How to Remove a Hard Drive From a Dell Inspiron 1501

The Dell Inspiron 1501 is a mid-sized laptop intended for use in a corporate or small business environment. The Inspiron 1501 comes equipped with 150 GB of hard drive space, which is ample for most basic needs. However, if you install many large programs, such as the latest games and multimedia applications, you may run out of available storage space on your device. Before you can install a new hard drive in your Dell Inspiron 1501, it will be necessary to remove the old one. The procedure for doing so is outlined below.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dell Inspiron 1501
• Phillips screwdriver
• Blank CDs (optional)

Removal

1. Turn on your computer and log into your operating system. Copy any important data to a blank CD, external hard drive or USB memory stick.

2. Shut down your laptop. Disconnect your power cord and any attached peripheral devices. Disconnect any other attached cables. Eject any installed PC cards. Close the display and turn your laptop over.

3. Rotate your laptop until the front edge of the device is facing you. Locate the battery release latch near the center of the underside. Slide the latch into the unlocked position. Remove the battery and set it aside.

4. Examine the left edge of the underside of the laptop. Locate and remove the two screws securing the hard drive assembly in place. Set the screws aside.

5. Pull the hard drive assembly out of the laptop. Unscrew the screws securing the hard drive to the hard drive assembly. Lift the hard drive out of the hard drive assembly. Set the screws and the hard drive assembly aside. Removal is now complete.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are going to replace your old hard drive with a new one, you will need to reinstall your system and application software. If your hard drive is still operational, store it in anti-static packaging and save it for use with a different computer or as a backup. You may purchase a replacement hard drive directly from the Dell website. See the Resources section below for a link.
• Depending on how long your laptop has been powered on prior to removal, the surface of the hard drive may be hot to the touch. Allow the drive to cool before touching its metal surface. Minimize the risk of a static discharge during the removal process by touching one of the metal surfaces on the back panel of the laptop. Avoid touching the connectors on your hard drive during removal. Do not drop, strike or shake your hard drive, as this may damage its internal components.

Resources

• Replacement hard drive for your Dell Inspiron 1501