Replacing a hardrive when manufacturer say it does not support HD Upgrades

[spacejamz]

the hard drive on my friend's lappie is starting to make that infamous clicking sound...

according to the FAQ for this lappie on sony's support page, it does not support user upgrades to the hard drive.

I would need to open up the lappie to do the replacement. there are no bays or covers to access the hard drive...

anyone have any experience in doing something like this? would the standard 2.5" drive work?

TIA for any advice...

 

[Cook1]

Best bet is to head on over to notebookforums.com and go to the Sony specific forums. I'm sure the folks over there would know, not saying that some AT folks won't, but there you can speak with others who have your same notebook and such.

 

[imported_Dimicron]

I've replaced the HD's in two different Sony models. The newer one was simple (GRT170). The HD (OEM is Hitachi 60GB/4200RPM/2MB Cache) was on the side, you just unscrew 2 screws and it slides out in a frame. I replaced it with a Toshiba 60GB/5400RPM/16MB Cache drive and it runs perfectly.
The older was was more dificult (FXA53), and looking at model numbers this will probably be what yours is like. The speakers are near the LCD. There's a screw holding the plate they are attached to. Unscrewed it and slid the plate a little to the left then it lifted right up (be careful of the wires, they aren't very long!) The keyboard is also on a plate, the speakers were holding it down. I gently lifted up the keyboard (again, watch the wires). Now I had access to the HD. It was held in with 8 screws and 3 braces. Replaced the OEM HD (Travelstar 30GB/4200RPM/2MB cache) with a Toshiba 40GB/5400RPM/16MB Cache drive.

I sold the FXA53, otherwise I'd open it up and take pics of everything if it'd help. I think I saw a FX model laptop for sale on the ATFS/T forum. Might be worth a quick search/PM to the owner of it.

If you know how to install it, I'm pretty sure it'd run. Just be careful and don't force anything. If you are really paranoid or unsure have someone else install it for you. If you open it, buy a can of air and clean it out while it's open!

:beer:

 

[JEDIYoda]

SOL

 

[vegetation]

Gee, haven't come across a hard drive that didn't have a bay door in over 10 years. I imagine in your case it's probably not a standard 2.5" laptop style drive, possibly a 1.8" for an ultraportable. In which case it would seem plausible that they don't want you to open the system up, else face a voided warranty for the entire system.