joey_turbo

iTrader: (26)

I've got a laptop that needs a HDD, but it has specific type of caddy before I can put the HDD in.

The closest I could find is this adapter: UPH OEHA001 HDD Caddy /Cable/Adapter

But I'd rather not order from the US.
The laptop I bought as faulty, so it could still not work even with a HDD.

Anyone know what my best options are?
thanks

bioforger

iTrader: (1)

Make n model of the lappy caddy for a start From the manufacturers website.

bioforger

iTrader: (1)

Or get a USB HDD enclosure (£10-15 off ebay) see if it will boot off it.

joey_turbo

iTrader: (26)

Sorry, forgot to mention.
Packard Bell iPower 5542.

I have got USB adapters already, don't know if it would boot off that though.

bioforger

iTrader: (1)

Should do and check USB hub by default. Check bios for boot order in case USB is listed.

joey_turbo

iTrader: (26)

Thanks for the advice.
I bought the laptop about a year ago to repair, so can't remember if I could even get the BIOS up. Just tried it and it appears to start, but no display.
Amazingly, I emailed a spares place on the web just before this post, and they got back to me. 39pounds plus vat. But I think i'll try the USB method if I can.

Luminous

iTrader: (3)

You cannot boot windows from usb yet.

Why do you need a caddy if the laptop already has a drive? Why not just take apart what you have and fit it to a new drive?

joey_turbo

iTrader: (26)

It doesn't. I have spare laptop HDD's that I can use, but it won't go straight in without a caddy.

Luminous

iTrader: (3)

Ahhh

Then I would suggest you have a look on ebay as well. You don't really care what condition the machine is in, you just want that little part. You might just get lucky.

The other option is to just use an IDE cable, assuming its using a standard 2.5" connector. The caddies are often just a means to hold the drive in place, rather than offering a bespoke connection interface. A cable should be nice and cheap, it will just meant the drive is sitting on your desk while you test it.

All depends on price/hassle etc I guess. If you can get a cable really cheap it may be worth it.

joey_turbo

iTrader: (26)

Tried that, all of the units on ebay are minus the caddy. The fittings not a major issue, as I could make a surround easy enough, its just the connection.
I might orrder a whole caddy from another machine, that might do it.

Luminous

iTrader: (3)

bummer I wish you luck, and it can be just that. Old parts show up from time to time just keep looking

joey_turbo

iTrader: (26)

Appreciate the help so far.

I got an email from a place, I can't even remember where, because I searched the net for spare places, and put my email address down.
someone got back to me and simply said in the email: £39+vat 2-3weeks.
I emailed back to ask why it would take so long, and for a picture. Not had a response.

But, I asked the seller a question on ebay, they had some spares for this laptop, and he come back with 13 quid, recorded delivery included. So I paid and he's sending it in the morning. Result!

Now I gotta work out why the laptops not working. I can hear the cpu fan and the like on power up, but nothing on the screen.

Luminous

iTrader: (3)

could be all sorts of reasons that its not working.

Does it have a video out option? If so, try an external monitor. If that works then you know its the laptops display.

It could be the laptops graphics card (if it has one), or the integrated card on the mobo. I suppose it could just be a connector that has become dislodged, but...well....hmmm.

joey_turbo

iTrader: (26)

Tried an external monitor, its just the cpu fan spinning still.
Had a simular problem with another Packard Bell. After replacing the whole motherboard and buying a new battery, it was the charger that was faulty. Only reason I din't check this first is because the seller said it wasn't the charger.
I wont spend to much time on it, might aswell put it on ebay for spares.
thanks anyway

Luminous

iTrader: (3)

Yeah, it can be a big waste of time trying to fix stuff like that.

I have a Dell 8200 in need of a graphics card, still cannot find a replacement (64Mb Ati Mobility 9000). Its my dad's old laptop, really nice for an old piece of kit (its at least 5 years old but has 1600x1200 screen).

Tried to get a graphics card from one place selling an 8200 for spares. But they would not offer a warranty on any of the parts, said some of the parts may have had liquid damage, and would not even confirm that the graphics card was still present (as some parts had been removed). I think they are still trying to sell it