In response to customer concerns, we have created a brief FAQ list regarding troubleshooting and replacement of laptop drives. Also you will find video clips and stills to help identify your drive and assist in installation.
Q. I just received my drive and it locks my system or my operating system does not see it. What is wrong? A. This is THE most common support question asked. This issue is usually due to a firmware conflict. The drive will power up but not function. This is an easy problem to fix but it requires the drive firmware to be changed out for a version compatible with your system. Unfortunately, the solution is not field serviceable. The unit would need to be send back to our facility for modification. Please contact the sales department.
Q. How do I swap the faceplate from my original drive to the new one I just purchased? A. The majority of laptop drive faceplates are secured by small platic tabs or screws. These are accessed by ejecting the tray by placing a paperclip into the emergency eject hole on the front
of your drive and opening the tray. The upmost care should be taken when swapping faceplates. Many are manufacture specific and irreplaceable if damaged.
Select bandwidth to view Windows Media Video clip of a faceplate removal
Q. How do I remove my drive from its plastic sleeve in order to replace it? A. Most sleeves used in mounting drives into laptops snap together or use screws. Click the appropriate bandwidth to view typical clip of Dell Latitude sleeve installation.
Select bandwidth to view WMV clip of a drive sleeve installation
Q. Okay, I have my drive in front of me. Which number is the firmware revision? A. All manufatures put these numbers in different locations. The drive should have the ROM version printed on or near the label which lists the manufacture and model number.
Q. How do I tell what model and firmware revision my drive is without opening my laptop? A. This can be done easiest through a program by Nero called InfoTool. It will generate a window with the required information allowing the sales department to determine what is compatible.
