How to Replace a TiVo Hard Drive

It happens to all of us--we're happily going through our lives, recording and saving television programs we've missed to our Tivos or digital video recorders, and then reality sets in. We're out of space, and our DVR is erasing programs that we want to keep "forever" to make room for new ones. Swapping out your Tivo's hard drive for one with more space is one way to delay the inevitable.

Instructions

1. Have the proper tools. Sometimes, just a Phillips-head screwdriver is all that you need, but there may be a few places where tools designed to get into tight spaces may be more useful. Many Tivo upgrade kits include all the tools you need in the package, so if you're unsure of what to use, they are the wisest choice.

2. Unplug the Tivo from the wall outlet or other power source. Open the Tivo's case by removing the four screws holding its cover in place. Once you have removed the cover, you'll see the hard drive sitting in a bracket in the lower-right corner of the unit.

3. Remove the four screws holding the bracket in place and lift it out of the unit. Be careful not to loosen or detach any wires that connect to the Tivo's main board.

4. Detach the interface cable from the left side of the hard drive, making sure it's still connected to the main board. This is a ribbon cable with a large plastic end attached to the drive. Also detach the thinner power cable from the drive.

5. Remove the screws holding the hard drive to the bracket and replace the old drive with the new one.

6. Reattach all parts and test it to make sure everything works to your satisfaction.

Tips & Warnings

• Replacing the Tivo's hard drive does require a little extra effort after you're finished. Be prepared to reprogram the unit, because all of the essential information telling it what programs to record, how to change channels and how to connect to the Tivo service were stored on the old hard drive.