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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.
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