Should I replace hard drive

I have a three year old ibook G4 which runs very well. It has had a memory upgrade and runs an up to date version of OSX. The hard drive is only 20Gb and I would like to have it replaced with a bigger one. I don't feel confident about doing this myself and it would cost about £150 to have it done professionally - including clone of old one.
What is the likely life of the logic board? Is there any way to test it? It wouldn't be worth replacing HD if the board is on the way out.
Any opinions please?
ibook G4

Hi Hilary -
This is the forum for the older ibook Clamshell (Colors) ...try posting in this forum -
http://discussions.apple.com/forum.jspa?forumID=926
If your logic has been problem free till now I don't feel there's any reason why you shouldn't expect at least 2-3 more years from it.

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Cannot boot into Windows XP, should I replace hard drive?

THE PROBLEM: I have not been able to boot into or use Windows XP (SP2) for almost 3 years. I have been using Linux instead for 3 years and am using it now. The Windows Recovery process only half works, it works up until you have to boot up the computer from the hard drive. Then it no longer works. The computer will load the files from the TOSHIBA Recovery and Applications/Drivers DVD that came new with the computer onto the hard drive. But when you get to the point of booting off the hard drive, with newly added Windows & Toshiba files, nothing happens. It does not boot up into Windows XP. In fact I can see the newly added Windows & Toshiba fileson the hard drive when I boot into Linux (Live) off the hard drive.
THE HARD DRIVE (Specs below): I ran a SMART Data check using a Linux (Ubuntu) Disk utility on the hard drive and it passed everything except for Reallocated Sector Count. There are 20 bad sectors. I called the Toshiba 800 # on the DVD and they told me that the problem may be the hard drive. A new TOSHIBA Recovery and Applications/Drivers DVD costs $40. Toshiba also said there is no Windows XP Recovery Console on the DVD.
CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM: I think, and TOSHIBA agreed it is either the hard drive or corrupteD files on the TOSHIBA Recovery and Applications/Drivers DVD
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS: I have found a couple of sites that seem to have instructions for making a Windows XP Recovery Console CD. And I have thought I might try to run some Windows XP Recovery Console commands from such a CD, such as fixboot, fixmbr, etc. The try to see if I can boot into Windows XP from the hard drive. If I can, then that might suggest he problem is corrupted files on the TOSHIBA Recovery and Applications/Drivers DVD. If I still cannot boot into Windows, then maybe I should replace the hard drive. This should be very easy to do.
QUESTION(S): Does anybody have any comments or suggestions? Does my approach sound good? Do you have any other suggestions?
I have a TOSHIBA Satellite L25 S1216 that I bought new in early 2006. It has a 40 GB (5400 RPM) Enhanced IDE (ATA-6) 9.5 mm height hard disk drive in it. User removable, i.e., it is easy to replace.
Thank you,
Bob
Solved!
Go to Solution.

My plan is to try to use the TOSHIBA Recovery and Applications/Drivers DVD to load the WIndows XP files onto the hard drive, then use the Windows XP Recovery console CD I downloaded from here
http://www.proposedsolution.com/downloads/download-windows-recovery-console/
by using commmands such as fxmbr, fixboot, etc to see if I can get the computer to boot up into Windows XP.
Good plan, Bob!
Description of the Windows XP Recovery Console for advanced users
A backup plan would be to obtain a Windows XP installation CD from eBay or wherever. They are super cheap now. Then you could install Windows clean and add the drivers and utilities from the website here. Or you could use it to repair-install Windows.
How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
You are entitled to activate Home Edition for free. I understand that even after Microsoft no longer supports Windows XP (in April), they will honor activation attempts.
I wouldn't mess with SSDs. And stick with IDE PATA drives. You won't need to worry about advanced-format technology since that didn't come along until the very recent SATA drives. Your BIOS should support 120GB (KB303013). Some here.
-Jerry

MacBook Pro does not boot past apple screen after replacing hard drive

After replacing hard drive on MacBook Pro 13 inch early 2011 model, the screen only boots to the apple logo. Do I need to re-install the OS?

