Accidents and hardware failure are unpredictable and may occur during ownership; as a result, a laptop may eventually require repairs. We cannot be so careful all the time, but we can be prepared to fix up and get it back on track if something screwed up. Laptops helps people to do many of their tasks easily from anywhere. We have to spend a little time for it as a maintenance routine to keep it clean and top notch in performance all the time.
It is not really that easy as i say, and requires some patience and software knowledge as well. Internet surfing, Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Gaming and Entertainment are some main reasons people use laptops for and today we get high end hardware configuration to do video editing, image editing and rendering process as well.
That is where people simply choose better notebooks to replace their desktop pc to finish their tasks. It will really become a nightmare if there is any hardware failure happens when we really need it up and working for us. Time is very precious and learning few basic steps to troubleshoot the hard disk drive failure or some other hardware failure, which can fixed by few check and tweaks, should never be ignored.
Here i have few easy fixing ways for hard disk drive failure in Laptops.
Table of Contents
Equipment Required
- Hard disk drive
- Restore CD
- CD/DVD Burner, External Hard disk drive or USB thumb/jump drive
Tools Required
- Blank CDs or DVDs
- Small-tipped Phillips Screwdriver and/or Small-tipped Flat Head Screwdriver
Materials Required
- Anti-static Mat
- Anti-static Bags
- Laptop’s Instruction manual
- Laptop Service Manual
Instructions
- Before undergoing any repairs, back up all important files and data. This can be done by burning the data to blank CD or DVD discs via a CD/DVD burner. Extra precautions can be taken by copying the important data to an external hard drive or a USB Thumb/Jump drive.
- Locate the Restore CD, which is usually supplied with the laptop from the manufacturer. Some laptops require the user to create the Restore CD by burning an image found on the computer. The manufacturer’s instructions will guide the user through creating the CD(s).
- Start the laptop normally. Pay attention to any strange start-up noises such as beeping or knocking. Any abnormal sounds are assigned a reason given in the manual. Knocking signals a defective hard drive. Other problems may be displayed on the monitor.
- Upon identification of the problem, prepare the laptop for repair by shutting it down and unplugging the charger from the laptop’s charging port. Remove the battery and leave the laptop to cool for about 20 minutes.
- With the laptop’s lid closed, flip the laptop over so the underside is facing upwards. Usually, there are arrows indicating the position of screws or an image embossed into the back panel indicating the screws for the hard drive hatch.
- Place the laptop on an anti-static mat. Use the required screwdriver to remove the screws and place the screws in a secure location.
- Remove the hatch that covers the hard drive and follow the instructions for its removal. Upon removal, place the old hard drive into an anti-static bag.
- Remove the new hard drive from its packaging and place it in the slot as per instructions.
- Replace the hatch and the accompanying screws.
- Flip the laptop back over to its correct position. Replace the battery and plug the laptop to its charger.
- On power up, insert the Restore CD and follow the on-screen instructions.
- After successful restoration, remove the Restore CD and copy your original information and data onto the new hard drive.
Tips, Warnings and Recommendations
- Before identifying the problem, acquire the instruction and service manuals for the specific laptop. If there is no hard copy, download the documentation from the manufacturer’s website.
- Always ensure there is no power source in the laptop while effecting repairs.
- Always dissipate static by using an anti-static mat.
- Never force screws in or out of their placeholders. Use a screwdriver of the correct size and tip.
- To keep the hard drive healthy, always shut down the computer instead of suddenly powering down the computer by removing the battery or holding the power button.
Author Bio: Charlie is a freelance writer and content builder of www.rolo.org and he is sharing his experience regarding how to fix a laptop screen.
