topic how do I access the HDD on my VGN-N38E in PCs & Accessories

how do I access the HDD on my VGN-N38E

larshieb — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:33:31 GMT

Hi my laptop is dead and want to know if or how I can access the HDD in my vaio VGN-N38E. It is completely dead and therefore the only way to be able to access the data is to remove the HDD but how do I do that and are there any manuals out there? I don't want to damage the laptop as it is under warranty but need to be able to back up my dtat to an external source. Many thanks in advance for any help or info.

Re: how do I access the HDD on my VGN-N38E

Blencogo — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:11:56 GMT

Hi larshieb and welcome.

I'm sorry to hear about you problem. I presume Sony will repair it.

I attach the manual for your model to the bottom of this post.

Good Luck.

Re: how do I access the HDD on my VGN-N38E

larshieb — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:37:34 GMT

Thank you so much Blencogo for the manual. it will certainly come in handy. Do you hapen to have any idea or suggestions as to why the laptop is dead, not booting at all, could it be a hard drive problem? Many thanks again for your rapid response and expert help in this matter, Larshieb.

Re: how do I access the HDD on my VGN-N38E

Thalamus. — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:28:38 GMT

Hi larshieb,

try this...

Unplug the power supply and remove the cable and all connected devices from your Vaio, then remove the battery.

Once done press and hold down power button for a full 30 seconds, then replace the battery and then plug in power cord. Once completed turn the laptop on..

If still no joy and as your Vaio's still covered by warranty, I recommend you contact Vaio support before trying to remove your HDD..

You can do this either by phone or via e-Support, use the following link to find the contact details: Sony Vaio Support

Re: how do I access the HDD on my VGN-N38E

larshieb — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:37:15 GMT

Thank you so much Thalamus for your advice. I have tried your suggestions but am still unable to boot to the hard drive. I notice you recommend not trying to remove the hard drive myself as the laptop is still under warrenty, therefore do you have ANY suggestions as to how I can back up any data from the HD? The only reason I was contemplating removing the HD was to be able to maybe back up the dataafter removing the HD as it is not accessable at the current time. Thanks again so much for your input, Larshieb.

Re: how do I access the HDD on my VGN-N38E

Thalamus. — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:59:24 GMT

I notice you recommend not trying to remove the hard drive myself as the laptop is still under warrenty, therefore do you have ANY suggestions as to how I can back up any data from the HD?

Hi larshieb,

unfortunately not without being able to start your Vaio or removing the HDD..

However Vaio support may be able to offer a solution to help start your Vaio..

If your Vaio still won't boot after contacting Vaio support then decide on what action you would like to take..