How to Install a New Hard Drive in a Dell Laptop

If your hard drive becomes defective or dies, you must replace it. The procedure for installing a new hard drive in a laptop is relatively similar regardless of the brand, though the location may vary. Some laptops have hard drives that are installed on the side of the laptop, while others have hard drives installed on the bottom of the laptop.

Things You'll Need

• Hard drive
• Dell laptop

Instructions

1. Turn the laptop over so the bottom is facing up.

2. Remove the screw for the hard drive. For Dell laptops, with hard drives that are side-mounted, find the single screw along one of the side edges, holding the hard drive in place. The location differs with different Dell models, so refer to the user's manual or service guide for the specific location. For laptops with bottom mounted hard drives, remove the screw holding the plastic cover for the hard drive. Again, this may differ depending on the model.

3. Remove the hard drive. For side-mounted drives, pull the drive away from the side of the laptop to remove it. For bottom-mounted drives, pull the tab on the laptop to disconnect and remove it.

4. Insert the new hard drive into the hard drive slot. The hard drive can only be connected on way. Insert the drive with the connectors facing the slot, then push firmly to connect the hard drive.

5. Secure the hard drive with the screw for side-mounted hard drives. For bottom mounted drives, replace the plastic cover, then screw it in place.

References

• Dell: Hard Drive Dell™ Latitude™ D500 Service Manual
• Dell: Hard Drive Dell™ Vostro™ 1700 and Inspiron™ 1720/1721 Service Manual