If this guide is used as a prerequisite, this step can be skipped.

If you find the I/O daugherboard is difficult to work around, it can be fully removed if you choose to do this. It is held in with 2 screws.

Disconnect the flat flex cable over the hard drive. To do this, lift the black locking tab up and remove the cable from the ZIF socket.

To remove the hard drive, tilt it forward starting with the SATA interface. Once it is removed, set it aside as shown.

Disconnnect the drive cable. Wiggle the cable off until it is released. Do not forcefully remove the cable. Unserviced "virgin" systems may require more force.