Z61m HDD Swap

[liquid93]

I want to put 320GB HDD in my Z61m that has a 80GB.I have a set of Factory install DVDs.Will it work to put the new HDD in and put in the intall DVD in and then turn my laptop on?If not please let me know.

[ajkula66]

You're on the correct path.

Make sure to set up your media drive as a primary booting device in BIOS and you're all set.

[liquid93]

Thanks for the info.
I do thet before I swap it out or after?

[ajkula66]

It doesn't really matter. Just make the change, press F10 to save and exit and enjoy re-installing the OS...

[liquid93]

I sent a message the other day about HDD swap.I would like to know how to get the connect off and on the new one ?
I'll be getting the new grie any day.
I know it a supid question.It'my first swap.

[emtee3511]

Here's a CNET video which shows how to copy/clone your current hard drive and also how to uninstall the old drive and reinstall your new drive. There's lots of different cloning software available -- a Forum member suggested Apricorn to me several years ago, and that's what I use -- it's inexpensive, comes with the necessary connections, and is very user-friendly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSa3Owia-2k

[liquid93]

Got that.When i get the old one out,there is a black connecter on the end of the old one(or adapter).Does it slide off or even come off period?I have to have one on the new one.

[RealBlackStuff]

That's the hard disk cover. Carefully bend one leg a little out and slide it off the screw.
The other will then come off by itself.
Then unscrew all 4 screws, remove the metal caddy and put it on the new hard disk, using all 4 screws again.
The caddy-end with the 'corners' goes at the HD-connector end.
The HD goes in upside-down (label to laptop bottom).

[liquid93]

I don't understand.Bend one leg (don't understand)a little out and slide it off the screw(don't understand).
The other will then come off by itself(don't understand).

[RealBlackStuff]

(don't understand) that you have a laptop...

[liquid93]

I don't understand bend 1 leg over.
I have a Thinkpad Z61m.
I turn laptop upside down,unscrew the cover,side and pull the hard drive out.now there is a plastic connecter on the end.How do i get it off?
I don't understand the other will come off itself.

[emtee3511]

I'm just guessing here -- the 'plastic connector' -- do you mean the black plastic strip that is used to pull the hdd out of the machine? There is a black plastic strip connected to the hdd caddy which is used to pull the hdd out -- when you take the four screws (two on each side) out of the caddy, the hard drive lifts out of the caddy -- you will then put your new hard drive in the caddy -- tighten the screws and put the whole apparatus (hard drive and caddy) back into the machine.


EDIT: Here's a photo of the hard drive caddy (the price is insane -- but the photo is good)

http://www.dhgate.com/hard-drive-caddy- ... c0090.html

[liquid93]

I wasn't aware that it had a caddy.I was thinking it just had a black connecter on the in.I wander emtee3511,have you swapped out a hard drive on a thinkpad like mine ?Not trying to be a smart----,but would like to know if it's in a caddy or just a black plastic connecter.
I haven't ever swapped one out.

[emtee3511]

Yes I have taken the hard drive out of a T61t when I was keeping the hard drive before sending the machine on to another Forum member. If you will look at the youtube video I posted above, (at the 2 minute 30 seconds part of the video) you will see a thinkpad very similar to yours with the hard drive being taken out and replaced. I don't remember the Z having bumpers on the hard drive, but it may have -- but your Z will definitely have a hard drive caddy -- if you look at the hard drive itself, the only 'connector' you will see are the gold pins at one end -- they will 'plug into' the interior of the computer when you gently push the hard drive back into the hard drive space.

Watch the video at the 2 minute 30 second part, and you will see how to remove the screw from the hard drive cover -- pull the hard drive out of the computer using the black plastic tab -- unscrew the hard drive from the hard drive caddy using the four screws /two on each side -- remove the hard drive from the caddy -- put new hard drive into caddy -- put four screws in place to secure the hard drive in the caddy -- (if your machine has bumpers, you replace the bumpers after the hard drive is screwed into the caddy) -- slide the caddy/hard drive back into the computer (you will feel the drive 'plug into the computer' as you gently push the caddy/hard drive into the machine.) Replace the hard drive cover with the one screw.

Do you have restore disks for your new hard drive? You will need to restore your operating system or make a copy of your current hard drive to use on the new hard drive. The video I posted above also gives some info on how to copy your operating system/programs/etc. to your new hard drive.

[jronald]

In a pinch I have installed the HDDs in machines without the silver/white caddy. I was able to shim it with thin packing material so that it was secure, and then used the plastic cover and screws to make 100% sure it did not move around. This is not ideal, but will tied you over till the right parts come in.

Ron

[ajkula66]

My understanding is that OP already has all the proper parts, since he's only looking to replace the hard drive with a newer one...which is turning into something of an odyssey...

[liquid93]

My z61m hdd does have what is called a connecter adapter.that connects to pins of the hhd.does anyone know how to get it loss.

[emtee3511]

Well, I'm out on this one... Both my Z61t and my Z61m had 2.5 inch drives -- the only time I have used a hard drive adapter was when I was using a 1.8 inch hard drive to replace a 2.5 inch hard drive -- not sure if that is the adapter you are talking about -- hopefully someone else will come along and have an idea for you

EDIT: Have you tried just plugging in the new hard drive without the adapter -- is the new hard drive a 2.5 inch?

[liquid93]

Maybe I'm wrong.Does you're Z61m have a caddy?I also have a Apricorn E-Z upgrade universal,will the new drive work with it?

[emtee3511]

Yes, my Z61m and Z61t had hard drive caddies just like the one shown in the CNET/youtube video.

Yes, your Apricorn will work nicely with your new drive -- just load the disk, connect your drive and follow the on-screen directions.

[liquid93]

Thanks everyone.
Until next time.