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Introduction |
| If your Lenovo T420 has a bad or failing hard disk and you need to replace it, here is how you would do it. | | If your Lenovo T420 has a bad hard drive and you need to replace it, here is how you would do it. | | '''Guide notes''' | | * Operating system installation information has been omitted, just in case an alternative OS is installed. '''Note: While I do not include information on this, I may be able to help you if you mention what OS you want to install.''' | | * If you are installing an SSD, you may need a 7mm to 9.5mm spacer. You may not need to use it, but you may want one handy. Many drives include one, but if yours does not you can usually buy them online. | | * '''IF YOUR MACHINE HAS A UNKNOWN HARD DISK PASSWORD, IT WILL CARRY TO THE NEW DRIVE! THIS NEEDS TO BE REMOVED FROM THE COMPUTER FIRST!''' | | * A backup of the old drive is recommended, as a secondary measure. Your old drive may not have as much life as you think it does and it may fail in storage. Drag and drop may be an option, as long as the drive works. | | * Once you are done with the old drive and have the data you need off, securely wipe the drive before getting rid of it and physically destroy it. '''Note: If you are using FDE, you can delete the encryption key to accomplish the same task.''' | | '''Guide times''' | | Drive installation: ~15 minutes | | OS installation and updates: I cannot give a concrete answer here. This will vary by OS and conditions you have to deal with. | | Backup and system image: If you are doing a backup and making a system image, expect most of your day to be taken up by the system backup. If you are not taking a backup image, it will likely only take hours rather then a day. | | '''Guide notes''' | | * This guide does not cover OS installation. It only covers drive removal and replacement. I do not know what OS you are installing on the machine and do not want to make assumptions. If you need assistance finding an image, I will see what I can do. I do not guarantee I can help, so keep this in mind. | | * If you are installing an SSD, you may wish to use a 7mm to 9.5mm spacer. It's likely not required but this machine shipped with a 9.5mm drive caddy. Many drives come with this, but if yours does not you can usually buy them online, albeit at a higher price then you may like. | | * '''IF YOUR MACHINE HAS A UNKNOWN HARD DISK PASSWORD, IT WILL CARRY TO THE NEW DRIVE! THIS NEEDS TO BE REMOVED FROM THE COMPUTER FIRST!''' | | * If your old drive works but is on the way out, you should retain it until you are sure you no longer need it. | | * A backup of the old drive is recommended, as a secondary measure. Your old drive may not have as much life as you think it does and it may fail in storage. Drag and drop may be an option, as long as the drive works. | | * Once you are done with the old drive, securely wipe the drive before getting rid of it. If you are going to destroy it, make sure you smash the platters and hear them shatter. | | Drive installation: 30 minutes | | OS installation and updates: No concrete answer can be given. This will vary by OS and reload approach used. | | Backup and system image: If you are doing a backup and making a system image, this will take significantly longer to finish. If you are going with a clean OS, most of your time will be spent on updates and drivers. |
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