How to Install a Hard Drive in a MacBook

All those music files you've been uploading have started to take their toll on hard drive space available on your MacBook. The choices are to either start deleting music from the laptop, get an external drive or install a larger capacity hard drive. A computer specialist can install it, but he'll charge well over the price of the hardware. Do it yourself instead.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small Philips head screwdriver

1. Back up all data from your current drive so you can easily reload it once the new drive is installed.

2. Shut down the MacBook and unplug the power adapter. This prevents you from getting shocked during the process.

3. Place the MacBook upside-down on a flat surface with the battery close to you, and remove the battery. Removing the battery gives you access to the drive bay.

4. Use the screwdriver to loosen (without removing) the three screws along the back edge of the battery compartment.

5. Remove the L-shaped cover from the battery compartment. Set it aside.

6. Unroll the pull tab from the hard drive and pull slowly until the old drive has been removed. Place this drive somewhere safe.

7. Slide the new drive into the hard drive bay and roll the pull tab into the bay with it. Replace the L-shaped bay cover. Then tighten the screws. Replace the battery and plug in the power adapter. Turn on the MacBook. Be prepared with the Operating System install disks, if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Touch something metal before starting the process to discharge any static electricity. Very small amounts of static can be incredibly detrimental to computer hardware.
• Installing your own hard drive does not provide you with any warranty on the installed hardware. Check with the hard drive manufacturer and with Apple to see what warranty coverage you may or may not have after installing your own hard drive.
• Do not forget to replace the L-shaped battery compartment once you have installed the hard drive.