lili5689
07-03-2012, 07:10 PM
Laptop hard drives are getting larger in capacity all the time. If you have an old laptop that still works with a tiny hard drive, you might want to upgrade by installing a new one. Or, if your hard drive fails, it is a good idea to know where it is located and how to remove and replace it.
Size
Laptop hard drives are physically smaller that their desktop computer counterparts. A laptop hard drive is about the size of a file card and approximately one-half inch thick.
Location
Most laptop hard drives are located in the upper-right area under the keyboard as you face the screen. The hard drive is connected to the processor by a ribbon cable and usually sits in some form of metal carriage. Before working on it, disconnect the power cord and remove the battery from your laptop. For safety's sake, ground yourself by touching something metal before starting to work.
Keyboard Removal
To get at the hard drive, you will need to push the screen back and remove the keyboard on most laptop models. This is done by unscrewing two to four screws that secure the keyboard and, on some models, unclipping the keyboard from the side of the computer. On some laptops, there are two screws that remain attached to the keyboard after you unscrew them and two latches you pull toward you to release the keyboard.
Connections
Once the keyboard is loose, flip it back toward yourself, being careful not to rip the ribbon cable. You can either detach the ribbon cable or simply leave the keyboard attached while you work. There may be another piece, such as a heat shield, before you get to the hard drive. There usually are a few screws that need to be removed.
Disconnect
When you see the laptop’s hard drive in the upper-righthand corner, note if it is secured by screws. If it is, remove them and carefully lift the entire hard drive and carriage assembly to see where the ribbon cable is attached. Disconnect it from the processor and remove the hard drive assembly. Take the hard laptop drive (http://www.focuspal.com/laptops/external-dvd-drives.html) out of the carriage—it is usually attached with four screws—and then, holding it with both hands, use your thumbs to gently rock the long, black pin connector off. Be careful not to bend the pins. Now you can replace the hard drive by reversing the procedure.
Size
Laptop hard drives are physically smaller that their desktop computer counterparts. A laptop hard drive is about the size of a file card and approximately one-half inch thick.
Location
Most laptop hard drives are located in the upper-right area under the keyboard as you face the screen. The hard drive is connected to the processor by a ribbon cable and usually sits in some form of metal carriage. Before working on it, disconnect the power cord and remove the battery from your laptop. For safety's sake, ground yourself by touching something metal before starting to work.
Keyboard Removal
To get at the hard drive, you will need to push the screen back and remove the keyboard on most laptop models. This is done by unscrewing two to four screws that secure the keyboard and, on some models, unclipping the keyboard from the side of the computer. On some laptops, there are two screws that remain attached to the keyboard after you unscrew them and two latches you pull toward you to release the keyboard.
Connections
Once the keyboard is loose, flip it back toward yourself, being careful not to rip the ribbon cable. You can either detach the ribbon cable or simply leave the keyboard attached while you work. There may be another piece, such as a heat shield, before you get to the hard drive. There usually are a few screws that need to be removed.
Disconnect
When you see the laptop’s hard drive in the upper-righthand corner, note if it is secured by screws. If it is, remove them and carefully lift the entire hard drive and carriage assembly to see where the ribbon cable is attached. Disconnect it from the processor and remove the hard drive assembly. Take the hard laptop drive (http://www.focuspal.com/laptops/external-dvd-drives.html) out of the carriage—it is usually attached with four screws—and then, holding it with both hands, use your thumbs to gently rock the long, black pin connector off. Be careful not to bend the pins. Now you can replace the hard drive by reversing the procedure.