If you get something where you can hook up the HDD externally, you could possibly do it that way.
Otherwise you may have to take it somewhere. Not sure, though.
But to take the old one out, you uncover it by either by removing the bottom panel(Or the entire bottom of the laptop depending on model) Take the screw(s) out of the HDD bracket, slide it back and lift it out.
That's it. It's impossible to install a new on in wrong. They'll only fit one way. At the very least, you can salvage the RAM out of it. Once you remove the panel on the bottom, push the metal clips to the side and the RAM will pop right out. You'd be doing yourself a favor by learning this stuff. Might as well mess around with the old one if you're planning on replacing it anyway.