The problem is that the OS is not in any where else of the MacBook Pro than in the HD / SSD. If you replace the Hard Drive, then you will need to Re-install OSX into that hard drive, it's pretty easy.
1) Power up your Macbook Pro, as fast as you can press and hold the Option key (ALT). You'll see that it opens the bootable-devices you have, you'll see a Recovery partition, click it.
(If the Hard Drive contains data do the following)
2) In the menu select Disk Utility.
3) In Disk Utility go ahead and select the Hard Drive that is inside the MBP.
4) Erase the content.
(If the Hard Drive contains no data continue with the following jumping the last 3 steps).
5) Select Re-install OSX.
6) Select the Hard Drive in which you want to install it.
Follow the steps of everything else (it should take approximately 1 hour to do the whole thing).
Hope this helps!
Later.

I have an iMac 21.5 inch purchased in 2011 with a failing 1TB Seagate hard drive. Can I get a replacement hard drive?

I have an iMac 21.5 inch purchased in 2011 with a failing 1TB Seagate hard drive. Can I get a replacement hard drive thru the Apple Replacement Program? I did purchase the Applecare Plan but it expired in Dec. 2013.

FWIW, if you purchased the iMac in 2011 and purchased Applecare, you are covered for a total of 3 years. You mentioned yours expired in December 2013 - that cannot be unless you bought yours in 2010. If you bought it in December 2011, you should still be covered until December 2014 - if so, contact Apple/make a Genius Bar appointment quickly so the replacement is covered by the warranty. The hard drive replacement program might have expired, but as long as you're covered by Applecare, a drive replacement is covered.

I work for a university and we have a legal apple vendor.Can we re-install macosx for a replacement hard drive for a old macbook?Just one example.

I work for a university and we have a legal apple vendor who we get to buy all our Apple products from.Can we (university) re-install macosx for a replacement hard drive once the hard drive gets replaced? How can we as the university IT department legally re-install macosx on a imac,macbook, macbookair etc. We would like to load customized macosx imaging software onto the mac machines(imac, macbook, etc ). The university has its own IT workshop and we would like our users to get their laptops back in the shortest turnaround time.

We're not "Apple Inc." here, just users like you.
So whatever we say is not an official statement, nor does it in any way, shape, or form represent the official or unofficial policies or opinions of Apple, Inc.
But I'll offer my quick opinion, having worked in information-systems and technology support in a wide variety of environments over many years.
Question #1. "NO!"
No tech support nor repair facility, even if "Apple-authorized", is automatically empowered to install or upgrade OS X on a replacement hard drive just because it is more convenient or time-efficient. When the repair is complete, the student should be expected to (re)install the operating system themself*!
Nurturing students (and occasionally dragging them, screaming and kicking!) as budding computer-, tablet-, smartphone-users to become digitally self-sufficient is a worthy goal that any institution of higher education must pursue.
Making students totally dependent upon "Mother Support" for every little thing about their personal digital devices is a grave disservice to both the students and the people who provide the support. Support-mothered students do become life-long digital dependents, instead of taking the required time to learn enough about the care and feeding of their digital "pets" to sustain them. Entreprenurial students may choose to become 'experts' and actually help each other with their devices, and even make money doing it. Some students may even be inspired/coerced to pursue a career in tech support!!!
*By all means, if the student requests additional help (re-installing the OS), then the University should charge the student a fair price for the service, provided that the user provides the OS on original or upgrade media, or in the case of the 'digital download' upgrades (for OS X 10.7 and 10.8) provides proof of purchase for the OS upgrade, or the original purchase receipt or other recognized documentation for the purchase of the computer showing the version of OS installed when purchased. Students need to learn about personal responsibility, economics ("What is MY time really worth"?), and proper record-keeping too!
Question #2. Regarding the customized imaging software, provide it on media or a link for students to download and install it. Make it their responsibility!
Message was edited by: kostby

How to replace hard drive in mini 110-3131dx

Trying to replace hard drive in the mini 110-3131DX..... I have a replacement ... How do I open the case. I see a orange slider bar in battery compartment, but no screws to take out or covers to remove. It has a solid no opening base except where the battery is removed.
Thk
This question was solved.
View Solution.

