How to Access an Internal Hard Drive

Laptop and desktop computers have slightly different procedures for accessing the internal hard drive. Besides laptop cases, there are two basic types of desktop cases. The traditional desktop case is arranged horizontally and is more common in older computers than newer ones. The more common type of case is the tower case, which is arranged vertically. Once opened, the internal hard drive is easily identifiable by the wide jumper that connects the drive to the motherboard in addition to the power supply connections that are needed to operate the drives.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Desktop Computers

1. Power down, unplug the computer and remove the screws holding the cover to the case. For a newer tower case, this will usually be no more than one to two thumb screws that can be twisted off by hand.

2. Slide the cover off the case. For both tower and desktop cases, this will almost always be toward the rear of the case.

3. Identify the hard drive. The jumper is the widest connector on the motherboard. Follow it to the drive bay. Since the hard drive has no external access, it should be easy to differentiate between it and the other drives that can be accessed from the front of the computer.

4. Remove the screws from the hard drive mount. Now the drive should slide out the back of the drive bay. Disconnect the power connection and the jumper if necessary to remove the drive.

Laptop Computers

5. Turn the power off, close the laptop and turn it upside down. If you are using a power cord, be sure it is unplugged as well.

6. Locate the hard drive cover. On most laptops, it will be located near the front of the computer. Remove the screws on the cover.

7. Lift the cover off and remove the drive. Some drives can be removed directly from the drive bay, while others are attached to a cradle that must be removed with the drive.

8. Remove the screws from the cradle if your hard drive has one. If your drive has a connection adapter, remove that as well.