How to Remove Computer Hard Drive – The hard drive is where all your documents, programs, pictures and information are stored. If the hard drive crashes or is too full to work properly, you don’t need to replace the entire computer. Removing the hard drive from the PC yourself and replacing it with a newly purchased hard drive can save you quite a bit of money. Use these steps to learn the correct way how to remove the hard drive.
How to Remove Computer Hard Drive
Here are the steps
1. Back up your data.
We try to do our best not to lose data, but as Murphy’s Law would say, things happen. It is better to do a little precaution than risk losing all your data.
Copy your important data to an external hard drive or use other means of backup, such as online cloud backup, before removing the current hard drive. If the damage has already been done and your data is lost, skip this step.
2. Turn off your computer and unplug all cables.
You will have to work on the inside of the computer and it will be a lot easier if you unplug the power cable so it won’t suddenly turn on and gives you an electric shock. So for that, you should unplug power sources, monitors and other devices.
3. Open the computer case.
There are plenty of Computer case types. Therefore opening your particular case may be done just by removing the side panel with a screwdriver or pressing a button to open the clamshell-style case. The user manual that came with your computer should detail how to open the case.
If you lost the user guide or if you didn’t get one, fear not. Take a close look at your computer case and chances are you’ll be able to figure out how to remove it. Most older computers are secured with thread screws on the back.
4. Locate the hard drive inside the computer case.
Inside a computer, the hard drive can be housed in a tower-mounted or removable housing, or it can be placed on a rail. The hard drive is a square metal box about the size of a small book.
In general, most computers place the hard drive near the front of the case, close to other drives (like your optical drive). If you look closely, there will be a label indicating a hard drive, but don’t just pull things off your computer if you’re not sure what they are!
5. Determine where your hard drive is installed in the computer.
Once you’ve located the hard drive, you’ll need to find a way to remove it.
You will need a screwdriver to open the housing and the drive handle if the hard drive is in a tower-mounted or in a removable bracket.
Newer, more modern cases are usually “tool-less”, meaning you only need to push a simple lever or lever to remove the hard drive.
6. Take the hard drive from its place in the tower.
The hard drive is usually located on a rail on the front of the computer case. Using both hands, carefully pull it out.
Pull carefully – if you encounter an obstacle, stop! Nothing in a computer case should require a lot of force – if you have to pull or push hard, then you’re likely doing something wrong.
In general, the hard drive will have two or more cables attached to it. Unplug the cables first if it obstructs you to pull out the hard drive.
7. Disconnect the SATA or IDE ribbon cable.
Most modern hard drives will likely use a SATA cable to connect to the motherboard. If you see a small thin cable beside a wider cable then that is the SATA cable. Remove it carefully. An IDE cable is a wide, thin ribbon cable, usually grey, that starts at the motherboard (or hard disk controller if available) and ends at the hard drive.
Carefully remove the cable by gently moving the plug back and forth.
8. Remove the power connector.
This plastic rectangular connector has 1 or 2 latches (depending on how much power the computer’s motherboard provides to the hard drive).
These connectors will usually be sturdier than those IDE ribbon cables. Be careful when removing it, so as not to bend the thin metal pin inside the plug. Newer and more modern power connectors are thinner but wider than the old plastic rectangular power connector. Generally, you should be able to easily remove it by gently pulling it.
9. Remove the hard drive from the case and place it in an antistatic bag.
A “bare” hard drive removed from a computer is extremely vulnerable to damage caused by moisture, dust and electric shock. An antistatic bag is a cheap method of protecting a hard drive and is available at most office supplies or computer stores. But if you are throwing away or recycling your hard drive, you can skip this step.
Tips
How to Remove Computer Hard Drive – If at any point you are concerned about whether you removed the right cable or component, consult your user manual to ensure that you are on the right path.
Warning
Do not unplug the cable connected to the hard drive. If you bend or damage the pins or the parts they connect to, the hard drive cable may become damaged. Because these cables usually plug directly into the hard drive and would need a considerable amount of work to replace it.
Remember to take precautions against static shock. Ground yourself by touching a metal part of your computer before handling your hard drive. You should also not wear any metal when removing the hard drive. Thus, if static electricity passes between you and the hard drive or other sensitive electrical components, the temporary shock can cause permanent damage.
