Laptop question: should I remove HD before sending laptop for repair?

Question

I have to send my laptop back to the maker for repair, should I remove the hard drive? What problems would I have afterwards with drivers etc?

Sorry folks! One of the hinges on the screen lid is whats wrong so the HD isn't part of the repair I would think!

Answer 1

Hi,

You shouldnt have any problems with compatiabiliy after your laptop is returned. But you may want to think about the following:

1. Will the repair people accept your laptop without a drive?
2. If your repair is hardware related i.e. could your drive be causing a problem?
3. if your answer to point 2 is yes then you have now choice but to send it aswell or
4. Is the problem Windows related? if yes then again you have no choice but to send it.
5. If they accept your laptop without the drive and you know for sure its not related to the drive or windows then don't.
6. Finally if you have to send the drive, i urge you to back up anything that you think is important, letters, photo's etc.

Finally im sorry if that sounds confusing, but if your not sure what the problem is, backup everything important, remove anything personal and send the whole lot to them.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

I would always remove the harddrive.

Explain your concerns to them before sending and if they are willing, they can use one they have in stock. I'm sure they will have this facility.

Unless of course the error is with your hard drive!.

You wouldn't be expected to send your filing cabinet out for repair with all your bank details etc still in.

Answer 3

Catch 22 really remove the hard drive and they wont be able to repair, Leave it in and you could be sharing a cell with Mr Big

Answer 4

It depends on what's wrong with it. I ALWAYS remove the hard drive, or reformat it before I send it to them. You never know what personal information remains on your laptop. Better to backup your info and then wipe it so you're sure that your information is safe. Plus, If the problem is with your hard drive/os, you might fix the problem FOR them in the process :)

Answer 5

Back up all your files, pictures, music, movies and documents to some removable media (memory stick, CD, DVD etc) then leave the HD in and send it back for repair.

Answer 6

you cannot do anything about it, unless you have know exactly what they did to fix the previous problem dont do anything contact your system manufacture or just reinstall windows but if you do decide to take this option then do backup your documents to an external drive like disc or ipod. i would recommend this option as it reinstalls the core of the hard drive which is where the software is installed and the software is what the problem is, i bought my new computer 2 days ago , i am on it now and it only took me about 30 hour to put 60gb worth of stuff on my computer while playing a game at the same time, i put my files into a disc, and copied them to my documents folder on my new computer as well as installing stuff at the same time, the while installing playing a game, as long as you are doing something you enjoy during this process it wont seem that much of a chore

Answer 7

No you shouldnt, why would you want to do that? If there is something wrong with it the hardrive should stay in it, how can they use it properly if you rmove it? if u send it back to the maker you shouldnt lose any drivers, they should restore it back to its original condition, you can remove any pictures or personel stuff if you think u need to though. Whats wrong with it?

Answer 8

If you've got nothing to hide, then there is no need to remove it. It also depends on what is wrong with your laptop. HD is pretty useful when diagnosing problems.

Answer 9

Back up all your data then send the hard drive with the laptop.

Answer 10

Gary Glitter wishes he'd removed his hard drive before he sent it to be repaired!

If you have nothing illegal on there, and no credit card details etc, you have nothing to worry about.