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In this guide I explain how to disassemble Sony Vaio TZ series laptops in order to remove and replace the hard drive. As an example I took a Sony Vaio TZ130N laptop (Model: PCG-4L3L). In this little laptop the hard drive is buried deep inside the case and we’ll have to disassemble the whole thing apart.
I assume that my guide will work for the entire Sony Vaio TZ line of laptops. If it works for you, please mention the model number in the comments below.
Do not forget to turn off the laptop and remove the battery. Work in static-free environment.
STEP 1.
Remove the memory cover from the bottom.
Pull the memory module from the slot.
You don’t have to remove the memory module in order to access and replace the hard drive. I’m doing that just to show where you can find the memory module.
STEP 2.
Remove all marked screws from the bottom of the laptop.
There are three more screws hidden under three rubber seals.
You can remove these rubber seals with a sharp object. Remove all three screws found under the seals.
Remove one more screw found under the square rubber seal located close to the hinge.
STEP 3.
Very carefully remove the plastic cover from the left hinge. It’s not easy. I spent about 5 minutes trying to figure out how to remove the cover. It has a couple of plastic latches inside and you can remove it using a small flat head screwdriver.
The cover has been removed.
Fortunately, you have to remove only one cover from the left hinge. This cover protects the power jack.
STEP 4.
If you have any SD card or cover inside the slot on the front of the laptop, remove both of them.
Start separating the top cover (keyboard) assembly as it shown on the picture below.
Work with your fingers until the top cover separated from the base.
Place the top cover (keyboard) assembly upside down on the palm rest and disconnect the cable from the motherboard.
Remove the top cover (keyboard) assembly.
STEP 5.
You cannot access the hard drive until you remove the SD slot/USB board.
Remove two screws securing the board and unplug the cable from the motherboard.
Lift up and remove the SD slot/USB board.
STEP 6.
The hard drive is mounted under the metal bracket. Remove one screw securing the hard drive bracket.
Remove the hard drive bracket.
Lift up the hard drive and disconnect the hard drive cable.
In order to release the cable you’ll have to unlock the connector first. Very carefully lift up the black piece on the connector. Pull the cable from the connector.
The hard drive has been removed. If you are replacing the hard drive, you’ll have to transfer four rubber corners to a new drive.
My Sony Vaio TZ130N laptop had a Toshiba 1.8″ 100GB hard drive (MK1011GAH) installed. It’s same type of hard drives found in iPods. These 1.8″ hard drives are not cheap but you can find them relatively inexpensive here.
If you find this article useful, please consider making a donation to the author. Thank you!
November 24th, 2009 at 10:47 am
Hi, I am a guy from Hong Kong.
I have bought a 64GB ZIF SSD and wanted to upgrade my TZ36. I have seen another demonstration on breaking down the laptop. However, it was not as detail as yours and carelessly, I have torn the keyboard cable! >.< [Which is in your step 13: "Place the top cover (keyboard) assembly upside down on the palm rest and disconnect the cable from the motherboard." ]
I have put everything back after installed the SSD, but the keyboard no longer work (mouse pad is still functioning). What can I do now? I saw there are some cables on ebay but very expensive, any other option?
I would be grateful for your kindly help~
November 17th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
AWESOME step by step breakdown. I have to upgrade my bosses tiny 32 GB SSD drive in his VGN-TZ191N because he quickly maxed it out just with a few programs. I would have never found the hidden screws under the rubber bits or would have known that I only needed to remove the left hinge cover. GREAT STUFF!!!! Thank you very much.
November 13th, 2009 at 9:50 am
Thanks for this fabulous helper …
3 points of relevance for TZ31 series machines:
1. The hinge cover on the power supply adapter side has a single moulded wedge that locks it in place. The wedge is located directly behind the slot for the screen. i.e if the screen pokes through at 12 o’clock the wedge is somewhere between 12 and 1. Insert a *small* flathead screwdriver into the cover where the wedge is found and the cover will slip off.
2. The connection to the 1.8″ drive is of the ZIF (zero insertion force) variety. Slightly scarily you simply unscrew the drive as described then *gently* pull the orange cable back out of the drive socket. Note this can be tricky to reinsert – you will need some fine flat elctronics pilers, needle-nose or similar.
3. If you need to recover drive data you’ll need something like this adapter (disclaimer no affiliation i have just ordered from them)
http://store.era-ele.com/zif-to-toshiba-18-adapter-p-44.html
Thanks again!
Jerry
November 8th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Hi! I have an VGN-TZ190N, it comes with a 32SSD and I want to put in the 100G Toshiba MK1011GAH but I found that the hd mount piece is too small, do you know where I can found one?
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:34 pm
adam leu,
You can remove and replace individual keyboard keys without removing the keyboard. Take a look at this keyboard repair guide.
