turbo9000
Forum Noob
Posting here as I couldn't find anything about it online, and as I'm not allowed to post elsewhere on the forum.
How to extract DECR-1000A HDDs without powering up the system at all (after removing the top case and all the metal covers/shielding):
1. Remove BD drive by removing the screws that hold it in place, pulling it forward slightly, tilting it to the right/outside of the case (thus lifting it from the left/inside, near the HDs), and prying the HD rail plastic slightly inward, only needs a tiny bit of clearance. Once clear, be VERY careful in lifting the BD drive as the flex cable connecting to the BD daughterboard underneath is very short AND looped through one of the bottom intake fans.
2. Remove the recessed screw halfway down the length of the rightmost HD enclosure rail, then tilt it outward slightly. This will allow the right drive tray's plastic handle to unlatch and you'll be able to extend it outwards and pull the drive.
3. Repeat for the screw on the middle HD enclosure rail and tilt it slightly to the right, you'll be able to pull the left HD out the same way.
4. Profit!
If the plastic drive handles don't move freely or have no spring action, here's what may've happened:
1. The handle assembly slides on two very small ~3" long rods on either side of the enclosure. These may have slipped out of the assembly.
2. There are two 2" long springs wrapped around the rods. These are incredibly thin and easy to lose! These may be missing - in my case, one tray had both, the other had none (and the rods had slipped out as well) - leaving each tray with one spring seems to have been sufficient.
How to extract DECR-1000A HDDs without powering up the system at all (after removing the top case and all the metal covers/shielding):
1. Remove BD drive by removing the screws that hold it in place, pulling it forward slightly, tilting it to the right/outside of the case (thus lifting it from the left/inside, near the HDs), and prying the HD rail plastic slightly inward, only needs a tiny bit of clearance. Once clear, be VERY careful in lifting the BD drive as the flex cable connecting to the BD daughterboard underneath is very short AND looped through one of the bottom intake fans.
2. Remove the recessed screw halfway down the length of the rightmost HD enclosure rail, then tilt it outward slightly. This will allow the right drive tray's plastic handle to unlatch and you'll be able to extend it outwards and pull the drive.
3. Repeat for the screw on the middle HD enclosure rail and tilt it slightly to the right, you'll be able to pull the left HD out the same way.
4. Profit!
If the plastic drive handles don't move freely or have no spring action, here's what may've happened:
1. The handle assembly slides on two very small ~3" long rods on either side of the enclosure. These may have slipped out of the assembly.
2. There are two 2" long springs wrapped around the rods. These are incredibly thin and easy to lose! These may be missing - in my case, one tray had both, the other had none (and the rods had slipped out as well) - leaving each tray with one spring seems to have been sufficient.
