Speed up a slow laptop by upgrading some of its components.
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Compaq laptop computers can be upgraded by replacing RAM memory for increased speed, or changing to a larger hard drive for increased storage capacity. The location of the RAM modules and hard drive allows access from the bottom of the Compaq laptop without the need to take it apart completely. Other components are not easily accessed and are not generally considered candidates for upgrade procedures, although exact replacement parts are generally available for any component.
Upgrade the RAM
Step 1
Back-up important files and settings on your laptop prior to beginning any upgrade procedure.
Step 2
Click "Start," then "Shut Down" to power off the computer. If you are unsure about whether the computer is in sleep or hibernation mode instead of off, power the system on, then shut down the computer. Do not attempt to upgrade a laptop that is powered on.
Step 3
Disconnect the AC power cord. Close the lid and flip the Compaq laptop upside down onto a soft surface.
Step 4
Remove the main battery pack by pressing the battery release latches and pulling the battery out.
Step 5
Loosen the screw that holds the memory compartment cover in place, then remove the cover.
Step 6
Remove the existing RAM modules by pressing outward on the small metal spring clips until the memory module springs upward at an angle. Pull the modules straight out at the same angle.
Step 7
Insert the new memory modules at the same angle. Ensure that they are fully seated into the sockets. Pay attention to the small notch in the memory module that matches the small plastic key tab in the socket, if the module does not slide in easily. Press the module downward until the small metal retaining clips snap into place around the edges of the module. Push these clips slightly apart if necessary to seat the module fully into the socket.
Replace the Hard Drive
Step 1
Back-up important files and settings on your computer prior to beginning any upgrade procedure.
Step 2
Download and install one of the free hard drive utilities and follow the prompts, or refer to the instructions on the website for installation of the particular software.
Step 3
Connect the USB hard drive adapter to any available USB port on the Compaq laptop and follow any prompts on the screen to install necessary drivers.
Step 4
Connect the new hard drive to the USB hard drive adapter and to the power source that was included with the adapter. Cancel any attempts by the operating system to initialize or format the drive, or locate or run content on the drive. Allow the operating system to install any necessary drivers it requires to access the drive.
Step 5
Launch the hard drive utility software and click on the button that initiates a hard drive cloning operation, which will be the default choice in most cases when a new hard drive is attached.
Step 6
Clone the existing hard drive by allowing the hard drive utility software to copy the contents of the drive. Restart the computer if instructed to do so by the software, and allow the process to complete. This may take an hour or more on some systems.
Step 7
Click "Start," then "Shut Down" in order to power off the computer. If unsure about whether the computer is in sleep or hibernation mode instead of off, power the system on, then shut down the computer.
Step 8
Disconnect the USB hard drive adapter from the computer and the hard drive, and disconnect the power source from the hard drive. Disconnect the AC power cord from the Compaq laptop. Close the lid and flip the Compaq laptop upside down, onto a soft surface.
Step 9
Remove the main battery pack by pressing the battery release latches and pulling the battery out.
Step 10
Loosen the screws that hold the hard drive compartment cover in place and remove the cover. Remove any screws that are holding the hard drive into the compartment and pull the hard drive gently away from the connector and out of the computer.
Step 11
Transfer the hard drive mounting bracket to the new drive, maintaining the same orientation and direction.
Step 12
Install the new hard drive and replace the cover and the battery. Connect the AC power adapter and power on the computer.
Tip
- Buy the largest RAM modules and highest capacity hard drive available that is supported by the Compaq laptop in order to get the longest useful life from the upgrade. Check with the manufacturer for details on supported RAM modules and hard drive sizes.
Warning
- Hard drives are sensitive to rough handling or being moved in any way while powered on or transferring data. The old hard drive still contains all of the information that was on the computer and should not be discarded or sold without first being erased.
References
Resources
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
