Replace Laptop Hard Drive and Turn the Old One into Portable Hard Drive

If your laptop computer is running out of hard disk space, then it’s time to replace it with a higher capacity hard disk to accommodate your needs. This article will show you how to replace your laptop hard drive and turn the old one into a portable drive as an additional storage device that you can take anywhere.

If your laptop computer is running out of hard disk space, then it’s time to replace it with a higher capacity hard disk to accommodate your needs. This article will show you how to replace your laptop hard drive and turn the old one into a portable drive as an additional storage device that you can take anywhere with you.

Things you'll need:

• USB Enclosure kit for laptop hard disk
• laptop computer and manual
• new hard disk
• screw driver
• DVD for backup files

Step 1: You need to buy the replacement hard disk and a USB Enclosure kit which includes the cover, USB cable, and IDE-to-USB interface. The only thing you need to ensure is that the hard disk that you will buy is compatible with both your laptop computer and the Enclosure kit (which is most likely). Basically, you will install the new hard disk to your laptop and the old hard disk will go into the Enclosure to become a portable hard drive. So when you buy these items, it is important to discuss with the store’ s technician the model of your laptop to avoid mistakes. (Click here to see image)

Step 2: Back up all the important files on your existing hard disk. If you’re existing hard disk have two partitions (divided into virtual drives), you can move all the important files from your system drive (drive where the operating system is installed) to the data drive (drive that only contains data files). You need to do this because you will not be able to access all the files inside your “My Documents” after you have made it your portable drive because it is locked under your previous profile.

Or you can simply backup the files into another computer or DVD so you can just format the old hard drive after you swapped the hard disks. This sounds like the simplest way to go. (Click here to see image)

Step 3: Turn off the laptop computer and remove the battery just to be safe. Now, every laptop brands install hard disk in different ways. Some you need to unscrew a small cover to remove the hard disk while some requires removing the whole cover. You may need to refer to your computer manual on how to remove the hard disk. Locate the hard drive under your laptop and lift it carefully. Also, laptop hard disk is usually contained in a cradle so you need to remove the hard disk from its cradle as well. (Click here to see image)

Step 4: After the old hard disk has been removed, you can install the new hard disk into its cradle and then on the laptop. Make sure it sits properly into its slot before you reinsert the battery. After that, you can now proceed with the installation of the operating system to the new hard drive. (Click here to see image)

Step 5: Install the old hard disk in the Enclosure by attaching the IDE-to-USB interface to the hard disk. Insert it into the cover and screw it tight. That’s all you need to do! You now have a portable hard disk drive. You do not need any software or power supply to make it work. Simply plug one end of the USB to the portable drive’ s USB port and the other end to your computer’s USB port and it will be detected like a USB device on any computer. (Click here to see image)

Follow these simple step by step instructions to replace your laptop hard drive and you will get an instant portable hard disk drive using your old hard disk. It will save you money by not calling the technician to do it for you.

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