1.. Solid state drives, SSD, are now available and should endure better, longer than HDD because electromechanical wears out faster than SSD.
2. Acronis is software that backs up ENTIRE SSD or HDD and all thereon
3. So, have that installed next time and back up to external drive like a Maxtor (it should be twice size of built in HDD or SSD as a general rule, you'll see why with usage....)
4. You never make a full image backup unless laptop is in perfect working order
5. I suggest backing up extensive daily work by file type in a different backup on Ext Drive.
NEVER delete your backups, especially the last incremental or full image HDD backup unless you are SURE laptop is working -- if so, make NEW backup first, THEN delete old backup....
Laptops can croak, likewise HDD or perhaps SSD, but your WHOLE shebang is NEVER lost.
Just reinstall over virus afflicted laptop, or replacement HDD, a breeze...
Forgive me, a mini Dell does not sound likely to be enduring, and roughness doesn't help.
Turn OFF in lightning conditions too. Also big motors cycling in vicinity, power tools...
Else your laptop might profit from experienced geek/nerd looksee. Esp if he/she has W7 experience.
160 Gb sounds AWFULLY small for W7, any variety, to me.
Is it within Warranty?
Unless you give better history or nerd looks, hard to say.
HDD failure? How long in use? Heavy use for 2-3 years will cause some HDD to croak.
Toshiba stuff croaks far less than others' stuff, you might want to remember that.
I used a heavy-use Toshiba laptop with original HDD from over five years ago to type this answer....
Never had ANY other stuff last so long, seven stars and special accolade for them!!!!!!!