Data security during laptop repair

Recently bought a new laptop with an extended warranty. Wondering if when a laptop needs to be sent in to the manufacturer for a repair (specifically a hardware repair), is it ok to remove the hard drive when sending it in? I don't want to risk my data (security) while in transit and out of my hands. Nor do I want to delete sensitive files and restore them when my laptop is restored. I guess this would make it tougher to troubleshoot issues and repair the laptop. I don't know what else I could do.

Solution 1:

Your only choices are to remove the hard drive or to encrypt the data on it. You'll want to check with the manufacturer and extended warranty people to make sure removing the hard drive will not void any warranties.

Many people wind up fixing computers themselves because of this issue.

Solution 2:

Opening the laptop and removing hardware will void the warranty in most cases. Big PC sellers state this in their terms.

The repair people need to test your system as is, with all the hardware that's included.

Encryption is the best way forward.

See this answer about data protection: https://superuser.com/a/238837/380115