Remove a Hard Drive
Computer hard drives store everything from photos to music to files. In short, they store everything that is on your computer. If something goes wrong with your hard drive, there is no need to go buy a new computer. Removing the hard drive of a PC yourself and replacing it with a newly purchased one can save you a lot of money. Use these steps to learn the correct way on how to remove a hard drive.
Steps
- Back up your data. We're going to do our best not to lose any data, but as Murphy's Law will tell you, things happen. It's better to be ready with a little precautions than to risk losing all your data.
- Copy your information onto an external hard drive or use another form of backup like online backup prior to removing your current hard drive. If your hard drive has failed and your data has been lost, skip this step.
- Turn off your computer and unplug it from everything. You're going to need to get inside the computer, and it'll be a lot easier if it doesn't hang up on wires or suddenly turn on and electrocute you. Unplug the power source, monitor and any other devices.
- Open the computer case. Each computer model is manufactured differently. Opening your specific case may involve removing a side panel with a screwdriver or pushing a button to open the case in a clamshell fashion. The owner's manual that came with your computer should detail the manner in which the case is opened.
- If your owner's manual is missing or you did not receive one, don't despair. Look carefully at your computer case and you'll probably be able to figure out how to remove it. Most older computers are secured with Phillips-head screws on the back.
- Locate the hard drive inside the computer case. Within the computer, the hard drive could be placed in a cage that's either fixed to the tower or removable, or it could be placed on a set of rails. The hard drive is a rectangular metal box the size and width of a small book.
- By convention, most computers locate the hard drive near the front of the case, near other drives (like your optical drive). If you look closely, your hard drive will be clearly labeled as such - don't go pulling random stuff out of your computer if you're not sure what it is!
- Determine how the hard drive is connected to the computer. Now that you've located the hard drive, you need to figure out how to remove it.
- You will need a screwdriver to open the cage and handle the drive if the hard drive is in a fixed or removable cage.
- Newer, more modern cases will often be "tool-less", meaning that you just have to push a simple lever or switch to be able to remove the hard drive.
- Take the hard drive from where it rested in the tower. Hard drives will often sit on a set of rails towards the front of the computer case. Using both hands, carefully slide it outward.
- Pull carefully - if you encounter any resistance, stop! Nothing in a computer case should require any substantial amount of force - if you're pulling or pushing hard, you're probably doing it wrong.
- The hard drive will have two or more cables connected to it. If those are impeding on your ability to take out the hard drive, remove these cables first.
- Remove the IDE ribbon cable. This is a broad, thin, usually gray ribbon running from your motherboard (or hard disk controller if present) to your hard drive.
- The cable may be connected to the hard drive with glue, but you should be able to work it out of place without much hassle. Carefully remove as much glue as you can and work the plug back and forth gently to break the glue.
- Remove the power connector. This will be a plastic, rectangular connector with one or two latches (depending on the level of power your computer's motherboard provides to the hard drive).
- This connector will usually be a lot more snug than the IDE ribbon cable. Make sure you're disengaging the latches on the plug and pull firmly on the connector. Take care not to bend any of the thin metal pins inside the plug.
- Take the hard drive out of the case and put it into an anti-static bag. "Naked" hard drives removed from a computer are very sensitive to damage from moisture, dust and electrical shock. Anti-static bags are a cheap method of protecting your hard drive.
- Anti-static bags can be cheaply purchased at most office supply or computer stores. If you're throwing out or recycling your hard drive, you can skip this step.
Tips
- If at any point you are worried if you're removing the correct cables or components, consult your owner's manual to make sure you're on the right track.
Warnings
- This article is only for tower computers and NOT for laptops or all-in-one PCs.
- Take precautions against static shock. Ground yourself by touching a metal portion of your computer case before handling your hard drive. Do not wear any metal when removing your hard drive. If static electricity arcs between you and the hard drive or any other sensitive electrical component, the momentary surge of electricity can cause permanent damage.
- Do not yank out the cables that are connected to the hard drive. If you bend or damage the pins or connection sites, the hard drive cable can be damaged. These cables usually run directly into the hard drive and cannot be replaced without substantial work.
- Do not move your computer while it's turned on, as it might cause serious damage to the hard disk. Always turn off the computer and unplug it before removing components.
Things You'll Need
- Computer
- User's manual for computer or computer case (optional)
- Screwdriver
- Anti-static bag (optional, but recommended)
- A lot of patience.
