Primary storage drive

Attention: Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding the Read this first: Important safety information.

To remove or install the primary storage drive, do the following:

Prepare your computer. See Preparing your computer and removing the computer cover.
Locate the primary storage drive. See Computer components.
To remove the primary storage drive, do the following:
1. Disconnect the signal cable and the power cable from the storage drive.
2. Pull the handle of the plastic 3.5-inch storage-drive bracket to remove the storage drive from the storage drive bay.
  Figure 1. Removing the primary storage drive
3. Flex the sides of the bracket to remove the storage drive from the bracket.
To install the primary storage drive, do the following:
1. Pull the handle of the plastic 3.5-inch storage-drive bracket to remove it from the storage drive bay.
2. To install a new storage drive into the bracket, flex the bracket and align pin 1, pin 2, pin 3, and pin 4 on the bracket with the corresponding holes in the storage drive. Do not touch the circuit board 5 on the bottom of the storage drive.
  Figure 2. Installing the storage drive into the bracket
3. Slide the new storage drive into the storage drive bay until it snaps into position.
  Figure 3. Installing the primary storage drive
4. Connect the signal cable and the power cable to the new storage drive.

What to do next:

To work with another piece of hardware, go to the appropriate section.
To complete the installation or replacement, go to Completing the parts replacement.