The only electro-mechanical device is the hard drive in the computer’s PC. It has moving parts and functions like a high-speed record player, with a moving arm. These drives can slow down over time and eventually fail, which could lead to data loss. If your computer is older than two years, you may have a 5400 RPM drive or slower. The new 7200 RPM hard drives are faster than ever.
How can I tell if I have the right drive?
FedEx or your local FreshStart provider can help you identify the current version of Windows. They can order the right drive for FreshStart if they have this information and know if you have a laptop or desktop PC.
Do I need to upgrade to Windows 8? No. No. You don’t need to learn or pay for a new Operating system.
What happens to my old drive, and what should I do?
Your old drive will be returned to you. This is to protect your data and privacy. You can also use the drive as a backup drive. If you buy a SATA-to-USB cable or case, you can attach it externally. You should at a minimum keep the drive safe. FedEx will send your old drive back in a box with a USB connector. This makes it easy to use as a backup. What programs can I reinstall on my new hard disk?
FreshStart allows you to install new copies of the following software automatically, in addition to your Microsoft Operating System.
All Microsoft Office Products with a valid license key. Adobe Reader (on all PCs) Adobe Player (on all PCs) Mozilla Firefox (if this was previously) Google Chrome (if this was previously) MS Internet Explorer(on every computer) iTunes / Quicktime (if this was previously) Skype (if this was previously) VLC Player(on every computer) Microsoft Security Essentials Antivirus (on each PC)
Programs like TurboTax, Games, etc. You will need to reload the program, but don’t worry. All your program data files will remain exactly where they were.
Is my printer still functional in my office or at home?
Yes, but you’ll need to install new drivers for your printers. It is a bad idea to transfer print drivers as they are a common malware target. To activate the software, printers must be attached to computers. It is simple to download new printer drivers. You can search the internet for “Your Printer Make and Model, driver Downloads”, such as “HP Photosmart C6280 Driver Downloads” and follow the steps. What about passwords? How do I connect to my office or home internet?