How to Replace the Hard Drive on a G4 Ibook

Apple's G4 iBook is a laptop computer, available with two different screen sizes--12 and 14 inches. Introduced in 2003, the G4 iBook line was eventually superseded by the higher-end models 2 years later and soon put into retirement. Despite the relatively short production life, many of these computers are still in daily use and often require that users replace the internal hard drive--whether due to failure or for the need to increase storage capacity. It's a pretty simple but somewhat time-intensive job.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Torx 4 & 6 tools or screwdriver tips
• Mini Phillips screwdriver set
• 2 plastic putty knives
• Replacement UltraATA-100 2.5-inch internal hard drive
• USB or FireWire external hard drive (if backing up your data beforehand)
• Mac OS X install disc

1. 
   Back up your data beforehand

   Back up your data if you're planning on upgrading. If you're replacing a dead hard drive, this step is unnecessary. You can back up your data by connecting an external USB or FireWire hard drive, either by using Time Machine (if your Mac is running OS X.5 Leopard), or by copying the data onto the external hard drive by dragging it over.

2. Power down the Mac once the data are finished copying. Disconnect all cables, remove the battery and allow the computer to cool down for at least 30 minutes.

3. 
   You'll need a Torx tool and mini Phillips screwdrivers

   Remove the three screws on the bottom of the iBook, using a Torx tool or Torx tip in your screwdriver. Put them aside, and then use a small screwdriver to pry the three rubber feet off the bottom of the computer. (The fourth rubber foot is attached to the battery and doesn't have to be removed.) Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove these three screws. Then remove the screws on the inside of the battery compartment.

4. 
   Also required: Two plastic putty knives

   Use two plastic putty knives to carefully separate the two halves of the body of the laptop. Work your way around the computer to fully separate them. There is a plastic connection inside of the battery compartment, so be aware when separating the halves that the connection might be engaged. Use a small screwdriver to disengage it by gently pressing it to the right.

5. Remove the aluminum shield that covers the bottom half of the computer. Once this is removed, the hard drive will be visible. Disengage the hard drive by removing the metal bar that covers it, and then slide the drive away from its connecting ribbon cable.

6. 
   Your new hard drive

   Remove the Torx screws used to secure the drive into place. Secure them to your new hard drive, and place the new hard drive in the computer, using the same connecting cable that attached the old one.

7. 
   Apple recommends not upgrading G4 iBooks past OS X.4

   Reassemble the computer by performing the steps in reverse order: Reattach the aluminum shield and replace the screws, carefully seat the two halves of the computer back together, replace the screws under the rubber feet, replace the rubber feet and replace the screws in the battery compartment and on the bottom of the computer.

8. 
   Final step: Install the Mac OS and replace your data

   Use a Mac OS disc to reinstall the system, and then replace any applications and data from your backup hard drive.

Tips & Warnings

• The screws are all different sizes, so lay them out in a way that makes it easy for you to replace them correctly. Plan on the entire process (excluding data backup and OS reinstall) taking between 30 and 45 minutes. Apple doesn't officially support OS X.5 or later on the G4 iBook models.
• The aluminum shield is razor sharp, so use caution when handling it. Static can destroy the inner components of computers, so take precautions.

Resources

• Apple
• Low End Mac