How to Remove a Hard Drive

Sometimes hard drives need to be removed from a computer. The drive may be bad, it may be a second drive that you want to put into another computer, or you may simply want to replace it with a larger drive. Removing a hard drive is very easy, and anyone who is not afraid to open up their computer can do it. Here are a few steps to help you safely remove a hard drive from your PC.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Anti-static wrist strap
• Screw driver
• Anti-static bag

1. Back up your data. Make sure you back up any important data stored on the hard drive in the event something goes wrong. Also, if you are selling or giving the hard drive to someone else, you should erase any data on the disk by formatting it.

2. Open the case. Remove any metal rings, watches or bracelets you may be wearing. Unplug the computer from the electrical outlet, then touch the metal casing to eliminate any static charge. You can also use an anti-static wrist strap if you prefer. Check the user's manual if necessary to determine how to open your particular PC case.

3. Locate the hard drive. Typically the hard drive will be connected to a flat 2 1/2 inch wide IDE cable and a power cable. Hard drives are often housed in removable metal cages which are secured to the computer case with one or more screws. Refer to your user's manual to locate the hard drive if necessary.

4. Disconnect the hard drive. Unplug the hard drive from the IDE and power cables. Grab the plastic IDE cable connector with your thumb and forefinger and gently pull until the connector breaks free. The power cable can be difficult to remove if the connector is fitted tightly. Make sure you don't bend any of the pins when disconnecting the cables.

5. Remove the hard drive. If the hard drive is fitted in a metal cage, locate and remove the screws that are holding the cage in place. Hold your hand under the cage to catch it if necessary. Once the cage is free, remove the small screws on either side of the hard drive to remove it from the cage. If the hard drive is connected directly to the computer case, simply remove the screws on each side of the hard drive and slide it out of the case.

Tips & Warnings

• Always store functional hard drives in anti-static bags when not in use. If possible, also enclose it in a layer of bubble wrap while in storage.
• Hard drives are very sensitive to cold, heat and jarring. Be careful not to hit, bump or drop the hard drive when removing it.