Laptop Possibly Failing?

[sniprpenguin]

So my relative's laptop (Dell Inspiron 1750) has been experiencing some odd problems and I'm thinking that it's just failing and needs to be replaced, but I'd like to get a second opinion and maybe some steps to try and fix it if possible.

At first, the wireless had been acting up, going slowly. Eventually it just gave out, but it could connect if an ethernet cable is plugged in.

Then, it had an incident where it would not shut down for half an hour. The power finally gave out before it could shut down, and since then it's been experiencing more problems.

It does not detect an ethernet cable plugged into it, the internet adapter itself has disappeared from the hardware list, various programs have complained about corrupted files, and many settings have reverted to default, like the toolbar style. MalwareBytes and Spybot have turned up nothing

As far as I know, nothing major like new programs or hardware have been installed.

Is it failing like I think it is, or is this fixable?

 

[mironso]

Download Hirene's Boot cd. There you have interesting tool for testing. Try using HDAT to check your HDD state. If it's OK, I will recommend reinstalling your OS.

 

[Barhumbug]

Sounds more like software than hardware - how long since the last Windows re-install?
Its certainly worth trying a factory reset before you go and replace it.
- Back up all your personal data, browser bookmarks, emails, etc.
- Run the Dell restore program (check manual or Dell website for instructions).
- Uninstall the Dell crapware you won't need or use.
- Connect to the internet and run Windows update.
- Update the hardware drivers if necessary (Dell website again).
If the wireless and everything is working okay, reinstall your programs and data.