Removing Hard Drive That Uses Isolation Screws

[detracq]

I am kicking myself. I finally found and received the proper power cable to install an additional hard drive. I hooked it up without installing it into the case to see if it worked and it did. Knowing it worked, I attached the isolation screws and went to insert the hard drive into the case. One of the screws came apart as I was sliding the drive into the slot so I took the drive back out, fixed the screw and reinserted the drive back into the slot. I heard a click. I was so excited...until I realized I had installed the drive the wrong way and now can't access the side needed for the cables!

How do I now remove this hard drive? Really hoping there's an easy solution.

Thank you!!

[wb2001 · Accepted solution]

@detracq,

The HP Blue Isolation screws slide along the track, and push down the black plastic latch, allowing the screw head to jump over the latch.  Look at the other hard drive bay.  Gently press on the latch, and watch its movement. That is what you need to perform to allow the latch to let the screw head pass as you withdraw the hard drive.

[detracq]

Thank you so much. You're a life saver. It was hard to access the lever (actually impossible using ones hands and most tools)  but after searching my house and toolbox for something that would fit*, I got the drive out. I couldn't have done it without your tips!

*For anyone else with this issue, I used an L bracket. It's skinny enough to fit in the space and gives you leverage to push the tab.

[wb2001]

@detracq,

So I solved it... great idea using an L bracket to press the latch.