Take a Hard Drive Out of a Computer
Taking a hard drive out of a computer is a necessity to upgrade to a newer model. You may not have the required space for all of your music, videos and games and will need to add a new hard drive to your machine. The first step to upgrade is to take your hard drive out of your computer. With tools that you have around the home, your hard drive can be taken out of your PC within a matter of a few minutes.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
-
-
1
Remove the three screws from one of the panels on your computer tower. Take the panel off and place that as well as the screws somewhere safe. Then remove the second panel.
-
2
Locate the hard drive. This is the metal box with a thin long cord as well as a smaller cord with wires coming out the back of the hard drive.
-
3
Pull both sets of cords out of the back of the hard drive. The cord with the wires is the power cord. This may be a little stiff. Wiggle the white part back and fourth until it comes out. Do not pull it out by the wires. This could cause a short circuit in the motherboard. Remove the thin long cord next. This is the IDE cord. It should come out of the hard drive with ease.
-
4
Remove the screws holding the hard drive in place. Depending on who put the computer together, there may be one or two sets of two screws. The first set of screws will be on the front side panel, where you can see into the computer. After those have been taken out, turn the computer over. You will see the final set of screws on the backside. You will not be able to see the computer's components from this side.
-
5
Take the hard drive out. At this point, the hard drive will just slip out of its bracket.
-
6
Replace the panels. Screw both panels back into the tower. In the future, you will only need to take one panel off to add new components to your computer. The hard drive will stay in place with only the two front screws holding it on.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Do not pull on the cords to roughly. They can break if you are not careful. Try not to hit the hard drive against the case. It can cause damage or erase the drive.
