HP ProBook 6560B - Hard Drive not Detected after installing Caddy

[dugganrouthorn5]

Hello again HP Community,

Today, I received my Hard Drive Caddy for the HP ProBook 6560B as it didn't have one when I got it. Anyway, when putting the hard drive into the system, it doesn't detect it at all though when I plug it in without the hard drive caddy it works as intended. The drive I'm using is an 80GB Seagate Barracuda. Does anyone know how to fix this?Where the Hard Drive and Caddy goesWhere the Hard Drive and Caddy goesWhere the Hard Drive and Caddy goes

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Did you follow the procedure in chapter 4 of your notebook's service manual for installing the hard drive?

Since the drive works in the connector without the drive bracket, it sounds to me like you are not pushing the assembly toward the connector so the drive makes contact with the connector.

See chapter 4, pages 69 & 70 for how to install the drive with the bracket attached.

c03052147.pdf (hp.com)

[dugganrouthorn5]

I’ve tried that and it doesn’t work, I tried with another hard drive that I know works and it did the same thing as the 80GB one. Here’s some pictures of how the hard drive is seated in the laptop;

 

 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

It looks right to me, but if the drive works without the bracket in the slot, I don't know why it doesn't work when it is installed.

Maybe something is not lining up with the connector when you have it in the bracket.

[dugganrouthorn5]

I've reinserted the hard drive into the laptop and from what I see, it is aligning correctly.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

I'd remove the drive, stand the notebook on its end so you can examine the connector to make sure there aren't any damaged contacts.

In your first screenshot the lower section of the connector has a spot that appears to be damaged.

Like there is a bit of plastic missing/chipped from the edge.

You can also install the drive with the connector in the slot, but don't button it down and see if you can wiggle it and get the drive to show up.

There has to be some impediment that is causing the drive not to connect when the bracket is installed.

[dugganrouthorn5]

I've examined it and saw 2 pins that looked like it wasn't faced flat where it should be, it might be supposed to be like that but I can't get a picture of it using my iPhone as I couldn't get the angle. Here's what I was able to capture anyway.

I have been thinking about just sourcing a replacement ProBook 6560B as my unit has since yesterday developed a major hinge problem which I do not have the expertise to fix, plus the SATA Connector is likely damaged if putting in the Hard Drive Caddy in the machine causes the system to not boot up at all.SATA Connector Close-Up 1SATA Connector Close-Up 2SATA Connector Close-Up 3SATA Connector Close-Up 4Bending Materials from the Lid

On my research to finding a replacement unit, I have a couple of questions for you;

1. Can I swap out an Intel Celeron CPU for a Core i5?

2. Does this Laptop support 8GB of RAM or more?

Thank you for your assistance so far. 😊

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Chapter 1 of the service manual has the memory and processor upgrade info.

Given the fact that the hinge(s) is/are broken and there is most likely some damage that has occurred to the SATA port, I agree that if you want to look into a used 6560b in better condition, that would be the best decision under the circumstances.

You may also want to look into the flagship model in the series...the EliteBook 8760p, which uses the same service manual.

[dugganrouthorn5]

Cheers mate, thank you. 😊

Also, if I buy a laptop that happens to be BIOS Locked, is there a way that I can remove that password from the laptop?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Do not under any circumstances, buy a HP business notebook with a BIOS password because they will no longer provide the SMC.bin file via e-mail to unlock it.

Buying a HP business-class notebook with a BIOS password would be equivalent to buying an expensive paperweight.

They quit providing that service around 4 years ago.

Here's their current policy regarding the removal of BIOS passwords...

HP Business PCs - Forgotten or Lost BIOS Password | HP® Customer Support