Changing a117s hard drive

[ghostdog]

Hi

Is there a guide on how to change the hard drive in the A117s? I've bought myself a Seagate Momentus 100gb 5400 rpm drive and want to replace the 4200 drive.

Do I get to the hard drive the same way as getting to the memory. ie via under the keyboard route?

Also can I purchase or get hold of a sony recovery cd that has xp pro SP2 - at the moment the laptop came with home edition and service pack 1. Any help will be much appreciated

Ghostdog

[jammold]

Firstly be aware that any modification invalidates your warranty but since you posted this I assume it has already expired anyway.

Secondly ensire the new drive is the super-slim 2.9" type to fit inside this laptop.

Finally, you need to visit VAIO-Village for a guide on how to dismantle your laptop to the extent where you can add a new hard disk.

Be aware that it is never an easy task, and has the possibility of irreversibly damaging your notebook.

[ghostdog]

thanks for the info.

So you're saying that Sony, in their infinite wisdom has put in a non standard spec drive. Surely that can't be the case, a 2.5" drive should have the same dimensions as any other 2.5" drive.

I've had a Dell laptop before and I was able to change the hard drive in that. I've checked the Sony Village web-site and it doesn't tell me where the hard drive is located so I assume it's underneath the keyboard?

Thanks


Ghostdog

[kee-lo_]

I am quite sure it's standard.... maybe I am wrong.

[ghostdog]

Right, I've just looked underneath the keyboard and can't see the hard drive anywhere. By listening to the laptop I presume the hard drive is to the left of the laptop as that is where the hard disk noise is coming from.

Do I need to take off the whole of the back base of the laptop to get to it? I can't believe Sony would make it this difficult to change a hard drive. Surely someone out there has changed their A series hard drive.

Please help as I have already purchased the replacement drive under the impression it was an easy process (from past experience)

Ghostdog

[kee-lo_]

I thought it was in a caddy on the right hand side.

[rich912]

This thread from Vaio Village should help you. There is also a link to some pictures on a German speaking forum which look helpful.
Good luck.