On Oldie - How To Remove HDD from HP Pavilion 8600

[Jody6]

Hello,

This is an old machine (WIndows 98!), and I'm trying to remove the HDD before it goes for recycling.

Does any one know (remember?) how to open the front of the case. When I go to pull it, it appears to want to bring out the metal drive bay which doesn't seem right.

I know to push in the 3 plastic clips on both sides, but it still doesn't seem to work.

Trying to find a manual is impossible, even a Google search brings up limit results.

Thanks,

Jody

[Photoray002]

Hello @Jody6

Look in the link below. Steps 2 and 5 show images of the front cover being removed and replaced.

Unclip 3 clips on each side. It will come off but might be a little stiff to do so. This is normal.

http://h20566.www2.hp.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?sp4ts.oid=46142&docLocale=en_US&docId=emr_na-bph07...

[Jody6]

Hi @Photoray002,

You mention stiff but it bends metal spoons?The bottom section is loose but the top section when pulled moves the entire optical and HDD drive bay. This doesn't feel right?

Does one side need to come off first or can it be either left or right. (I notice that with HPs site redesign, that page no longer works).

Would a photo or two be helpful?

[Photoray002]

Looks like that info no longer exists on the HP server or wont be available for a while. Lots of pages are broken by the new web design.

I cannot pull up the manual any longer. But it should pull straight out. Usually you can grab from the bottom and work it out.

If its going to recycling, I wouldnt worry about saving the front panel if you cant. Do what you have to to open it.

[Jody6 · Accepted solution]

Well, after one more attempt, I noticed there was a screw near the 3.5" drive bay. I removed it.

With that removed, it came out, with the drive cage/bay as well.

I doubt these units exist anymore so I think I'll hold to this one - the case that nearly got away. 🙂

Thanks for your suggestions Photoray002.

[Photoray002]

Ya, I don't know how many guys I've seen that hold on to old hardware because it could be valuable some day. In the mean time, their houses fill up with crap collecting dust, giving their wives more reason to complain.  :smileyvery-happy::smileylol::manlol:

But good luck with that.