Replacing Hard Drive in a Laptop

themightyboost on 03/12/2016 - 15:43

Hello friends, heroes and unsung champions of ozBargain.

My laptop is showing a little age, and I think the hard drive is causing a few issues. I've wiped it and reinstalled Windows every few months which temporarily fixes problem, but it's probably time to get a new lappy or replace the hard drive.

If any of you incredibly smart people know:
~ Is it easy for anyone to replace a hard drive, or should I get a professional to do it?
~ Recommendations for either a hard drive (I only know of external ones) or a good "installer" around melbourne
~ Could there possible be issues with reinstalling windows on a new harddrive? Or any other compatibility issues?
~ Am I better off getting a new comp? Lappy is around 4 years old now, but I did get extra RAM and graphics stuff put into it initially which is why I'm a little hesitant to toss it.

Thanks for you time, and I hope you don't get stuck in a situation where you're forced to listen to repetitive christmas carols.

Computing

Comments

  • Wampus on 03/12/2016 - 15:57

    Depending on the laptop, it may be easy to change out the hard drive yourself - what is the make and model? Some of the cheaper laptops you have to completely dismantle to change the HDD unfortunately.

    If you've made the decision to keep the laptop for a bit longer, i'd definitely replace with an SSD, they're the same physical size and will speed things up a lot

    • themightyboost on 03/12/2016 - 19:26

      Thanks for your reply. Toshiba Satellite L850. SSD seems to be a popular choice, I think it's money well spent. One of those HD scanning utilities says that my hard drive is pretty close to buggered, but are there any other common problem parts I should look into?

      • Wampus on 04/12/2016 - 09:03

        The Toshiba L850s are very easy to change the hard drive on. Just remove the back L-shaped cover and you'll see the hard drive in there, take out the hdd enclosure and just put an SSD in - here's a video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1SevmqwI_A

        As for other parts, if you've already updated the RAM anything else you want to upgrade you'll be better off buying a new one

  • Nicktorious on 03/12/2016 - 16:00
    +2

    Depending on the laptop its usually extremely easy. 10 minute job definitely do it yourself. Some laptops only need 1 screw to access the HDD. Replace it with an SSD and Robert is your mothers brother.

    • themightyboost on 03/12/2016 - 19:29

      Uncle Bob is always the endgame

  • Takius on 03/12/2016 - 16:03

    It is very easy to replace a hard drive. I've got a Thinkpad T420 and followed this guide https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLAlTbA5GXQ
    I assume many/most laptops will be the same.
    I'd recommend getting an SSD such as a Samsung 850 Evo 500GB.
    There shouldn't be any compatibility issues.
    A 4 year old laptop with upgrades should still be fine for a few more years at least, depending on what your requirements are.

    • themightyboost on 03/12/2016 - 19:28

      Found a similar youtube video for a similar model to mine, thanks for your suggestion.
      I was worried about soldering things, good to see that's not the case

  • strikeout119 on 03/12/2016 - 16:09
    +1

    Depending on what laptop you have, replacing the Hard Disk Drive (HDD) shouldn't be too hard, it would help if you have one of those magnetic multi-bit screwdrivers, but it is not necessary. Before you replace the HDD you would have to mirror the drive or just backup the most important files onto a external HDD. If you are not confident in either replacing the HDD or transferring files, try asking a friend who is or get a professional.

    For options of replacing the HDD would be fine to stick with a HDD but if your budget can allow for it (the money saved from DIY?) I would recommend a Solid State Drive (SSD) as they are more reliable and faster.

    And for replacing the laptop. That is up to you, it depends on what you use your laptop for? If you use it for just basic stuff like checking emails, youtube, etc. Than you most likely don't need a new laptop unless the problem isn't the HDD.

    • havebeerbelywillsumo on 03/12/2016 - 16:14
      +1

      Excellent info here, the only thing I'd like to add is Google your laptop model & see if someone has done a DIY vid on whatever you need.

    • themightyboost on 03/12/2016 - 19:33

      Thanks heaps, will give SSD a go I think - I'm always seeing those drives on ozBargain. Is there a big difference between external/internal drives? I actually have a few external drives laying around

      • strikeout119 on 03/12/2016 - 20:31

        The main use of external drives are to either backup or store extra data that can't fit on your laptop. You will want a HDD or SSD in your laptop that has the Operating System (OS) with your applications and frequently used files so you don't have to keep plugging in an external drive. If you have an external PORTABLE HDD (the small ones with just the USB cord and no power cord) laying around that's 2.5 inches and can fit in your laptop (height is a variable, Google to see what height your laptop requires), you could try and pop it out of the casing and put it in your laptop, remembering to copy your previous HDD, which would mean you have to erase your current data stored on it.

  • RobMel on 03/12/2016 - 17:55

    First search on youtube how to change drive and see if you feel comfortable. follow instructions up point where you remove drive to verify.
    1. Get and SSD, about 50% larger than what you need.
    will be quiter MUCH faster and use less power.
    2. get a 2.5inch drive enclosure, $15 or so
    3. Get http://www.farstone.com/software/drive-clone.php this software to copy your drive.
    4. put SSD in drive enclosure
    5. run driveclone to copy drive, follow defaults
    6. Swap drives as per youtube
    7. reboot

    If you need help, whats your laptop model, used drive space and where abouts in Melbourne do you live?

    • themightyboost on 03/12/2016 - 19:30

      Cheers for ideas. I already have backups of my files I need and also a USB with Windows recovery media - I wouldn't need anymore software than that would I?

      • RobMel on 04/12/2016 - 05:56

        Driveclone will clone your entire drive including serial number etc … safe you from re-installing etc .
        If you are eastern subs I am happy to lend you a hand.

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