How to Change a Laptop Hard Drive

Replace your laptop's hard drive.

Whether it's the result of a malfunction, performance issues or the need for more storage space, hard drives are among the most replaced and upgraded laptop hardware devices. A hard drive's life span depends on how much use it gets, but the average drive lasts about five years. The good news is that when it's time to replace your laptop's hard drive, the process requires minimal disassembly and little technical knowledge.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Antistatic wrist strap

Instructions

1. Shut down your laptop. Disconnect all external data, storage and networking devices. Close the display panel, and place the laptop face down. Remove the battery pack from the bottom side.

2. Locate the hard drive compartment cover on the bottom side. Remove the cover and its retaining Phillips-head screws, and take out any Phillips-head screws securing the hard drive inside the compartment. Consult your laptop's user manual for the exact location of the hard drive compartment.

3. Grasp the hard drive, and slide it in the opposite direction of its connectors. Lift the old hard drive out of its compartment, and set it aside. Depending on your laptop or your new hard drive, you may have to transfer the connectors on your old drive to the new one.

4. Place the new hard drive inside the compartment. Align the connectors on the rear of the drive with the connectors inside the hard drive compartment. Slide the drive toward the connectors inside the compartment to connect it to the motherboard.

5. Reinsert the hard drive's retaining Phillips-head screws. Put the hard drive compartment cover back in place, and reinsert its Phillips-head screws.

6. Replace the battery pack, place the laptop face-up, and reconnect all cables and devices.

7. Power on your laptop. Insert your laptop's operating-system installation disc, and follow the on-screen instructions to install your operating system to your new hard drive.

Tips & Warnings

• Use an antistatic wrist strap to prevent electrical damage to your laptop while removing and replacing your hard drive.

References

• Foner Books: Replacing Laptop Hard Drives
• Inside My Laptop: Replacing Your HP Pavilion dv9000 Hard Drive

Resources

• Replacement Laptop Hard Drives