Hard Drive Installation: How To:

Here it is, in picture form, how to upgrade your hard drive in a Sony Vaio. This will more than likely work for more models than just the PCG-F590, but that's the one I'm using so I can't say with great confidence that it'll work on anything but a PCG-F590.

Here are the tools you need:



First, open your computer all the way like so:



Now, the screw you want is on the side of the laptop opposite the DVD drive or on the left side of the picture near the hinge. Here's what it looks like:



Unscrew that, then slide the power strip to the right, or towards the DVD drive, then lift up. Be careful to not unplug the strip, as I don't know what the heck it does if you do that. Here's what it looks like taken off:



Now, you'll need to remove the keyboard. Keep in mind that the keyboard has the same setup with a ribbon cable, so be careful not to unplug that. Just slide it up and then lift up and rest it on the monitor.



Now that all that is out of the way you should see the hard drive. Unscrew all four screws securing it, then lift it out. I started from the top right and kinda jerked it a little and eventually got it out. It's stuck in there pretty good, but don't worry, you won't break anything if you apply a little pressure. Unless you do. In which case you will. Or did. Anyway, here's a pic:



Now all you need to do is unplug the ribbon cable connected to the hard drive. There is no power cable connected, the only thing that should be connected is the IDE ribbon cable. That ribbon cable is stuck on there pretty good as well, I used a very small flathead screwdriver to pry it off the pins.



Now the screws on the cradle are screwed in very tightly, at least on my Vaio. The best advice I can offer you is to use a screwdriver that exactly fits the screw, press down, and twist hard. Just don't strip the screw.



Now put the new drive in and you're good to go. I really do wish that Sony had made an easily upgradeable laptop, but hey, who am I to argue with a multibillion dollar international corporation?

 

good work... excellent guide... could have done better with a better quality camera