How to Replace Dell Laptop Hard Drive
Sometimes an upgrade is needed to make your laptop like new. Adding a new hard drive is a quick way to add valuable space to your laptop. Whether upgrading or repairing, there may very well come a time when you want to replace the hard drive in your Dell laptop.
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Things You'll Need
- Computer toolkit or electronics screwdriver set
- Manual for your Dell model
Instructions
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1
Download your Dell laptop manual (see Resources). You need to know your model and number or service tag number. The service tag is found on the bottom of your laptop.
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2
Browse to the hard drive section of the manual. Read the "Before You Begin" section.
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3
Shut down and unplug your laptop.
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4
Turn it over and remove the four screws holding the hard drive in place. Check the diagrams in the manual to see exactly where the hard drive is located.
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5
Slide the hard drive out carefully and remove the screws holding the hard drive to the brackets.
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6
Replace the old drive with the new one by first screwing the brackets into place.
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7
Slide the new hard drive into the empty bay in the laptop and screw back into place.
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8
Start your laptop and wait for the drive to be recognized and configured.
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Tips & Warnings
Set all screws in a cup to prevent them from being lost.
Screw the brackets onto the hard drive correctly, or you may insert the drive upside down in your laptop.
Resources
- Photo Credit Dell
