Replacing the Hard Drive

NOTE: The computer supports only 2.5-inch Serial ATA (SATA) internal hard drives.

Before you remove the old hard drive, be sure to back up the data from the old hard drive so that you can transfer the data to the new hard drive.

The 2.5-inch hard drive is enclosed in a carrier under the optical drive.

1.Remove/disengage any security devices that prohibit opening the computer.

2.Remove all removable media, such as compact discs or USB flash drives, from the computer.

3.Turn off the computer properly through the operating system, then turn off any external devices.

4.Disconnect the power cord from the power outlet and disconnect any external devices.

CAUTION: Regardless of the power-on state, voltage is always present on the system board as long as the system is plugged into an active AC outlet. You must disconnect the power cord to avoid damage to the internal components of the computer.

5.If the computer is on a stand, remove the computer from the stand and lay the computer down.

6.Remove the computer access panel.

7.Remove the optical drive. Refer to Removing the Optical Drive on page 21 for instructions.

8.Press in the release latch on the left side of the hard drive carrier (1) then rotate the carrier handle to the right (2).

Figure 2-15Unlocking the Hard Drive Carrier

Replacing the Hard Drive

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