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ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement

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  1. ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Unlock the battery: crwdns2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Unlock the battery: crwdns2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Unlock the battery: crwdns2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • If completing a step like a clone of your old hard drive/SSD, DO NOT remove the battery until the process is complete!

    • Unlock the latch locking the battery in the laptop.

    • NOTE: To remove the battery, the tab must be held in to avoid having the lock reinitiate inside the laptop.

  2. ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Release the battery: crwdns2935265:02crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Release the battery: crwdns2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Release the battery: crwdns2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • After unlocking the battery, remove the battery from the reverse way it is installed to remove it from the laptop.

  3. ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Backup your laptop first!: crwdns2935265:03crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Backup your laptop first!: crwdns2935265:03crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • If your build of the OS was installed years ago, you can clone the drive as shown here or reinstall from scratch. However, a reinstallation from scratch will likely be the better choice for older installations with excessive file buildup.

    • Before replacing the drive, backup your personal files. This can be done by hand, or automated.

  4. ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the hard drive door: crwdns2935265:04crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the hard drive door: crwdns2935265:04crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the hard drive door: crwdns2935265:04crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • EET owners: Your kit has this bit. No purchase needed.

    • Remove the hard drive door from the system. Use a Phillips #1 bit.

    • Once the screw is loose, remove the drive cover as shown.

  5. ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the hard drive caddy: crwdns2935265:05crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the hard drive caddy: crwdns2935265:05crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the hard drive caddy: crwdns2935265:05crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Pull the black tab on the drive caddy to remove the drive.

  6. ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the drive bumpers: crwdns2935265:06crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the drive bumpers: crwdns2935265:06crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the drive bumpers: crwdns2935265:06crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • EET owners: Your kit has this bit. No purchase needed.

    • Remove the hard drive bumpers.

    • Remove the drive screws using a Phillips #1 screwdriver.

  7. ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the old hard drive: crwdns2935265:07crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the old hard drive: crwdns2935265:07crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Remove the old hard drive from the laptop. If you intend to keep it, store it in a antistatic bag if possible.

  8. ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Install the new hard drive: crwdns2935265:08crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Install the new hard drive: crwdns2935265:08crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Install your new drive using steps 6 through 3. Reinstall or reimage the operating system.

  9. ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Install the operating system: crwdns2935265:09crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • If you are installing Windows, use an official ISO or purchase OEM installation media without a product key.

    • In order to save time setting up your system in the future, reinstall Windows from scratch and image the computer once all the drivers and updates are installed.

    • After reassembling the system and confirming the new drive is recognized, reinstall your operating system.

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Once you install the new hard drive, reassemble your computer in reverse order. Once you do this, install an OS and restore your data.

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Community

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Thank you for the meta notes

commander - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

Great instructions - you r doing a marvelous job - keep up the fine work !! God bless u !!!!

brixler jandley - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

Also - love the cat, I also am a cat fan big time !!!

brixler jandley - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

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