Replacing HDD in nc8430

Hi guys,

Its come to the point where my 80Gb is insufficient, so I'm looking to upgrade it. But since I know very little about this operation, I need some points clarifying:

1) I have 20% free HDD space (defragged) and I've noticed in the past few weeks that the notebook now takes ages to get past the windows loading screen (where theres a side scrolling blue bar). Normally it only takes perhaps 10-15 secs but now its more like a minute or even more! Is my lack of HDD space causing this excessively slow boot-up time?
2) I'm looking for SATA HDD right? Are there any compatitibility issues I should be aware e.g gravity sensors etc?
3) How easy is it to replace the HDD in an nc8430?
4) How will I transfer all my files onto the new HDD? I've backed up the system files (or whatever that HP Backup & Recovery Manager does) onto CDs so will using those with the new HDD be like having a fresh nc8430? Can i buy some kind of adaptor to connect my old 80Gb HD to the notebook (via USB or Firewire presumably) and transfer straight off?
5) Anything else I need or you need to know?

Thank you

 

I swapped my drive right off -- dual booting linux + VMWare Workstation would have the 80 GB drive beging for mercy.

You want a SATA drive. I went with a Hitachi 160 GB drive.

Swapping the drive itself was very easy as I recall, remove screw, slide out tray, replace, reinsert.

As for transferring files, I ended up using their restore DVD's, so that is fine. You can buy USB adapters to connect the old drive (I cheated by copying the data to a file server of mine) but those might not be very cost-effective unless you plan on using the external drive after the fact. Check out sites like newegg and see what kind of external connectors they have.

Something like this should work:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817387023

Just be careful about eSATA... you need to make sure it uses a SATA connector internally AND has an external USB support. Get one with eSATA externally and ATA internally and your out of luck.

 

Thanks for the reply celondil

When you say 'restore DVDs' do you mean the ones that you provide yourself when you back-up the system files (they fill up 2 DVDs worth)? I don't want to end up with a notebook only to find I have to purchase a fresh copy of XP . That USB is adaptor is exactly what I was thinking of and I do plan on using it as an external HDD.

How much are 160Gb, 7200rpm HDDs in the states? They're about £120/$240 in the UK (from span.com).

 

Yes, those were the discs I meant.

There are also instructions about on how to create a Windows XP CD using whats already on the system although I haven't tried that myself. There have been quite a few threads on how to put a clean version of Windows on this forum though that will point you in the right direction.

The drive I have is going for $115 US on newegg. I think I paid twice that when I bought it last year...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...1984&name=Hitachi+Global+Storage+Technologies

Also this page has a number of service manuals on it, a couple of which will show step by step how to replace the drive.
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsuppor...eId=321957&prodSeriesId=1839150&lang=en&cc=us

 

Thanks again, that eliminated any doubt.

If I have the back-up DVDs then I don't see any need to make an Windows XP disc.

Unfortunately the highest capacity 7200rpm HDD they have at newegg is 100Gb, a marginal increase. Bah I'll probably have to cough up for UK prices.

Cheers celondil

 

Speaking of drives, anyone know when that Hitachi 7K200 will be open to consumers?

 

The easiest way to do it is by using cloning software (acronis true image, etc) and a SATA to USB connector.

 

I appreciate the help guys.

Don't know when that 200Gb, 7200rpm Hitachi comes out (maybe 3rd quarter), I do know it'll cost a lot though .

I think I'm just going to settle for 160Gb, 5400rpm HDD since I have to factor in the price of the external closure and cables. I'm thinking of buying this HDD http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/160gb-sata-ha...ryZ16178QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem Any good?

 

Just an update if anyone's interested:

I went for a Seagate Momentus 160GB @ 5400rpm in the end and its much more quieter than the Hitachi Travelstar. Haven't tried gaming performance yet.

The process of actually changing the drives and getting back up to speed is very easy on the nc8430. You insert the 1st recovery disc before or after changing HDD (doesn't matter when) then the long process of copying system files begins (the 2nd disc is inserted during this time)-takes about 80 mins. The result is a factory fresh nc8430 with a much needed HDD space increment.

I used an external SATA enclosure (£10 from eBay, was next delivery for me) to house the old 80GB Hitachi for the transfer of files, but make sure you run through Windows Update first because immediately after recovery, the notebook didn't recognise the external drive.

Overall, a simple procedure anyone can do