Removing/Replacing the HDD in a PC

Removing the Hard Drive in a PC is relatively easy. Whether this is for cleaning purposes or installing a new Hard Drive.

1. Firstly the cover on the PC needs to be removed. Removal of the cover is different on all PC's but is usually removed by removing screws at the back, the cover then slides off.

The inside of the PC with the cover removed will look like this. The hard drive is at the bottom of the metal rack on the right hand side.

 2. The Hard Drive is connected to the Motherboard using SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) connectors. These cabled should be removed, take care not to yank them them out.

This picture shows how the HDD is connected to the Motherboard. The left cable is the data cable and the one on the right is to power the HDD.

 3. Once the cables have been removed from the HDD the screws on the side need to be removed. This will then enable the HDD to be removed from the case.

The lower 2 screws are for the HDD. There are another 2 on the other side which also need to be removed.

With the HDD removed the case will now look like this.

4. The removed Hard Drive will look like this. If it has been removed to clean then compressed air should be used to blow dust out. Avoid using a vacuum cleaner as this could dislodge small parts.

5. If a new Hard Drive is to be inserted then the existing one should be disposed of carefully, remember all your files and folder are still on it and so could be some personal information.