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MacBook Pro 17" Unibody Hard Drive Replacement

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  1. MacBook Pro 17" Unibody Hard Drive Replacement, Lower Case: crwdns2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • Remove the following ten screws securing the lower case to the upper case:

    • Three 13.5 mm Phillips screws.

    • Seven 3 mm Phillips screws.

  2. MacBook Pro 17" Unibody Hard Drive Replacement: crwdns2935265:02crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 MacBook Pro 17" Unibody Hard Drive Replacement: crwdns2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Wedge your fingers between the lower case and the vent, and lift upward to release the two clips holding the lower case to the upper case.

    • During reassembly, carefully align the lower case and then press it firmly until both clips engage.

    • Remove the lower case.

  3. MacBook Pro 17" Unibody Hard Drive Replacement, Battery: crwdns2935265:03crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 MacBook Pro 17" Unibody Hard Drive Replacement, Battery: crwdns2935265:03crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 MacBook Pro 17" Unibody Hard Drive Replacement, Battery: crwdns2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Whenever working near the logic board, it is always wise to first disconnect the battery to avoid short circuits.

    • If present, grab the plastic tab attached to the battery connector and pull it toward the front edge of the device. For Late-2011 models the battery connector will not have a tab and is simply a plug that inserts straight down into the motherboard--to remove pry the plug straight up.

    • If the plastic tab is missing, use a spudger to pry the connector up from its socket.

    • Pull the tab parallel to the face of the logic board.

  4. MacBook Pro 17" Unibody Hard Drive Replacement, Hard Drive: crwdns2935265:04crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • Remove the two Phillips screws securing the hard drive bracket to the upper case.

    • These screws are captive to the hard drive bracket.

  5. MacBook Pro 17" Unibody Hard Drive Replacement: crwdns2935265:05crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • Remove the hard drive bracket from the upper case.

  6. MacBook Pro 17" Unibody Hard Drive Replacement: crwdns2935265:06crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • Use the hard drive's pull tab to lift it out of the upper case.

    • Don't try to completely remove the hard drive just yet! Its cable is still connected.

  7. MacBook Pro 17" Unibody Hard Drive Replacement: crwdns2935265:07crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 MacBook Pro 17" Unibody Hard Drive Replacement: crwdns2935265:07crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Pull the hard drive connector away from the body of the hard drive.

    • Remove the hard drive from your MacBook Pro.

  8. MacBook Pro 17" Unibody Hard Drive Replacement, Hard Drive: crwdns2935265:08crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 MacBook Pro 17" Unibody Hard Drive Replacement, Hard Drive: crwdns2935265:08crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Remove the four T6 Torx screws around the outer edge of the hard drive.

    • If desired, peel off the plastic pull tab and transfer it to your new hard drive.

    • If you are installing a new hard drive, we have an OS X install guide to get you up and running.

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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

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crwdns2944067:011crwdne2944067:0

Very easy to follow. Replacing the HDD on these unibodies is super easy. Thanks for the guide.

tech4eleven - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

Very easy, excepted for finding the right screw for Step 8. I replaced original HDD with a Samsung 840 EVO 500GB. Fine!

yello73 - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

Exceptional instructions. If you're struggling to restore from a backup... connect your backup drive via cable, start your macbook, choose disk utilities, choose the new hard drive from the list on the left, if first aide options (repair/verify) are not available, erase and name the new drive, and then you should be able to restore from backup. :)

Deanna Ashby - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

Thank goodness you posted this. I thought I messed up installation because there was no new HD when I turned on the laptop. I couldn't figure out how to restore. Then I saw this and tried it and it's restoring now. Thank you!!

catchpaco -

Very easy, Thank you for this tremendous guide. Works perfectly and I directly connected my old HDD to USB and restore all my information using the Migration Assistant app. Fine!

Abdullah Alqassar - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

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