How To Repair A Dropped External Hard Drive

Written By: Nicholas

Comments: 1

How To Repair A Dropped External Hard Drive

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

20 minutes

Introduction

The following guide is made to help with the dissasembly and repair of a dropped hard drive, that has stopped working. Typically when a hard drive is dropped, the mechanical arm that reads data is stuck on the disk itself.

This guide is a step-by-step process on how to disassemble the hard drive and ensure the arm is placed back in its appropriate spot.

Tools

Step 1

Place the flathead screwdriver in between where the case and lid meet, and pry open the external case to expose the hard drive itself.
Once the screwdriver head is in between the opening, slide it around the case while twisting the screwdriver in order to loosen the case.

Step 2

Carefully take out the hard drive by holding the edges, and ensuring that the connector is not bent when removing from the case.

Step 3

Find the end of the foil wrap that surround the hard drive, and slowly start peeling it back until all the screws are exposed.
You will need to apply the foil wrap again later, so be careful when removing it.

Step 4

Begin unscrewing the screws on the lid of the hard drive using both the Phillips screwdriver, as well as the torx screwdriver where appropriate.

Step 5

Once all the screws are removed, carefully take off the lid of the hard drive, making sure you do not touch any part of the disk itself once it is exposed.

Step 6

Using the Phillips screwdriver, place it in the slot in the middle of the disk, and turn counter clockwise until the arm has been release from the disk, close to it's parked position.

Step 7

Once the arm has been released, use a pair of tweezers to carefully ensure the arm has been placed back into it's parked position, and is off of the disk.

Step 8

Carefully place the lid back on the hard drive, making sure that you do not come in contact with the disk itself.

Step 9

Use the appropriate screwdrivers to put all the screws back in their required slots.

Step 10

Begin to place the foil back on the hard drive in the same position it was before removal, making sure that the LED on the hard drive is still visible and the foil is not blocking the connector.

Step 11

Place the hard drive back in the external case, by inserting on a 45 degree angle with the connector going in first, and then softly pushing the hard drive down until it is back in the case and it is not sticking out.