My hard drive Maxtor 80Gb has died. Can you recommend a hard drive to replace it possibly 120GB upwards?
Another problem, although I have the original computer disk for Windows XP I have lost the product key. Do I now have to buy the hard disk from Dell which are at least twice the price or is there another way I can install windows xp.
Thanks for your help in advance

get another maxtor? is the xp disk from dell? if yes you might be install without being prompted for the key

Cudni

You can install any HD that you want in there, provided it is the same *type* (not brand, type - i.e. if it has IDE drives you need another IDE drive. If it is a SATA then you'll need a SATA / SATA II drive. Same applies to SATA II.

In my personal experiences, I do not like Maxtor drives at all. They are notorious for failing on me - but, interestingly enough, I love Seagate - I have not had one of those fail on me *yet*.

Also, since the Dimension 4600 is a Desktop (from the pictures I saw online) Have you checked around on the CPU itself (The main computer, or case, I should say, i.e. the box - not the CPU inside the case) - Dell used to put the license key on the case itself....

Also, you should have a Dell Service tag attached (usually on the back) with which you can find your hardware specifications online at Dell's website - specifically, http://support.euro.dell.com/support/topics/topic.aspx/emea/shared/support/my_systems_info/en/details?c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&l=en&s=dhs

HTH

thanks for your advice. can you recommend where I can buy the best value hard drive in the uk

Just a another quick question. How hard is it for a absolute novice to install windows xp on a new hard drive ? would I be able to get advice on this website on how to do it, I really want to give it a go!!

thanks

see for a guide, there are other similar
http://www.helpwithpcs.com/upgrading/install-hard-drive.htm

Cudni