How to Install Laptop Hard Drive

Update your laptop with a new hard drive.

Most people are aware that you can change the memory in your laptop, but you can also change your hard drive just as easily. Change your laptop's hard drive to a newer one with more space rather than purchasing a new computer. Replacing the hard drive is the cheaper option of the two, so if you're satisfied with the rest of your PC, swap out your hard drive.

Things You'll Need

• Anti-static wristband (optional)
• Small Phillips screwdriver

Instructions

1. Back up your old hard drive's data to an independent storage source, such as an external hard drive, CD or memory stick (if you have one big enough).

2. Turn off your laptop, remove the power cord and remove the battery. There should be no power running into your laptop.

3. Ground yourself by wearing an anti-static bracelet or touching a piece of metal to discharge any electricity from your body.

4. Close your laptop's cover and flip it over so you're looking at the bottom. There is a series of panels on the back of your laptop. One of them holds your memory and the other the hard drive.

5. Locate your hard drive. Your laptop might have a picture or other identifying mark next to it, or you can consult your owner's manual for the hard drive's exact location in your particular laptop model.

6. Unscrew the screw or screws (depending on your laptop model) and remove the hard drive's protective cover. Push down on the hard drive and slide it back to unplug it from its socket.

7. Remove your new hard drive from its packaging and plug it into the hard drive's socket. Screw the protective cover back on.

8. Use your PCs recovery disk to restore the same hard drive image that came with your PC. Place the CD in the CD drive and run the software recovery disk.

9. Transfer your old hard drive's files from your back-up source to your new hard drive.

References

• CNET: Upgrade Your Laptop's Hard Drive; Tom Merritt