How to Upgrade a Laptop Hard Drive

Even after you cleaned off some old files and defragged your hard drive on your laptop, you may be surprised that your hard drive is getting full. So, you make a decision to purchase a larger hard drive and install it yourself. Your major concern is transferring your old files to the new hard drive or installing a new operating system. For someone that has not done this before, it seems like a big job, but it's not. There is a lot of help out there to make the job easy. New and refurbished laptops have warranties. It is important that you are not violating any warranties on your equipment.

Things You'll Need

• Directions for your laptop
• Laptop
• Phillips Screwdriver
• New Hard Drive
• Hard Drive Enclosure
• File Transfer Software
• Operating System

Instructions

1. Get organized before you start the job. Set a time to do the transfer of your hard drive. Include time to transfer your files and folders or install a new operating system. This might take an hour or two to do.

2. Find your owner's manual for your laptop. If you don't have it, no fear the internet is here. Go online to the manufacturer of your laptop and do a search. Put the make and model of your laptop in the search box and see what is available for documents. Save or print out the documents and view the chapter on changing a hard drive.

3. Order your hard drive. Once you receive your documentation check on the type of hard drive you have and how to remove and install it. Depending on the age of your laptop you might have an EIDE or SATA hard drive. Many new laptops have SATA hard drives, and might be under warranty. Laptops made between 1998 to early 2005 will have EIDE hard drives. I found that most hard drives will slip in and out with removing a few screws.

4. 

   Transfer your files to the new hard drive. Once you receive your hard drive you will also need an external storage box to install your new hard drive. This external box is made for laptop hard drives and comes with cables to attach to your USB port. At this point you can transfer your files to the new hard drive with file transfer software like Acronis Migrate Easy. You can get the full version for 15 days for use, but anytime after that you will need to purchase it for $49.00. However CMS Products offers the case and files transfer software for around $30.00.

5. Install the new operating system. If you choose to go with a new operating system you will have to exchange your hard drive. Remove the screws to release your hard drive from the laptop. Remove the old hard drive and install the new hard drive. Once you have done the exchange, install the original system disk in the DVD drive and reboot your system. This could be Windows XP or Vista. Activate your CMOS screen by pressing Del or F2, depending on your laptop model. Set your computer so it boots from the DVD/CD drive. Save and exit the CMOS screen and the laptop will boot up with the screen to install your operating system.

6. View instructional videos for additional information and tips. I have provided instructional videos to assist you on upgrading your laptop hard drive. You should view the videos in the resource section and explore additional videos you can find on Youtube. When you feel you have a basic understanding of the information, you are good to go.

Tips & Warnings

• If interrupted while making the exchange, jot down notes.

• Read all directions and have a basic knowledge.

• Make sure your equipment is unplugged.

• Keep all fluids away from work area

• Backup all your information you want to CD or DVD, Murphy's Law.

Resources

• Easy Transfer of Files
• Data Tranfer Kit
• Acronis Migrate Easy Software Download
• How to install Operating System