How to Swap a Hard Drive on a Mac

A Mac's hard drive can slow, when it becomes too heavily laden with all the files. Running disk de-fragmenting software can get rid of a portion of the problem, but in order to get enough disk space, upgrading to a larger hard drive is typically the most efficient solution. You may even need to swap back and forth from hard drive to hard drive, and if you do, you'll be relieved to discover how easy it is to swap a hard drive on a Mac.

Things You'll Need

• Back up software or upgrade kit
• A coin
• Size 00 Phillips head screwdriver
• Sixe T8 Torx screwdriver
• New internal hard drive

Instructions

1. Download or set up your hard drive back up program, according to the instructions included with the product. (If you want your new hard drive to be empty aside from factory-installed programs, you may skip this step.)

2. Transfer files from your old hard drive to your new hard drive. Transfer files that you everyday or access often, such as your iTunes or your word processing program, because you will not want to swap hard drives several times a day to type an article for class, listen to music or watch a movie.

3. Shut down your computer after you have transferred all of your necessary files to the new hard drive. After the computer is shut down, unplug it from its power source.

4. Close the computer and flip it over. Use the coin to unlatch the battery pack, and remove the battery from its slot. The hard drive is contained underneath the battery slot.

5. Unscrew the screws holding the "L" shaped metal piece in place, using a size 00 Phillips head screwdriver. Be careful in removing these screws, they do not need to come completely out of the "L" shaped piece for the piece to be lifted out.

6. Lift the little plastic tab on the side of the opening nearest the lock you opened with the coin. This thin plastic tab should be easily lifted with a fingernail or a flat screwdriver. Once the tab is lifted gently pull it out to remove the hard drive.

7. Remove the old hard drive from the metal bracket it is encased in, using the size T8 Torx screwdriver. Once removed, place the new hard drive in the bracket and screw back into place. Push the hard drive and bracket back into the opening, and fold up the tab. Replace the "L" shaped piece and screw it back into place. Lock the battery pack back into position.