Replacing laptop HD

[AbnormalBob]

My harddrive has been making a noise that I'm assuming is NOT good. I'm thinking within the next few months I may have to replace it.

Is this a difficult task? Is it possible? How much am I looking at, worst case scenario? (I don't think it's under warranty...it could be though).

If I were to replace it, it would probably be a 5200rpm (or whatever goes in laptops) 80gig whatever. So, if I could take apart my laptop myself, then all I'd need to pay for is the HD, correct?

[Kuky]

I think in most cases, the hard drive on a laptop is very easy to replace. On my dell inspiron 5150, it's actually a tray-like thing I can remove, and then take the hard drive out of it. Ultimately, you will have to look for the manual that came with it, or online, to determine where it's located on your particular model. Hopefully, you won't have to take TOO much apart.

[Barefoot Matt]

I've never taken apart a laptop, but I understand it's just important to keep a very careful account of where each screw comes from so you can put them all back in the right places (there are a lot of them, and they're not all the same). If you do that, it should be fine. But make sure you get the right kind of hard drive. Check the physical size (2.5" vs 3.5"), as well as the connection type (e.g. SATA vs eSATA) in the computer's documentation. You can often find such detailed specs on your computer's manufacturer's website in the support section.

[IGemini]

Pretty much any laptop uses 2.5" hard drives and I think that most vendors allow some kind of access to the drive. An 80 GB will run ~$80. Rest assured you will void any warranty that might be on the laptop if you replace the drive.

[TylerDurden]

I've never taken apart a laptop, but I understand it's just important to keep a very careful account of where each screw comes from so you can put them all back in the right places (there are a lot of them, and they're not all the same). If you do that, it should be fine. But make sure you get the right kind of hard drive. Check the physical size (2.5" vs 3.5"), as well as the connection type (e.g. SATA vs eSATA) in the computer's documentation. You can often find such detailed specs on your computer's manufacturer's website in the support section.

Ok, I'm getting the feeling that you really don't know what you're talking about when it comes to computer advice.

eSATA is an external interface that wouldn't normally be found on laptops. The issue is between IDE and SATA. Physical size - I have NEVER seen a laptop made in the past say.. 5 years that came with a 3.5" driv.

OP: It's fairly easy - you can download instructions from the manu's website and it's just a matter of taking apart your case, swapping out the part andputting it back together.

[Barefoot Matt]

Well there's no need to be rude about it. I did say I had never taken apart a laptop, and I just listed those connection types as examples ("e.g.") of what to look for. Those were connection types I had heard of, and figured that was good enough for an example. Just because I don't know the current state of laptop hard drives doesn't mean I don't know what I'm talking about when it comes to computer advice, and just because I know less than you doesn't mean I know nothing. Correct me if you wish, but please don't attack me for trying to be helpful.

[Bravehearter]

The best place to start is your laptop manufacturer's website. They will have a detailed listing on how to access the drive, how to replace it and whats involved.

I have honestly never came across two models that put their hard drives in the exact same spot. I have seen it from everywhere from under the keyboard to behind the battery. So dont just randomly start unscrewing panels hoping to find it, thats when you get into trouble! (Trust me!)

[rabidfish]

You open that beast up, you will probably be killing any warranty. Or so Ive heard.

[mad_mel]

^ Correct.

If you have any kind of warranty on the notebook, then id suggest getting it from them. Its a lot cheaper for you as well.

I do tech support for HP notebooks - Its fairly easy to do, depending on the unit.