Computer Components

Taking out a Hard Disk Drive for Data Recovery

You might believe that your valuable data has been lost forever if you have a critical hard drive failure. But you may be able to get your data back by sending your defective hard drive to a specialist data recovery service. This will usually require that you take out the hard drive from your PC in order that it can be sent to them. This sounds rather like a scary job, but you can easily remove a hard disk by using the correct tools and by following a few precautions.

Tools Needed.

You'll need some tools to remove the hard drive. These may include the following, dependent on your computer model: a nut driver/socket set to unscrew the case screws; a nut driver/socket set or Phillips head screw driver to remove the screws that secure the drive to its bracket; and a grounding strap to keep static electricity from causing damage to your drive. All of these can be purchased at a local electronics or PC store. The store staff can help you in getting the right tools.

Opening up the Computer

Once you’ve gathered your tools, the very next step will be to remove the case of the computer to expose the internal components. Unplug the machine and remove all wires to the external components, such as the monitor, mouse, and keyboard. Disconnect any printers or other peripherals that are attached. Place the computer on a solid work space, like a table or workbench. Unscrew the screws securing the outer covers on the PC and open the covers to show the internal parts. Refer to your computer’s paperwork for assistance.

Removing the Defective Drive

Attach the grounding strap around your wrist and secure the spring clip to the metal frame of the computer. You should also touch the metal housing of the power supply to empty any static electricity. Locate your faulty hard disk. It’s going to be an oblong metal and plastic box with 2 connections attached to it. One will be the data wire, attached to the back; the other will be a power connector, sometimes with red, yellow, and black wires attached. While other elements may look similar, it should be noted the hard drive won’t have an opening to the exterior of the PC. CD drives and other parts will have outer doors or slots. Again, refer to your computer’s paperwork for the exact location, however it should be simple to find.

Remove both cables by pulling on them gently but strongly. You will have to rock them backwards and forwards a bit to loosen them. Be aware of their alignment for reinstallation of your new drive. You are now prepared to remove the broken drive. If the bracket can be removed, you can remove its screws and remove it from the frame, then remove the hard disk from the bracket. If not, then remove the screws securing the drive to the bracket, often two on each side, and thoroughly slide the hard drive from the mounting bracket and remove it from the computer.

Now your hard disk is removed and ready to be posted to a Hard Drive Recovery expert to have your files, digital photographs and critical info recovered from it.

Jason Sloan runs a data recovery business called Kingdom Data Recovery Edinburgh who service all the UK. He has got many articles on his web site which refer to issues with storage and helpful information about stopping data loss.