Dell Inspiron 3501 Hard Drive Replacement Guide
Presenter: Simon
Introduction:
- Simon is working on a Dell laptop.
- On starting the laptop, an error message appears: “hard drive not installed.”
- It’s likely the hard drive has gone bad, and Simon will show how to replace it.
Prerequisites:
- Replacement m.2 SSD drive or a 2.5-inch mechanical hard drive, depending on the original hardware.
- Windows installation key, which can be:
- Purchased or,
- Downloaded for free from Microsoft’s website onto a USB drive.
Tools Needed:
- Phillips screwdriver
- (Optional) Purchase links for tools and replacement parts provided in the video description.
Steps:
- Identify the Laptop Model: Dell Inspiron 3501, p90f.
- Power Off the Computer: Press and hold the power button until it shuts off.
- Open the Back Cover:
- Unscrew all the screws on the back using a Phillips screwdriver.
- Note: Two screws on the top corners might not come off; these are designed to help pry open the back cover.
- Once all other screws are removed, use these two corner screws to help separate the back cover from the laptop.
- Locate the Battery:
- While it’s not always necessary, it’s a good practice to disconnect the battery.
- Remove the tape protecting the battery connector.
- Slide the white connector out to disconnect the battery.
- Locate and Remove the Hard Drive:
- The laptop’s hard drive is either an m.2 SSD drive or a regular 2.5-inch mechanical drive.
- Remove the screws holding the m.2 SSD drive.
- Slide out the m.2 SSD drive.
- Install the New Hard Drive:
- Slide in the new m.2 SSD drive.
- Screw it down.
- Reconnect the Battery:
- Slide the battery connector back in.
- Tape it back in place.
- Close the Back Cover:
- Snap the back cover back in place.
- Screw in all the screws.
- Note on Windows Installation:
- As it’s a new hard drive, it will not have Windows installed.
- You’ll need the USB with the Windows installation key to install Windows on the new drive.
- Simon won’t show this process in this video but has another video for the same.
Conclusion:
- The video demonstrated how to replace the m.2 SSD drive on a Dell Inspiron 3501.
- If you found the video helpful, like and subscribe.
- Donations to support the channel can be made through YouTube’s “Super Thanks.”
End of Guide.
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