what kind of hard drive is in the hp pavillion dv6700. its about 7 years old

[lammk]

its running vista, but the computer will not boot all the way.  I did a diagnosis test and it said to replace the disk drive so im just wondering what kind of hard drive is in it.   What happens is the computer loads to the the microsoft , right before you would put ur password in, and then just stays black.  

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

You need to install a SATA II 2.5" notebook hard drive of at least the size as your original if you have recovery disks to use.

You probably can go to 320 GB - 500 GB with no problem.

5,400 or 7,200 RPM.  The latter provides faster seek times (better performance) at some degradation of battery time between charges.

Paul

[lammk]

how difficult is it to install a hard drive.  I have installed other things on my own computer but this is my gf, and a hard drive is much more complex i assume.   Also, do you think that hard drive is the problem??

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Piece of cake on your model.

If the test indicates the drive needs to be replaced, I wouldn't argue against that info.

You can try reinstalling the OS before buying a new HDD but if it doesn't work, then you know the drive is kaput.

Below is the link to the service manual.

R & R procedures are in chapter 4.

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01295877.pdf

You will also need to reinstall the operating system. You can see if recovery disks are available by contacting HP technical support.

If you can read the 25 character MS Vista product key on the bottom of your PC, you can make your own Vista installation disk and use that to install the OS.

If you're up to a slight but rewarding challenge you can make your own if you can read your 25 character Vista product key on the PC.

Just download the 3 files you need at the link below, and read all of the instructions to create a bootable DVD installation disk using imageburn.

Disregard the part of the text under the first screen shot about "extract the files to the Vista folder."

The files were already extracted to that folder when you ran the X14.exe file by reading the text on top of the first screen shot.

The other thing I noticed is on the 4th screen shot, where it shows Developer ID Microsoft Corporation. I had to type Microsoft Corporation in myself, and then the other codes automatically populated.

When I went to compile the ISO file, ImageBurn gave a message that about a WIM file and ISO, and if I wanted to burn it in a different format.

I selected No, make the ISO file.

It was not that hard to do. I burned both the 64 bit disk and the 32 bit disk in case I ever need them.

I tested both of them on my hp dc7100 CMT desktop PC, they worked perfectly.

When you enter the product key, it knows what version of Vista you have.

http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/software-os/w/microsoft_os/3317.2-3-microsoft-windows-v....

After you successfully install Vista, you can then install the drivers from your PC's support and driver page.

This is where I buy my PC hardware:

Top of the line 250 GB 7,200 RPM drive:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136279

A standard 250 GB 5,400 RPM drive of good quality.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822236238

You need to transfer the caddy, screws and connector from the old HDD to the new one, so don't toss anything out until the job is done. 

Paul