Changing HardDrive & Warranty

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Level 1

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Changing HardDrive & Warranty

Heya everyone 🙂

I'm off to uni in September and as Apple have just changed the spec of the MacBook White I've noticed a few places are selling the older spec models off at discounted prices.

My question is this: *if I buy one of the older models then replace the internal harddrive to a 500GB equivilant will this entirely void the warranty?* Or just the parts warranty on the harddrive? I'm not sure.

I currently use an external HD on my MacMini to do backups and to keep all my music and movies, but obviously travelling to uni and everything I'd like to have it all on my brand spanking new laptop. Obiously still do backups and stuff on an external though. Yeah.

Thanks! Ben

Mac OS X (10.5.7)

Posted on Jun 4, 2009 3:33 AM

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Answer 1

Woggledog

Level 4

1,870 points

Jun 4, 2009 4:34 AM in response to stonesy60

Replacing the hard drive does NOT invalidate the warrenty.

as per: http://manuals.info.apple.com/enUS/MacBook_13inch_AluminumLate2008.pdf

"Your MacBook does not have any user-serviceable parts, except the hard drive and the memory."

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Answer 2

stonesy60 Author

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Jun 4, 2009 4:56 AM in response to Woggledog

Thanks Woggledog,

Is this the same for the MacBook White? I notice that that manual is for the aluminium model.

🙂 Sorry to be pedantic.

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Answer 3

kmac1036

Level 4

2,370 points

Jun 4, 2009 6:27 AM in response to stonesy60

I've spoken to my local service provider about this before - changing the hard drive doesn't void the warranty so long as you don't damage the machine by improper installation, losing parts, stripping out screws, etc.

at worst, if still worried about it, swap the old drive in before taking for service 😉

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Answer 4

stonesy60 Author

Level 1

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Jun 4, 2009 8:56 AM in response to kmac1036

Thanks guys. Looks like I'm off to buy my new MacBook tomorrow then (Y)

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Answer 5

stonesy60 Author

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Jun 8, 2009 3:08 PM in response to stonesy60

Ok, quick update. Spoke to someone from AppleCare the other day and basically the HD is not classed as a user-serviceable part in any of the new spec MacBooks - the White or Pro.

Genuinely that is what they told me, don't shoot the messenger :P

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Answer 6

Jun 9, 2009 1:35 AM in response to stonesy60

They were joking.

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Answer 7

stonesy60 Author

Level 1

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Jun 9, 2009 1:38 AM in response to rickcollins08

As much as I'd love to believe the AppleCare man was playing a light hearted comical endevour upon myself... i doubt it very much. Now I really don't know what to think...

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Answer 8

Jun 9, 2009 2:37 AM in response to stonesy60

Hi.

I see you have marked this thread as solved. However on the offchance that you are still watching it...

If HDs were not intended to be user serviceable parts in the MacBooks why would Apple publish a manual? 🙂

http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/MacBook13inch_HardDriveDIY.pdf

Have fun,

Adrian

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Answer 9

stonesy60 Author

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Jun 9, 2009 8:10 AM in response to Adrian Clarke1

Like I said, I'm just telling you what Apple told me. I saw that DIY manual too, so yeah, I guess it really depends on who you ask!

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Answer 10

Lyssa

Level 8

41,405 points

Jun 9, 2009 10:58 AM in response to stonesy60

What the employee told you is the same information that's in the manual, which I find to be unusual. I wonder what changed in the newer MacBooks that makes the hard drive a non-user-servicable part.
Here's a link to the manual:
http://manuals.info.apple.com/enUS/MacBook_13inch_whiteEarly2009.pdf

From the manual: "Your MacBook does not have any user-serviceable parts other than the battery and the memory."

~Lyssa

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Answer 11

Jun 9, 2009 11:53 AM in response to Lyssa

But they even cover themselves there:

WARNING: Apple recommends that you have an Apple-certified technician install
memory. Consult the service and support information that came with your computer
for information about how to contact Apple for service. If you attempt to install
memory and damage your equipment, such damage is not covered by the limited
warranty on your computer

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Answer 12

Jun 9, 2009 11:57 AM in response to Lyssa

Lyssa wrote:
I wonder what changed in the newer MacBooks that makes the hard drive a non-user-servicable >part.

Nothing as far as I can tell. My stock 120GB was swiftly and easily swapped for a 320GB at the same time as upgrading the RAM, all done DIY and without a hitch.

Adrian

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Answer 13

stonesy60 Author

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Jun 9, 2009 12:02 PM in response to Adrian Clarke1

Adrian Clarke1 wrote:
Nothing as far as I can tell. My stock 120GB was swiftly and easily swapped for a 320GB

But what about the just updated 160GB MacBook? As in the old MacBook White. Possibly they've changed the L-shaped bracket, on the inside of the battery compartment, not to allow such easy removal of the HD?

Either way, looks like I'm sticking with the 160GB stock HD and a trusty external.

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Answer 14

Jun 9, 2009 2:51 PM in response to stonesy60

either way, if doing it on the mac mini doesnt void the warranty then neother would it on the macbook so it doesnt really matter

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Answer 15

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

Jun 9, 2009 7:36 PM in response to stonesy60

stonesy60:t

As I understand the HDD is user serviceable, for purposes of the warranty, on the unibody, but not on the polycarbonate. If in doubt call AppleCare.

😉 cornelius

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