB cable this morning. I transferred the OS from my laptop onto the the new SSD using software called Partition Wizard which I downloaded free.
Initially I thought that my laptop would not recognise the new SSD as it wasnt appearing in "my computer". This required me to use the disc management function to configure the new drive so that Windows would recognise it.
After that, the Partition Wizard guided me through the process of transferring the OS across and when I inserted the new SSD the laptop booted up fine and is much much faster.
Thanks to everyone here for steering me in this direction. The new drive was a great idea for relatively small money.

Just one last question .... should I go ahead and look at the fan which was working very slowly (you can just about feel air movement at the outlet vent of the laptop). It probably makes sense to check it out I suppose.

Thanks again folks.

Great stuff OP! Good to hear that i helped out someone.
The fan is a difficult one without seeing how it operates.

I suppose you have cleaned it out? & it's not clogged with dust.

If you're going to keep the laptop for a while yet, i would suggest getting it replaced. Still small money for the use that the laptop is going to be for you.

Get a temperature monitoring app, one that does both cpu & disk drive & monitor it at use for a while. Then decide.