You're welcome, Tim.
What operating system are you installing on the machine?
The specs state it shipped with W7 Basic. That OS should load without issues.
If you are trying to install XP, it will not install unless you load the SATA ACHI drivers either at the F6 prompt or you need to slipstream them into a copy of your XP installation.
If you are attempting to install XP, please read this link below and that should solve that issue.
Your notebook has the Intel NM10 Express Chipset.
http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Operating-Systems-and/SATA-drivers-for-XP-solution-on-0x000000...
Best Regards,
Paul

Replacing hard drive & using recovery discs made by myself.

HPdv6 2119tx laptop. After replacing hard drive and loading recovery discs (that I made) successfuly, on reboot it messages something about cannot locate disk or load bootable disk (sorry, cannot remember exact wording but back to the start). Could this be because I replaced a 650gb drive with a 500gb drive.
This question was solved.
View Solution.

Hi:
Normally you cannot use recovery disks on a smaller hard drive.
But you should be able to at least boot from the first recovery disk and see what happens.
To do that, you need to have the first disk in your dvd drive.
Restart the PC and at the beginning of the HP welcome screen, tap the ESC key and select the one time boot menu option. From that, select the DVD drive and proceed.
If the ESC key method doesn't work, tap the F9 key instead.
It depends on the type of BIOS in your PC (normally dependent on its age) as to what key you need to tap.

Replacing hard drive in PowerBooks

Is it difficult or advisable to replace the hard drive in my PowerBook myself? Or do I need to bring it into a shop?
I've installed memory in desktop Macs, so I'm comfortable opening a computer. I've never opened a PowerBook, though.

Replacing the hard drive is certainly do-able, but you should be comfortable with the Powerbook innards. Here's directions that you can look over, to make the do-it-yourself or have-someone-else-do-it-for-you decision: http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac/PowerBook-G4-Al-17-Inch/HD-Replacement/55/6/
If you want someone to do it for you, you can search here for the closest Apple store or Apple Authorized Service Provider: http://www.apple.com/buy/locator/service/ . Note, if you have an Apple store replace your hard drive, they will keep the replaced hard drive. If you use an AASP, you can determine before hand if you want your drive back. Some people have private data on a hard drive, and even if it's dead, would prefer not to have it permanently leave their hands.

Question about replacing hard drive

Hey everyone. I had a question about replacing a hard drive for a 2012 midyear pro. I have replaced hard drives before on windows machines, but this is the first mac I have owned. It didn't come with a hard drive when I bought it, but I do have mavericks installed on a usb. As far as a new hard drive, will any 2.5 laptop hard drive work? I read it needs to be 9.5mm thick. Is that correct? As far as I am concerned, hardware is hardware and should be the same as replacing a hard drive on a dell laptop but wanted to see if apple has any weird restrictions.
Also, is there anything I need to consider or be aware of when putting in a new hard drive? Or can I just hook up the hard drive and plug in the USB and install the software onto the hard drive. Thanks
Excuse and ny ignorance as I am new to macs.

scottrf8 wrote:
As far as a new hard drive, will any 2.5 laptop hard drive work? I read it needs to be 9.5mm thick. Is that correct?
Yes. Any SATA drive will do with those specifications.
Also, is there anything I need to consider or be aware of when putting in a new hard drive? Or can I just hook up the hard drive and plug in the USB and install the software onto the hard drive.
Assuming that the installer is functioning correctly, install the HDD in the MBP and engage the installer. You should come across a 4 option menu. Select Disk Utility from it. Open Disk Utility>Erase and format the HDD to Mac OS Extended (Journlaled). One you finish that, you may install the OSX.
Ciao.