October 31st, 2009 at 8:13 am
A repeat of message 23
Thanks for the clear information
The PgDn and a few other keys on my TZ11XN are wearing away, need a clean and repair. Any dismantling guide to that job would be welcomed.
October 30th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Thank you i found ur information very useful Great Work
September 30th, 2009 at 12:43 am
Hey guys,
Can anyone suggest where to find manual for how to clean (open) TZ-series keyboard, just the upper side? or any other ways to clean it?
September 13th, 2009 at 12:14 am
Its a PATA drive
September 9th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
Can you please state which type of SSD hard drive I can order from newegg.com? ATA..SATA..PATA? thank you. I am leaning towards Corsair brand.
August 30th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Anyone out there now how to change bluetooth hardware in vaio TZ model? Mine cannot detech bluetooth device anymore after sending for service at sony centre.
August 28th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
vaio friend,
I doubt that you can replace the processor in a Sony Vaio TZ laptop. I believe the processor is permanently soldered to the motherboard and cannot be removed and replaced.
August 28th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
how would I change out the processor
August 18th, 2009 at 11:07 am
Chandra,
In most laptops the Eithernet port is permanently attached to the motherboard. Is it possible to replace the port? I think it is, if you know how to unsolder the failed port and where to buy a replacement port.
By the way, you can use a PCMCIA network card. You install this card into the PC slot and get a new Eithernet port instead. Not very convenient to have a PC card sticking out of the laptop but might work for you.
August 17th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
the network adapter on my sony vaio TX651 is not working. Is it part of the mother board? Can I replace the port?
August 13th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
I want to upgrade my Sony Vaio TZ-150N to an SSD. It currently has a Toshiba MK1011GAH HDD. According to Toshiba, this HDD has a ZIF 44pin connector and conforms to the ATA-7 interface. Which SSD model would be compatible? Can anyone shed more light on the differences between ATA-7, PATA and SATA?
July 30th, 2009 at 8:13 am
Does anyone know how to remove the HD on a Sony Vaio VGN-TX770P? I cannot find any instructions on this model. Any help will be greatly appreciated!
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:12 am
Great news for those with HD, I am one of the many who brought the 32gb flash drive TZ12VN (just too small) does anyone know if this can be upgraded with an SSD of larger capacity and make an expensive laptop usable ????
July 21st, 2009 at 3:14 am
hi guys,
i have a vgn-tz340 and want to remove the existing 100GB HDD with a SSD but can’t be sure about the suitable model or the brand of it. I’ll be visiting NYC next week so wanna get it done when i’m there.
thanks
July 19th, 2009 at 11:34 am
aweseom step by step instructions on the TZ130 HD removal (fyi worked like a charm on the TZ160 as well)
QUESTION? in repacing the HD, do i have to settle for 100GB again or can i up grade to more storage capacity. Wha’t the highest capacity 1.8 HD currently available, andt would it be accepted by the TZ160 motherboard (I’m also a little unclear on which of these types i need: PATA 1-platter or CE-ATA TA)
Much appreciated
July 19th, 2009 at 12:30 am
ryan,
It took me a while to find all these hidden screws.
July 19th, 2009 at 12:30 am
Bill,
You are welcome! Usually they don’t glue hard drives. There should be a way to remove and replace the drive.
July 16th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
alex,
Thanks for the comment. Circled the missing screw.
July 16th, 2009 at 8:38 am
This was just what I needed. I replaced the drive on my VGN-TZ340 with a 128GB Runcore ssd. I did have to remove the screw inside the memory compartment. It’s not circled in your Step 2 photo — an oversight?
July 16th, 2009 at 2:36 am
Thanks for this – thought the hdd cable was glued in place and have spent half a year trying to work it out – go figure, I am CTO with 25 years in IT….!!
Really appreciate the photos too – well done!
July 15th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Awesome thanks, works fine for VGN-TZ37GN
I had no idea there was screw under the rubber bits, I almost snapped the laptop in half!
July 11th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Please I need help with how to remove the keyboard and Motherboard of Sony vaio ( FZ11Z) ( PCG-381M)
Thanks for your help
July 11th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Please I need help with how to remove the keyboard and Motherboard of Sony vaio ( FZ11Z).
Thanks for your help
July 10th, 2009 at 5:31 am
Thanks for this great post. I was trying to get a TZ150 apart to replace the dead MK1011GAH, and was stuck on pulling the hinge apart, and that one screw hidden under the rubber foot on the other side. Once your guide got me past that, it was easy!
July 8th, 2009 at 9:12 am
I have model VGN-TZ150N, Do you have how to remove top lid and replace?
Thanks for this great information
Kenneth Neely
docssports.com