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This guide is inspired by the existing guide on iFxit. This is an attempt to improve the procedure.

ATTENTION: Technically the Xbox Live ToS prohibit this, but the Xbox Live enforcement team (generally) doesn't care about the hard drive modification, unless you are using mods and cheats. IN THE EVENT OF A BAN, YOU WERE WARNED!!!

WARNING: THIS WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY if you have one on the drive you purchased!

If you have a low capacity hard drive and want to upgrade it or need the hard drive for a S/E console, this guide will show you how to take the fat 360 hard drive apart for the hard drive. Taking the drive apart isn't difficult, but it requires access to Torx T6 and T10 screwdrivers.

Once the enclosure is open, any compatible drive can be installed. There may be compatibility limitations to deal with, so buy the correct drive or it may not work.

Guide notes

Try not to destroy the enclosure if you do not need it. These can be sold to recoup some of your costs.
Any known compatible drive can be installed. Some drives do not work, so bear this in mind when purchasing a drive.

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crwdns2931653:01crwdne2931653:0 Change note

(Fat) Xbox 360 Hard Drive Replacement, Change note: crwdns2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0

(Fat) Xbox 360 Hard Drive Replacement, Change note: crwdns2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0

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Essential Electronics Toolkit

$29.95

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Due to the EET missing several components present in the Pro Tech Go and only being $20 cheaper, the EET has been removed. The EET will work for this guide as-is, but if you are shopping for a new toolkit to complete this guide, the Pro Tech Go (new or refurbished, refurbished is ~$32 cheaper), or Pro Tech ($79 new/~$59.95 refurb) is the current recommended toolkit for this guide.
If you are interested in a refurbished kit stock levels change frequently but can be found here.

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crwdns2931653:02crwdne2931653:0 Remove the bottom screws

(Fat) Xbox 360 Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the bottom screws: crwdns2935265:02crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0

(Fat) Xbox 360 Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the bottom screws: crwdns2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0

(Fat) Xbox 360 Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the bottom screws: crwdns2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0

EET owners: Your kit has this bit. No purchase needed.
Buy the drive at a cost you can afford to eat. This will void any warranties offered.
Remove the 3 screws from the bottom of the drive. Use a T6 Torx driver.
Remove the warranty seal and final screw. Use a T6 Torx driver.

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crwdns2931653:03crwdne2931653:0 Disassembly tip

(Fat) Xbox 360 Hard Drive Replacement, Disassembly tip: crwdns2935265:03crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0

EET owners: Your kit has this bit. No purchase needed.
If the drive is difficult to open and you are opening it to put the drive into a later Xbox 360 with no intention to preserve the enclosure, a screwdriver or pry tool can help.
If you are opening it to replace the drive inside for an original console, it is best to use a plastic pry tool instead. While a screwdriver "works" it will likely mar the enclosure.

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crwdns2931653:04crwdne2931653:0 Open the drive

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(Fat) Xbox 360 Hard Drive Replacement, Open the drive: crwdns2935265:04crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0

(Fat) Xbox 360 Hard Drive Replacement, Open the drive: crwdns2935265:04crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0

EET owners: Your kit has this bit. No purchase needed.
If you are taking the enclosure apart for the bare drive, less caution is needed.
After removing the 4 bottom screws, remove the top cover. Remove the spring and locking tab before removing the drive cage.
Remove the drive cage from the drive enclosure. If the drive has never been opened, additonal force may be required.

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crwdns2931653:05crwdne2931653:0 Disconnect and remove the hard drive

(Fat) Xbox 360 Hard Drive Replacement, Disconnect and remove the hard drive: crwdns2935265:05crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0

(Fat) Xbox 360 Hard Drive Replacement, Disconnect and remove the hard drive: crwdns2935265:05crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0

(Fat) Xbox 360 Hard Drive Replacement, Disconnect and remove the hard drive: crwdns2935265:05crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0

EET owners: Your kit has this bit. No purchase needed.
Remove the four T10 Torx screws securing the hard drive.
After removing the screws, slide the top cover off and disconnect the drive.
Disconnect the hard drive and remove it from the enclosure.