How to Replace the Hard Drive on a Dell Inspiron 5100

The Dell Inspiron 5100 hard drive can be removed by anyone who needs a new drive or is simply looking to further customize his laptop. While it is not a terribly complex process, it does involve opening a part of your computer case. Dealing with a hard drive can be a tricky procedure due to the possibility of data loss; a number of guidelines must be followed.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Replacement hard drive
• Screwdriver
• Plastic bag
• Storage bag

1. Save any open documents and other work on your Dell Inspiron 5100. Make sure your work is accounted for before powering down and accessing the hard drive.

2. Completely turn off your Dell Inspiron 5100. Remove all sources of power and unplug the computer. Never attempt to make repairs or switch out the hard drive when the computer is hot. Peruse the safety manual before attempting hard drive removal and replacement. Pay particular attention to the section "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."

3. Flip the Inspiron notebook over. Locate the two hard-drive screws. These screws will be 2-1/2 by 5mm in size. Utilize a tiny screwdriver to unscrew them to gain access.

4. Place these screws in a safe place, like an antistatic plastic storage bag. These are tiny components and can be easily lost; you will need them later on, when you install the new hard drive.

5. Remove the hard drive from the computer. The case is open now that you have removed the hard-drive case screws, and the hard drive is the only immediately available component. It can be removed by simply sliding it out gently. Place it in an antistatic package if you plan on keeping it or recovering data from it later.

6. Remove the new hard drive from whatever case or packaging it came in. Save this casing in case you need to send the hard drive back. Slide the hard drive into the same spot vacated by the previous hard drive. Gently but firmly put it into the hard-drive bay until it is securely in place. Be patient, as the hard drive can easily be damaged if you are reckless.

7. Take your two hard-drive screws out of the plastic bag and screw them back into place with your screwdriver.

8. Install your operating system onto the new hard drive by inserting the Operating System CD that came with your computer into the disc drive. Also, be sure to install the drivers and other required components by popping the "Drivers and Utilities" CD into the disc tray.

Tips & Warnings

• An antistatic bag is critical for storing a hard drive. Otherwise, files may be lost.
• Handle your hard drives with care. Even a bump can cause damage that may result in data loss.