Professional Data Recovery Service from Ondata International - Hard Drive Recovery

•  Removal of a hard drive from a laptop computer

Removal of hard drives from laptops is a somewhat more difficult task than from a desktop P.C.
Manufacturers use many different arrangements for drive location, and generally speaking this job is best done via a qualified engineer or person who has done such work before. That is not to say, it is impossible for the individual to perform the task, but more care is needed and a knowledge of the particular laptop model should be known in advance.
Most laptop manufactures, have either hard drive extraction information in there user manual, or can be found on the manufacturers web site. Please follow their instructions.

Should you wish to attempt the task yourself, we have set out below a guide to accomplish the task. Although we must point out, each manufacturer has its own way of performing the tasks and will differ from manufacturer to manufacturer.

1. Locate the hard drive bay, usually found on the underside of the laptop (refer to manual).

2. Remove the hard drive outer cover (one or two small screws).

3. The small hard drive is usually seated into a housing, which in turn is connected to the main computer motherboard via an edge connector or small cable connector.

4. These connectors are very delicate (can be broken or bent easily).

5. The hard drive, should either lift and disconnect, or have retaining screws which need removing before the hard drive can be removed.

6. At this point it is very important to refer to the manufacturers manual if you are in any doubt whatsoever, as damage to the connector pins can result in your recovery being put at risk.

7. After the hard drive is removed, the housing should also be removed, leaving just the hard drive. It is this that we require. Keep the screws and hard drive housing in a safe place, as you will need them, when you replace the hard drive with a new one.