Clacking Hard Drive 3150P

Hello,
Can anyone tell me how to replace the hard drive in a 3150P? Specifically the Do's and Don'ts
I have never replaced a drive in laptop (desktops I am very experienced with). I have only added additional memory to this laptop and that was easy. I only want to dismantle the case enough to get to the drive and not disturb anything else. I plan to replace it with a Hitachi TravelStar 7K60 (08K0939) 60 GB Hard Drive
Can anyone help?

The drive started clacking with recurring regularity the other day, it finally rebooted and came up with HDD error (MBR was gone I guess), I was able to resuscitate it using then Recovery Console and some telephone support from Averatec.

They have advised me to return the machine to them and they will charge me to replace the drive, I am of the do it myself mentality whenever I can and it is my intention to do just that.

From a product/support standpoint I have had this 3150P since 6/2003. It did have a problem with a "flexing/shorting" chassis. This was replaced by Averatec under warranty, very quickly without much fuss.

This clacking sound has been heard during the life of the machine but it has never stopped the machine. I have traveled with the machine and
have taken it to customer sites and spent entire days writing code on it without a hitch. Given the price I beleive I have recieved value for my money and would like to get at least 1 more year out of it I could.

I leave this thing on constantly as it one of 4 other machines in my lab.

I like the 3150P given it's price and features, I even purchased a 3220H1 for my wife, it has an easier life than the 3150P. The 3220H1 has never had a problem.

Any help would be a appreciated..

tobor.

 

tobor,

I can't speak specifically to the 3150P, but it's probably very similar to the 6130 that I own. I replaced my HD about a month ago. The 3150 User Guide provides no information about swapping out the HD.

(1) Remove the larger planel from the bottom of the machine. Probably held in place by about 8-10 tiny metal screws.

(2) Locate what appears to be a HD 'cage', or rails. Should be covered with a very thin piece of sheet metal. Usually, about 2-4 screws will be holding it to the chassis.

(3) Once you've removed the cage (rail) screws, you should be able to slide the HD from the black IDE connector attached to the motherboard.

(4) After you've removed the HD and cage, remove the HD from the cage, or rails (two thin strips of metal attached to the HD). Note the orientation of the HD and rails.

(5) Attach cage (or rails) to your new HD - observing the correct orientation.

(6) Once the rails are attached, slide the HD into place, lining up the pins with the parallel connector. Gently, but firmly, push the HD pins into the IDE connector - fully.

(7) Screw the cage, or rails back into the chassis.

(8) Before replacing the bottom panel, turn the computer over and turn it on. Just to make sure it boots. The BIOS should recognize the new HD automatically. If it does, you're good to go.

(9) Replace screws in the bottom panel. Screw gently and firmly tighten.

Good luck,

redjr..

 

Unfortunately, red's helpful reply won't be of much assistance in this particular situation.

Remove 7 screws on the bottom of the laptop, underneath the laptop. Carefully remove the palmrest, unplugging the LED and touchpad cable as needed.
Remove the hard drive retention screw.
Lift and pull gently to remove the hard drive.

This voids your warranty.

 

Thanks symbiont for your reply. I knew it was a crap shoot - just didn't know how different the machines are!

redjr..