Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: How do I replace the hard drive in this notebook?

A:
  1. Create a Drivers and Applications Recovery disc. For more information, reference Recovering Your System in your online User Guide. If you are adding a new hard drive you need to reinstall Windows® from the Windows® DVD, and then recover your pre-installed software and device drivers using recovery discs that you created. If your notebook uses RAID, read and follow the instuctions in the chapter Setting up RAID.

  2. Back up any data you want to transfer to the new hard drive. For more information, reference Backing up Files in your online User Guide.

  3. Review electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions.

  4. Turn off the notebook.

  5. Close the LCD panel.

  6. Disconnect all peripheral devices. Remove any ExpressCards and memory cards.

  7. Disconnect the AC adapter, modem cable, and network cable.

  8. Turn the notebook over so the bottom is facing up.

  9. Remove the battery.

  10. Loosen the four hard drive bay cover screws (these screws cannot be removed).
    Loosen the eight hard drive bay cover screws.

  11. Carefully so as to not break the tabs at the opposite end, use the thumb notch to lift the bay cover and remove it.
    Remove the hard drive bay cover.

  12. Use the plastic strip to slide the old hard drive away from the connector, and then lift the old hard drive kit out of the notebook.
    Slide the old hard drive kit out of the notebook.

  13. If your new hard drive already includes the hard drive kit bracket, go to Step 17. If you need to move the hard drive kit bracket from your old hard drive kit to your new hard drive, go to Step 14.

  14. Remove the four screws (2 on each side) that secure the hard drive to the hard drive kit bracket.
    Remove the four screws that secure the hard drive to the hard drive kit bracket.

  15. Remove the bracket from the old drive.
    Remove the bracket from the old drive.

  16. Insert the new drive into the bracket label side up, align the screw holes, and then replace the four screws (2 on each side) that secure the bracket to the drive.
    Insert the new drive into the bracket and then replace the screws.

  17. Place the new hard drive kit into the bay, and then slide it into the connector.
    Place the new hard drive kit into the bay and slide it into the connector.

  18. Slide the tabs located on the bay cover, into the slots on the bay, and then tighten the cover screws.
    Replace the hard drive bay cover and tighten the bay cover screws.

  19. Insert the battery, and then turn your notebook over.

  20. Connect the power adapter, modem cable, and network cable.

    • If your notebook uses RAID, follow the instuctions for setting up RAID referenced in Step 1, and then go to step 23.
    • If your notebook does not use RAID and the drive you replaced was the C drive, go to step 21 to install Windows®.
    • If your notebook does not use RAID and the drive you replaced was not the C drive, complete any instructions that came with your drive regarding partitioning and formatting the drive, and then go to step 23.

  21. Turn on the notebook, open the DVD drive, insert the Windows® DVD, close the DVD drive, and then restart your notebook.

  22. At the prompt Press any key to boot from CD or DVD, press any key on your keyboard and follow the on-screen instructions. Insert your Drivers and Applications Recovery disc when prompted.

  23. Reconnect all peripheral devices and replace any ExpressCards.