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    bigger hard drive possible?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by rbig, Feb 17, 2007.

  1. rbig

    rbig Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm considering buying a Dell "laptop/notebook" wireless, with 6.5gb hard drive.

    6.5gb isn't very big. Can I physically install a larger hard drive after I get the unit?

    If I do install a larger hard drive, will I need to change anything else?

    Guess an alternative would be to use an external "plug 'n play" USB hard drive.
     
    rbig, Feb 17, 2007
    #1
  2. nystateofmind27

    nystateofmind27 Notebook Consultant

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    If a laptop comes with a 6.5gb hard drive, i doubt it has USB ports. LOL
     
    nystateofmind27, Feb 17, 2007
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  3. moon angel

    moon angel Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    It should be possible but remember that older laptops might not be able to use today's high capacity hard drives.
     
    moon angel, Feb 17, 2007
    #3
  4. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I think he's talking about the 60GB hard drive. EDIT: What model are we talking about here??? If it isn't one that is currently sold by Dell these steps below may not be quite right. If the notebook comes with a 6.5 and NOT 60 GB drive it is only worth about $100 so don't get ripped off.

    Anyway, you can install a new hard drive...but it must be a 2.5" SATA hard drive (which is what you have). Now, while it isn't physically bigger it will hold more data and that's what counts. If it isn't a model currently sold please tell us and we'll help you get the right type of drive.

    What you would have to do amounts to this:
    1) Get the new PC
    2) Purchase the new hard drive ( www.newegg.com is great for stuff like that)
    3) Get the OS discs from Dell tech support
    4) Take out old drive, put in new drive
    5) Install XP or Vista (really isn't that hard)
    6) Good to go.

    Of course, that is the general idea at least. Just about anyone can do it, and we're here to help people along the way.
     
    Greg, Feb 17, 2007
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  5. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    If that HDD is really 6.5GB then it will be around 8 years old. The BIOS will probably only support whatever was the largest HDD available at that time.

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Feb 17, 2007
    #5
  6. RogueMonk

    RogueMonk Notebook Deity

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    Yes, you will be able to upgrade to a larger HD. The physical connections will be compatible. Your BIOS may not recognize a drive larger than 30 GB. So if you stay under the 30gb size, you should have no problem.
     
    RogueMonk, Feb 17, 2007
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  7. ez2remember

    ez2remember Notebook Evangelist

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    If it is 6.5GB then you're looking for PATA / ATA drive and not SATA.
     
    ez2remember, Feb 17, 2007
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  8. Gator

    Gator Go Gators!

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    So in other words, you're buying my doorstop?

    Haha j/k, but you should not pay more than $50 for it. Also, you will not likely have anything faster than USB 1.1 on that laptop, if that. In fact it would be good if you were to post the full specs, including the wireless specs, here so that we may verify that your seller isn't trying to peddle you his doorstop.
     
    Gator, Feb 17, 2007
    #8