topic Re: Changing hard drive in PCs & Accessories

Changing hard drive

cbernard — Mon, 11 Oct 2004 19:32:07 GMT

Hi,

I own a VGN-A197XP which is a wonderfull machine, except for one point : the hard drive which is a 80Go (that's ok) 5400rpm. witha 2Mo cache.

I have another hard disk which is much more better : 7200rpm, 8Mo cache.

How can I swap both disks, and is the guarantee still ok with this manipulation.
Thanks in advance for any answer.

Chris

Re: Changing hard drive

kee-lo_ — Mon, 11 Oct 2004 19:34:33 GMT

Are they both the same size?

Re: Changing hard drive

jammold — Mon, 11 Oct 2004 19:35:30 GMT

Depends - is your HDD (hard disk drive) in a removeable bay? If so then your are probably OK to change it without it affecting your guarantee.

If your HDD is like mine - i.e. Internal then changing it will almost certainly void your warranty.

If in doubt ring Sony Support and ask them nicely if it will void the warranty.

Re: Changing hard drive

cbernard — Mon, 11 Oct 2004 19:50:01 GMT

The original one is 80Go, the other one i want to use is 60Go.
I don't think it could prevent me from swapping both drives.

Chris

Re: Changing hard drive

cbernard — Mon, 11 Oct 2004 19:51:17 GMT

and unfortunatly, it is an internal drive

Chris

Re: Changing hard drive

jammold — Mon, 11 Oct 2004 19:52:44 GMT

It is a pity, but it sounds like unless you want to void the warranty, you have to stick with what you've got.

Re: Changing hard drive

kee-lo_ — Mon, 11 Oct 2004 20:36:05 GMT

If it's a notebook drive then it's possible, but you'd have to be very careful.
Probably best to get an external caddy if you plan to do video editing.

Re: Changing hard drive

cbernard — Mon, 11 Oct 2004 22:40:06 GMT

I have already an external drive, but i also want to take benefit from the fastest one for everyday tasks.

I bought this drive for a former laptop, and it really increased the general performances.
Anyway, I'll check with Sony.
Thanks.

Chris

Re: Changing hard drive

jammold — Mon, 11 Oct 2004 22:42:36 GMT

Let us know how you got on with Sony

Re: Changing hard drive

William — Mon, 11 Oct 2004 22:45:42 GMT

I am sure that if you ask Sony then breathing on it will void the warranty.

If you can fit it yourself then fine but if you need to use your warranty you will need to put the original back in.

William

Re: Changing hard drive

kee-lo_ — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 14:28:47 GMT

William's right, they'll probably beg you to change your mind.

Re: Changing hard drive

cbernard — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 20:49:19 GMT

I opened a case with Sony and called them.
They don't support this kind of manipulation, and they just told me that this "should be done" once the warranty is over.

If I decide to proceed anyway, warranty is lost.

Chris

Re: Changing hard drive

jammold — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 21:18:36 GMT

They don't support this kind of manipulation, and they just told me that this "should be done" once the warranty is over.

Sounds about right - Sony are only covering their backs, because if something did go wrong, it would then be your fault - probably "reduced liability".

Re: Changing hard drive

kee-lo_ — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 21:35:02 GMT

I agree with James, it's to cut down on damage.

Re: Changing hard drive

jimmyconnors — Fri, 15 Oct 2004 08:55:28 GMT

anyone of you know where i can find a manual with a description where to find and how to access the hard-drive in my PCG-FX501 or similar model. I looked in the official support website and couldn´t find anything there?

Re: Changing hard drive

TygerTyger — Fri, 15 Oct 2004 11:23:01 GMT

Here it is http://www.vaio-link.com/manuals/manuals.asp?l=en&m=544

Re: Changing hard drive

jimmyconnors — Sat, 16 Oct 2004 10:22:26 GMT

thanks for the link. unfortunately the manual doesn´t say anything about changing hard drives. does anyone know where exactly to find the hard drive in the PCG-500 series and which screws to remove?

Re: Changing hard drive

robpaxton — Sat, 16 Oct 2004 12:17:31 GMT

Try this site.

Re: Changing hard drive

jimmyconnors — Mon, 18 Oct 2004 11:01:03 GMT

thanks man!!!!!! this helps a lot