Each manufacturer has its own way of opening an external case to add a hard drive. Be sure to read the instructions that came with your enclosure.
The instructions I provide here are for a generic case that uses a common assembly method.
Disassemble the Case
- In a clean and well-lit location, prepare for disassembly by gathering any tools you will need. A Phillips screwdriver is usually all that is required. Have one or two small jars or cups handy to hold any small screws or parts that may be removed during the disassembly process.
- Remove the two retaining screws. Most enclosures have two small screws located on the back, usually one on each side of the panel that holds the power and external interface connectors. Put the screws in a safe place for later.
- Remove the back panel. Once you remove the screws, you can remove the panel that houses the power and external interface connections. This usually only requires a little pull with your fingers, but if the panel seems a little stuck, a small straight-blade screwdriver slipped between the panel and the top or bottom cover plates may help. Don’t force the panel, though; it should just slip off. Check the manufacturer’s instructions if you’re having trouble.
- Slide the internal carrier out of the housing. Once you remove the panel, you can slide the internal carrier out of the case. The carrier contains internal interface electronics, the power supply, and the mounting points for the hard drive. Some enclosures have wiring that connects the carrier to a switch or display light mounted in the front of the enclosure. With those enclosures, you don’t remove the carrier from the case, but only slide it out far enough to allow you to mount the hard drive.
