How to Replace the Hard Drive on a G5 Imac Desktop Computer

Replacing your hard drive is not as hard as it would first appear, and it saves hundreds of dollars. A new hard drive,, 500 gb, is less than $100 and available at most office supply stores. You will need a 3.5 SATA drive. The Apple Store can help you install it yourself of will do it for you.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Phillips' head screw driver
• Reading glasses
• A new hard drive
• Patience

1. 
   Phillips head screw driver that you will need to replace your hard drive

   First you will need to purchase a new hard drive. Make sure it says it is Mac compatible. Ask for a SATA 3.5 disc drive. You can find these at most office supply store, and computer stores, as well as at Apple Stores.The cheapest are about 500 GB and you can find 1 T (yes a terrabyte) for just over $100.

2. Remove the cover from the Mac desktop. There are 4 screws underneath the case. They do not come off, but remain attached to the lid.

3. Remove the two screws that hold the cover over the fan. Place them somewhere safe. Remove the cover and push the black cord out of the way as well.

4. The next step is to remove the hard drive itself. There are three screws that hold the drive to the computer. One is near the fan and the others on either side of the drive.

5. Pull the cords off the drive- there are three.

6. After you have the drive in your hand, remove the five screws that hold a silver colored band around the drive. Place this around the new hard drive and tighten.

7. Now all you have to do is replace the hard drive into the computer with the three screws, reconnect the three cables to the new drive, screw the cover for the fan back on with two screws, and tighten the cover with four screws.

8. 
   The icon for your Mac OS will start

   Start up your computer holding down the C key, with operating software installed in the disc drive.
   Chose Disk Utility and erase the hard drive.

9. 
   Plug in your Apple computer and reattach the printer and internet wires as well

   Now you can reinstall your backed up data. You backed up your data, didn't you?????
   If you use Time Machine, this is very easy, as a screen comes on and you can select Time Machine backup and the computer does the rest.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget to back up before you take your old hard drive out.
• Back up regularly!!!

[unclet53]

on 6/18/2009 I had no idea it was this simple. I'll check into replacing the hard drive on my old confuser, eh, I mean computer. 5* and a recommend.

[jl5080]

on 6/17/2009 Good project to become a do-it-yourselfer!

[sonni57]

on 6/16/2009 I don't know about working on a computer myself it may end up in many small pieces.

[Mitestarossa]

on 6/15/2009 Sometimes all a broken computer needs is a new hard drive.