How do I remove hard drive from old Mac G4?

[MacLover2011]

I'm not mechanically inclined. Just as I knew this would happen, I am having difficulty removing the old hard drive from my Mac G4. I want to get rid of the computer case. Does anyone have any recommendations on how to remove the hard drive? And what's the best way to destroy the hard drive once I get it out?
Thank you.

 

[pigoo3]

Need to know what "Mac G4" you are talking about. Could be an:

- iMac G4 (lampshade)
- Powermac G4
- iBook G4
- Powerbook G4
- Mac Cube G4
- Mac-Mini G4
- eMac G4

As you can see…need to be much more specific.

- Nick

 

[MacLover2011]

I'm not even sure. I got the G4 in 2000. Here is a photo of the inside of it.

 

[pigoo3]

I'm not even sure. I got the G4 in 2000. Here is a photo of the inside of it.

Thanks for the info & photo…that helps a lot!

This is about the easiest situation possible (easiest computer to remove the HD from). All you need to do is disconnect the data & power cables from the HD…unscrew the HD mounting plate (should be 1 screw)…and remove the HD mounting plate from the HD (should be 2 or 4 screws).

As far as the hard drive itself. If the computer is still operational…you could do a secure erase of the HD (need to boot the computer from a compatible OS install disk).

If the computer is not operational...or you no longer have OS install disks to boot the computer from…or you don't have a 2nd computer to attach this HD to in order to secure erase it. Then this makes things more difficult (depending how sensitive the stuff is on the HD). Worst case scenario…you can open the hard drives case…and break/smash the hard drive platters.

Warning: If you decide to smash the HD platters. Depending on the platter material it can be VERY brittle (usually laptop HD's)…and can shatter like glass (sharp pieces). Or the platters may be metal. Then you can just bend & scratch them up so they are unreadable.

Here's an article on how to "destroy" an old hard drive:

http://www.wikihow.com/Destroy-a-Hard-Drive

As you can see in the article. The "physical destruction" method is probably the best way. Get out that screwdriver, pliers, and hammer!

- Nick

 

[MacLover2011]

Thanks for the info & photo…that helps a lot!

This is about the easiest situation possible (easiest computer to remove the HD from). All you need to do is disconnect the data & power cables from the HD…unscrew the HD mounting plate (should be 1 screw)…and remove the HD mounting plate from the HD (should be 2 or 4 screws).

As far as the hard drive itself. If the computer is still operational…you could do a secure erase of the HD (need to boot the computer from a compatible OS install disk).

If the computer is not operational...or you no longer have OS install disks to boot the computer from…or you don't have a 2nd computer to attach this HD to in order to secure erase it. Then this makes things more difficult (depending how sensitive the stuff is on the HD). Worst case scenario…you can open the hard drives case…and break/smash the hard drive platters.

Warning: If you decide to smash the HD platters. Depending on the platter material it can be VERY brittle (usually laptop HD's)…and can shatter like glass (sharp pieces). Or the platters may be metal. Then you can just bend & scratch them up so they are unreadable.

Here's an article on how to "destroy" an old hard drive:

http://www.wikihow.com/Destroy-a-Hard-Drive

As you can see in the article. The "physical destruction" method is probably the best way. Get out that screwdriver & hammer!

- Nick

Thank you Is the hard drive in the upper section or bottom section?

 

[harryb2448]

You can actually see the hard drive and the slots for a second drive.

 

[dtravis7]

The hard drive is that metal box under where that large FAN is mounted on the very bottom Right of the computer. There is a 4 wire power cable and a 25-Pin Ribbon cable attached to the back of it. Remove those cables then there is ONE screw in the very middle of the back of that metal plate the drive is mounted on. Remove that like Nick said.

 

[pigoo3]

Thank you Is the hard drive in the upper section or bottom section?

Sorry…missed this question. Harry & Dennis already advised where.

 

[pm-r]

The hard drive is that metal box under where that large FAN is mounted on the very bottom Right of the computer. There is a 4 wire power cable and a 25-Pin Ribbon cable attached to the back of it. Remove those cables then there is ONE screw in the very middle of the back of that metal plate the drive is mounted on. Remove that like Nick said.

Just anticipating the next question… it will be a Phillips head screwdriver bit that will be required to remove that screw.

 

[MacLover2011]

Thanks guys! Thank you dtravis7. I thought that was it. I appreciate your answer.
I actually had it taken out for free and given back to me at the local BestBuy/ GeekSquad. Turns out they will recycle the old Mac.
That was easy.

 

[pigoo3]

I actually had it taken out for free and given back to me at the local BestBuy/ GeekSquad. Turns out they will recycle the old Mac.
That was easy.

If this was the case…why did you start the thread??

- Nick

 

[MacLover2011]

If this was the case…why did you start the thread??

- Nick

Sorry. I didn't know I was going to have it removed by them. I went to the store for some other reason and happened to ask if they could take it out for me.

 

[pigoo3]

Sorry. I didn't know I was going to have it removed by them. I went to the store for some other reason and happened to ask if they could take it out for me.

Yes it was a little confusing…since the thread was started at 10:32am yesterday morning…and your last post & question yesterday (in this thread) was 11:03am.

I somehow missed your question that you posted at 11:03am (asking where the HD was located). So I guess you were left hanging for a bit.

Anyway…congrats on getting everything settled.

- Nick