its not that difficult is it? I just dont want to go to any pros since its too costly and I know what I'm doing for the most part, I just wanna know if its dangerous or not, last time I checked it wasn't but idk
2007-10-08 12:54:51 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Other - Hardware
You won't get shocked. Especially if you unplug the computer first. There aren't any capacitors that can hold a charge for more than a few minutes in your computer anyways.
2007-10-08 12:57:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you unplug your machine from the power outlet there is no chance you'll get even a mild shock. The output of the power supply is only 12 volts and the power connector for the drive is designed so the conducting pins are surrounded with an insulating body. The 120 volt ac power conductors could give you a shock if you removed and disassembled the power supply, but not lethal. By unplugging the machine you eliminate this.
I am a Master Electrician and some of the replies you received are wrong. One mentions that more people in America are killed by 120 volts. That's totally untrue. People with pacemakers could have a temporary interuption but the newer models can even overcome that. (My father has one).
The circuit board is powered by 12 volts (sometimes 5 volts on older models) and the capacitors are discharged when you turn off the machine. It is true that the capacitors in the power supply and the monitor (especially the older CRT monitors) could be dangerous and this type of service should be left to a qualified person. Most users would replace the power supply or monitor as a unit. Another person mentioned if it was a laptop, draining the battery and waiting 24 hours. How about just removing the battery. You are wise to ask rather than take a chance.
2007-10-08 13:03:15 · answer #2 · answered by Dave G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hahaha, lol, straight up the answer is no. Unless you connected your hard drive to a generator and decided to do some dumb ****, lol, but no u cant be killed while replacing your hard drive and you can get shocked if you are dumb and have the computer on and running but that would damage the hard drive and all you would get is a very minimal 12v shock which you might not even feel. So dont worry, just turn off you computer, disconnect the power cord from the outlet if you are that scared and then opend it up remove the IDE or SATA cable, disconnect the power source, remove the 4 screws holding in the hard drive and walahh. If you get shocked a by a hard drive it would be a phenomenon, lol.
2007-10-08 13:00:02 · answer #3 · answered by F1 Fan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as you unplug the power cable from your power supply (or from the wall), there is no chance of being shocked while doing this.
As for reassurance on how easy it is - it is quite easy to replace a hard drive. The cables only naturally fit in one direction, so if it doesn't seem to want to connect, then maybe the cable needs rotating, just don't force it in. One thing that may be a challenge (depending on your computer's case), is the mounting of the drive to the case. However most newer cases use quick release tabs that make it quite easy, so I wouldn't be afraid of trying it.
2007-10-08 13:07:15 · answer #4 · answered by Mike 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You cannot be lethally shocked while replacing a hard drive, maybe just a small static shock. You can be lethally shocked by opening up a power supply or monitor though.
2007-10-08 12:59:45 · answer #5 · answered by jimiyash 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's best to unplug it from 120 Volts. The harddrive only use's 12VDC at a low amperage. Power supplies are the worry! Their capacitors store electricity for a long time. Not sure about length, but Tv's store for up to a year! The main thing is your harddrives safety! LOL! You could create a 'flash' of juice that you'd never see, bye-bye, harddrive!
2007-10-08 13:09:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not if the unit is unplugged when you replace the hard drive unit. Note: If the computer IS your only computer and you really have no idea of what/how to do this. You should consult a professional. If you don't care if it gets broken or data is lost...then take your chances.
2007-10-08 12:58:22 · answer #7 · answered by punchie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just unplug your compputer and make sure nothing with power is plugged into it if you don't want to be shocked. There are USB hard drives though. If you get a USB hard you'll have less of a chance of messing up your computer
2007-10-08 12:58:53 · answer #8 · answered by bobis1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A:) the computer would have to be on and ungrounded, while you lick your fingers and touch every part of the motherboard and power supply internal componants
B:) you replaced the hard drive in your pool in a lightning storm while holding up an antenna
2007-10-08 12:58:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, the motherboard contains parts that can hold a charge for quite some time. However, if you don't touch the motherboard and press the power button several times after the computer has been unplugged, the remaining charges should be dispersed and you should be safe.
2007-10-08 12:58:37 · answer #10 · answered by smart stona 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