How to remove a hard drive SalvageData

Removing a hard drive is generally a simple matter. In fact, if you use a pre-built brand computer chances are that you will have to replace a hard drive at some point. There is really no substitute for an online tech forum when it comes to any computer repair or rebuild. I suggest you visit one of these in addition to glancing over this article, to make sure you fully understand the process before you attempt it. The following is just a general guideline to successful removal.

1. First, you need to identify the type of connection your hard drive uses to connect to the motherboard. The motherboard is the biggest computer piece inside the case, which everything plugs into. There are two main types of connectors that are used currently, with a relatively unknown third type that will be coming out soon. We'll just cover the two that are in use at the time this article is written. Is the connector about 2.5 inches wide, possibly connected to a nearly paper thin cable that is just as wide? If so, then this is an IDE connection that the drive is using. Is the connector smaller, perhaps a touch more than a half inch wide, with a smaller quarter inch wide ovalish cable? If so, then this is a SATA connector.

2a. If the cable is IDE, you need to turn off your computer's power supply (the switch in the back, usually) and unplug your pc from the power outlet. Touch your case or power supply to ground yourself (preventing electrostatic shock which damages pc parts). Then you can go ahead and unplug the hard drive from the IDE cable. You may need to loosen some screws in the drive cage so that you can get access to where the cable plugs into the drive. Some drives are mounted on rails, so that you'd be able to 'push in' the handles to release, then pull the drive out. You will also need to unplug the 4 pin molex power connector from the drive. Thus, the IDE drive is disconnected and out of your pc.


2b. If the cable is SATA, you're in luck. These drives are usually hot-swappable, meaning you can leave the pc turned on if you really want to, while you unplug the drive from the pc. These usually have a different kind of power connector which is used for SATA drives, which are a heck of a lot easier to unplug than the molex. If you feel more safe working around a pc that isn't running while your face is stuck in it, feel free to turn it off first. Unplug the SATA cable, then the power cable.


3. Your hard drive is unplugged and out of your system!

Data Recovery Tip #16: Never attempt to format your drive or manipulate (re-size, etc.) the partitions when you are unable to access your data.