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my allienware laptop keeps locking up

Locked

My laptop keeps locking up after about 3-4 minutes. I have tried using the safe mode and doing a system restore but it will not complete due to the lockup of the system after 3-4 min. help-help I do not know what to do next.

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Clarifications

In reply to my allienware laptop keeps locking up

Clarifications

The hard drive may be failing.

In reply to my allienware laptop keeps locking up

If your laptop is somewhat ancient, perhaps the hard drive has had its life. You can download HD diagnostic software, burn it to a CD and boot your computer from the CD (if your laptop has a CD-ROM drive):

http://www.pcdocpro.com/z3/pcdocov.html?gclid=CNq5hJScn5MCFQ-7iQodsCf_zg

Others will probably post their favorite HD diagnostic utilities. I suspect most will do the job.

Before you order a replacement HD, consider the value of the laptop and whether you wish to install the HD yourself. Installation is actually a 10-minute do-it-yourself project, best attempted if your laptop is [i]sacrificial[/i].

I have found good deals on HDs at NewEgg.com:

http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=380&name=Laptop-Hard-Drives

There is a Western Digital 120GB 2.5″ HD for $70 posted at NewEgg.com should you be interested.

Rick/Portland, OR

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