Need Help Reviving my S6010

So I tried to boot my s6010 and get nothing but BSOD. It isn't unexpected, I've been getting disk errors for a couple of months now and lots of seeks while in operation (never a good sign). It's not like it hasn't had a good run- I've had it since 2002 and it's never given me any trouble.

Anyway, I have backed up all of my data and installed applications, as well as my user information in Documents and Settings. I also have the original disks which came with the laptop: Drivers and Applications Restore CD, CD-R/RW Software CD, DVD Applications CD, and Fujitsu Service Assistant CD. Unfortunately, the DISE partition is on the dead hard drive, so I'm pretty sure that's gone (and no, I never created a DISE diskette). I guess I get about a C- for forethought.

1) So, if I buy a new HD can I revive this laptop?
2) Do I need to buy another copy of Win2K Pro?
3) If I upgrade to XP will the drivers and applications CDs be any good?
4) And finally, which screws do I take off to get at the HD? (in lieu of just starting to unscrew things and look)

Thanks for any help.

 

1. Not sure, but it looks like a good place to start.
2. You shouldn't. I am assuming the dise partition is the recovery partition? Maybe you can throw it in an external case and get the data that way. Perhaps Fujitsu will send you a new disc.
3. Most 2k drivers will work with XP though you may have an issue or two. The drivers should be available on Fujitsu's website.
4. Not super familar with this model, but usually there are a few screws to take off and slide the hard drive out.

 

1) Try testing the HDD in another system if you can first. But from your description that does seem to be the problem.

2) Use the CD/DVD labelled "Restore Disk" that shipped with your laptop to reinstall the OS. No need to buy a new one. Unless you want to upgrade of course!

3) These are the XP drivers for your model: http://support.fujitsupc.com/CS/Portal/supportsearch.do

4) This might help: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=1064238&postcount=15 (HDD bay is on the bottom right section of the notebook)

If you have questions about #4 go ahead. But the upgrade is pretty simple, no major disassembly required.

 

Thanks for the advice.

While it's just barely possible that the current HD isn't the real culprit, I'm just going to go on this assumption. It sounds like if I just blunder forward, I'll probably be able to restore things (I've done a certain amount of rescue work on desktops, never on a laptop). Looks like I'll be braving the crowd at Fry's tomorrow.

A couple of side questions:

Will Fujitsu be likely to help me out if I can't restore Win2K from the restore disk? I'm way out of the warranty period.

Is there anything else that's ripe for upgrading while I'm at it? I've heard that RAM is a fairly easy upgrade, but what about the processor (currently a 1 GHz PIII) or the internal wireless card (a circa 2002 capability now)?

Thanks again for your help.

 

If you have a restore disk you should be in good shape. Yes memory is easy to upgrade. Just pop the panel off the bottom and stick it in if you have an open slot.

 

Well, it turns out I was a bit optimistic. None of the restore CDs contain Win2K, so I called Fujitsu. It turns out that if I order a replacement disk, they will ship it with both the OS and drivers pre-installed.

Unfortunately, they aren't the most competitive as far as pricing! Here's what I was offered:

20 GB HD - 117.00
30 GB HD - 206.00
40 GB HD - 269.00

All are 5400 RPM drives. I was in Fry's today and I can get a 60 GB Fujitsu drive (5400 RPM) for about 120.00. So what I've done is ordered the 20 GB drive from Fujitsu, I'll buy the 60 GB drive from Fry's. Then I'll image the 20GB drive to the 60 GB Drive and install the 60 GB drive in the laptop. Overall, if it works it's a lot cheaper than buying a new drive plus a new OS. I'll let you know if it works.

 

Try to return the one from Fujitsu. Tell them it didn't work.