Install a Notebook Hard Drive
Computer hardware has a tendency to fail after a few years and, for most desktop owners, that is not a real problem. A replacement hard drive and other components are fairly reasonable and easy to change. For notebook (laptop) owners, however, it can be a much different situation. Many notebook owners are leery of working on their computers' internal parts. However, if your laptop hard drive fails or you need more space, you can easily install a notebook hard drive.
Contents
Steps
- Back up all files currently stored on the notebook, if you are able to access them.
- Make sure you have installation disks for your operating system and any other programs you'll want on your new hard drive, you may have to be satisfied with your most recent scheduled backup if your notebook or laptop hard drive has failed and the computer will not boot.
- Ground any static electricity you may have built up.
- Touch any metal part on the external laptop casing.
- Unplug the notebook, flip the machine over and remove the battery.
- Locate and remove the screws holding the notebook hard drive bay. There will probably be an icon of a disk on the bay door.
- Check to see if the hard drive is connected to a removable sled or fastened in place within the computer.
- If it is sitting within a sled, remove the screws securing the sled to the machine and slide it out.
- If it is secured to the machine, remove the screws and lift the hard drive out
- Take care not to damage any connectors while removing the hard drive.
- Seat the replacement hard drive into the notebook using the same method you performed when removing the old one. Make sure the component is seated securely and that connectors are lined up and engaged.
- Replace all screws and fasteners.
- Reattach the hard drive bay door and replace the screws.
Video
Template:Video:Install a Notebook Hard Drive
Tips
- If at all possible, have your new hard drive ready and available before removing the old one. This will reduce the chance that you will become confused about the direction and placement of the hard drive.
Warnings
- Do not work on a carpeted or metal surface when repairing electronics. A wooden desk situated on a tiled or wood floor works best to reduce static electricity.
- Take care not to over-tighten any screws or connectors. They can be easily stripped
Things You'll Need
- Notebook (laptop) computer
- Screwdriver
- Replacement notebook hard drive
