How easy is it to replace a hard drive?

Question

In case it matters I have a dell inspiron e1505. I plan on ordering a new hard drive from the dell website. I don't really know much about computers, and know nothing about the internal workings of one. I highly doubt it, but would I be able to put the hard drive in myself? If so, how? If not, would it be easy to find somebody else to do this, and about how much would it cost? Thanks. 10 points to the most helpful answer. If I left out any necessary details, please tell me and I'll update the question.

Answer 1

It's normally simple, something like unscrewing a panel and sliding out the old one, sliding in the new one, and screw it back together. It will most likely come with instruction, or they can be found on Dell's site.

Found a link to the Dell instructions below

Answer 2

Easy, but before doing that you must save your data from the old hard drive! (on external backup or CD burning)

- get the CD window operating system* and CD drivers furnish with your laptop*.

getting the hard drive in and out are matter of seconds. and some tools

# Small flat-blade screwdriver

# Phillips screwdriver

# Small plastic scribe

- locate the access of HD
cut the power and turn over the laptop to remove the cover plate, NOTE: If you are installing a hard drive from a source other than Dell, you need to install an operating system, drivers, and utilities on the new hard drive.

To replace the hard drive in the hard drive bay:

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.

2. Turn the computer over, and remove the hard drive screws.

hard drive
NOTICE: When the hard drive is not in the computer, store it in protective antistatic packaging.

3. Slide the hard drive out of the computer.

4. Remove the new drive from its packaging.

Save the original packaging for storing or shipping the hard drive.
NOTICE: Use firm and even pressure to slide the drive into place. If you use excessive force, you may damage the connector.

5. Slide the hard drive into the bay until it is fully seated.

6. Replace and tighten the screws.

7. Install the operating system* for your computer. at startup

8. Install the drivers* and utilities for your computer.

Well, for the cost 10 pts for me & a little of your time. :-)

Answer 3

Read The Friendly Manual (RTFM) for your Dell. Look for a diagram of the underside and try to find the Hard drive cover.

If it has one, you can replace the hard drive yourself. It's pretty easy to do.

TIP: Dell's drives are expensive, you would be better to buy a compatible (PATA or SATA) Seagate (5 year warranty).

Canadian EXAMPLE:

Then, Google for:

how to install hard drive dell inspiron e1505

Answer 4

In a desktop, it's a slam dunk. But a laptop can be a little tricky because it's tiny in there. I am afraid to advise you to take this opportunity to learn the inner workings of a computer. If it's an older one that is not your main computer, I'd say go for it. Otherwise, you'll have to take it in.

Now, people really jack up the price of upgrading a computer. In my small town, it would be around $50. Other places could go around $100.

Answer 5

It is easy, it is the same as 6400 , so you can find instruction about it in:
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins6400/en/index.htm

The service manual has a chapter with pictures and instructions, you can download it and to print pages that you need.

Answer 6

it's very easy i just did it! and i am totally lame and lacking in common sense too. i had no instructions. there were 2 cables i had to attach. trust me it's simple.