I am having trouble finding a replacement hard drive

Evidently I blew my hard drive when I installed a web cam. Now I can't seem to find a replacement hard drive for my z61t through Lenovo online or phone service. Does anyone have any tips on where I can find a replacement? I'm so discouraged -- I should have bought a warranty but thought they should guarantee it longer than 1 year so on principle I held out. Now I am 2 months past warranty and this is where my principles got me!!! I am a fifty-something technophobe -- can any of you youngsters help me?!?!
Thank you!

Welcome to the forum!
At today's low prices for SATA drives, this would be my pick:
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10008857
I have it in my T60p and love it...
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
George
In daily use: R60F, R500F, T61, T410
Collecting dust: T60
Enjoying retirement: A31p, T42p,
Non-ThinkPads: Panasonic CF-31 & CF-52, HP 8760W
Starting Thursday, 08/14/2014 I'll be away from the forums until further notice. Please do NOT send private messages since I won't be able to read them. Thank you.

What will Apple charge me to replace hard drive?

My iMac hard drive is failing and needs to be replaced (according to Disk Utility). What will Apple charge me to replace hard drive or should I just do it myself? Purchased new in mid-2010 and I do not have AppleCare. I've seen videos on replacing the hard drive and it seems a bit tricky. Any advice?

Thanks for the response and suggestion. I will give them a call once I get ho,e and have my serial number etc on hand. If anyone has done this, please post what you were charged. Thanks!

I have a 4th gen 20G ipod whose hard drive has died. Are replacement hard drives available through the apple store?

I have a 4th gen 20G ipod whose hard drive has died. Are replacement hard drives available through the apple store?

I don't think Apple will do that repair for you, because the iPod is too old. I believe the hard drive type used in 4th gen and older iPods is no longer produced. There may be non-Apple shops who can do the repair, but they may be using a working part salvaged from a used iPod.
If you want to do the repair work yourself, and you are good at such things, this web site has repair guides
http://www.ifixit.com/Device/iPod_Original
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http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Compact-Flash-CF-SSD-To-Toshiba-IPod-1-8-inch-Adapte r-Black-/121174875639
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The only mod I needed to make on the adapter was to bend over two pins 90º, where you place a jumper to set the drive to "master." The adapter plus CF card is actually smaller and thinner than just original 1.8-inch Toshiba hard drive; I used some thin foam packing material (cut to the right shape) to take up the excess space and ensure the adapter and card did not become disconnected.
The 4th gen iPod has excellent sound, compared to some later iPods.

I replaced hard drive then used recovery disks , but not working

i replaced hard drive with new one then used recovery disks , but its not working. laptop HP g62 64 bit with W7

Hi
Please boot unit to Bios using F10 key once unit is powered on go to Diagnostics check if the Hard Drive is getting detected. If not getting detected reseat the HDD & check if not issue with HDD & Solt of HDD.
If the HDD is getting detected under Bios please run the HDD test check if that passed.
Then under system configaration change the Boot order to CD/DVD to be First.
Insert the CD restart the unit or press Esc Button unit should detect the RCD in drive and give you the recovery option still does not work issue with DVD/HDD.
Let us know how it goes!
*Although I am an HP employee, I am speaking for myself and not for HP.
*Did my response help with your issue? If so, please give me Kudos by clicking the "Kudos" button. Thanks!
Regards
Manjunath
Let us know how it goes!
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Replaced hard drive now what help

I =have the crt imac snow edition, I replaced hard drive all I get is a blue globe on start up, I have the software restore disc have placed it in nothing happens tried the holding down c key to start from the cd, Nothinh happens I have read numerous threads hoping to find the answer.

First of all, are you sure the CD you inserted is truely bootable and designed for your iMac (and not specific to another different Mac)?
Anyways to reset PRAM, while turning on your iMac, hold down Option + Cmd + P + R (I know, hard to do that 4 key combo).. and you should hear some "boing" sound, wait until you hear two "boings" then you can release and try to hold down 'C' again to boot your CD... I think that's how that works... someone can correct me or clarify if I'm not 100% correct....
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hmm - curiouser and curiouser
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Should I replace hard drive

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