Replacing Hard Disk Drive in Laptops?

KeKe

Hi all. Not sure where to put this!

Recently, I've been getting error messages (started today) and warnings regarding my Hard Disk Drive and to replace it.

Now I'm wondering how I should go about doing this. Is it easy enough for me to replace it, or should it be done professionally? How much are we talking with pricing? Should I buy a new HDD or should I just wait, save a bit and invest in a new laptop completely?

I'm a college student so don't have anything -that- important apart from some essays, some downloaded games and music.

Thanks!

Voodu Child

It depends on the laptop but most have a HDD that is fairly easily replaceable by the user. A small number are very hard to replace. You'd need to give the model # to narrow it down, or alternatively just flip it over and have a look.

The other thing that needs to be done once the HDD is replaced is to re-install the operating system (Windows). Did a reinstall disc come with the laptop?

A replacement HDD would go from about €30 upwards depending on the size you want. A decent mid-range 500GB is about €50-60 nowadays.

bhickey

KeKe wrote: »

Recently, I've been getting error messages (started today) and warnings regarding my Hard Disk Drive and to replace it.

What exactly are these error messages? Can you post a few examples?

If the hard drive does need to be replaced then you have 2 options. Both assume that the drive keeps functioning while you copy data or clone the drive :

1. Backup what you need and then replace the drive with a new one and reinstall/restore everything. Slow but safe enough.

2. Clone the existing drive onto a new one. Quick but not for the faint hearted.

Personally, if the machine is otherwise okay, I like option 2 because it brings you back to exactly where you but with a new hard disk. Many people prefer option 2 which would probably, if done properly, result in a better setup that you currently have. Choose whatever option you prefer or are most confident with.

Paparazzo

I did it a while back. I'm not computer expet. I did this: Control panel, system and security, backup your computer and create system image. Do this to an external hard drive.
Get a new hard drive off amazon, slot the old one out, put the new one in with the external hard drive attached and it loads everything on. surprisingly easy.

I googled my broken hard drive to get dimensions. It was 500gb, was able to get one 640gb to fit.

KeKe

Thanks everyone for the answers so far.

My laptop is a: Toshiba Satellite L500-1DT
This is the error message I am receiving: http://i51.tinypic.com/hret1g.jpg

Voodu Child

Yeah, that is triggered by a SMART parameter going outside acceptable range.

It usually is a good indicator that the drive is on the way out, though it could work normally for a day or for a year. Check the warranty status of the drive.

The HDD should be easy to replace on that model, one of the panels on the underside gives access to it. That still leaves the issue of re-installing the OS on the new drive.

shadowninty

Itd be worth burning a few CDs just in case, of Windows whtever and Parted Magic (has cloning tools, disk check tools etc)
If you dont have that much important stuff you could backup all your stuff with Dropbox (by keeping all your used files there) which wold protect your important stuff.
You could then reinstall your OS (which you need to do if youve been using the same Windows install for years) and reinstall dropbox on the new hard drive

KeKe

I think I still have the recovery disk somewhere - is that of any use?

So, that's all I need to do? Go into a computer shop, pick up a new HDD (any brand I should look out for) and install it myself?

Again, thanks so much!:D

shadowninty

pretty much. Youll need a philips head screwdriver too. Its easy enough, I've done it once.
Might be a good excuse to check out other OSs too

KeKe

Again, thank you all so much. I'm heading to Cork City on Saturday so will have a look around there.

shadowninty

Dont worry about it, no harm asking as long as you are polite and read the posts
Enjoy Cork City, cant say its the best place to go SATA HDD shopping, but you should find something.