Things You'll Need:
- screw driver
- torx bit set (depending on computer)
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Step 1
First thing needed here is to diagnose that the hard drive is indeed bad. Tearing apart your computer and finding out the drive its self is ok but the cable came lose on the Mother Board is aggravating especially after buying a new drive or such.
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Step 2
Once the hard drive is confirmed bad, it needs to come out of the tower. Remove the side and depending on the tower frame the front face panel to remove the hold down screws. Make sure to remove the cables with care before removal to avoid damage. The drive may also be on a removable rail but this all depends on the case.
Once the drive is out inspect it for defects, for example a burn trace on the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) or loose resistors and such. -
Step 3
If the drive was not backed up to another storage medium, and the data is needed the drive should be sent to a professional drive recovery company. They have the tools and the medium to retrieve the data. You can try the at home software but I have not had the same success rate as with professional services.
If the data is not important enough to warrant the cost of a recovery service you can move along to the next steps. -
Step 4
Most hard drives are non repairable by the end user. If the warranty has not expired on the computer call tech support before removing any thing from the computer. They can set up a return for repair for you. If just the drive is under warranty contact the vendor and or the drive maker and have them set up a return for repair.
If the drive is not under warranty then I recommend replacement. Drives are normally repaired and built in ISO certified clean rooms with no Static Electricity. Our home environment is NOT a suitable area for this. Besides after locating then buying the parts it is more economical to replace the drive. There are a number of online retailers that carry hard drives of many different sizes and interfaces. Pick one out that suites your needs and what your computer is capable of using. -
Step 5
Once the replacement drive is ready, install into computer in reverse of removal. Reconnect the cables and take care to insert connectors straight or else damage may occur. Reinstall all screws.
Once the drive is reassembled, a new Operating System must be installed. This can be done with the software you got with the computer or software you bought separately.
