Green imac Hard drive swap how do I get to the HD

[rocketath]

I need to put a new drive in my imac G4. How do I get it open?

 

[LCGuy]

We need a bit more info...is it a tray loading model like this:

or is it a slot loading model like this:

Both machines have very different insides, therefore the procedure for each is different.

 

[rocketath]

It is a slot-loading model

 

[rocketath]

It is a slot-loading model

 

[rocketath]

How do I get the to the HD on a slot-loading imac

 

[Apostrophe]

Hi,

Try this page. It's a great resource that provides instructions on getting to any component in a slot-loading iMac.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/103447/iMac-G3-Disassembly-Guide

Just keep scrolling down or do a search until you find the part in the document that covers hard disks. (It's about 1/6 down the scroll bar)

EDIT--Wait a sec, you said iMac G4 in your first post. Is it a G3 or a G4? (iMac G4s look like a hemisphere with a flat monitor sticking out of it on an arm, and G3 models look like the ones LCGuy pictured.) The document I linked to covers instructions on a slot-loading iMac G3.

-Apostrophe

 

[Christopher]

The iMac G3 tray load and iMac G4's I must say are the two harder ones to get drives out of. The slot load on the other hand is much simpler.

 

[coius]

actually, i find it quite the opposite, save for the G4.

The tray-load are easy, just take off the bottom, and then pull out the tray. The CD is just fixed to it, and easy to get.

The SLOT LOAD is a bit more complex. you gotta almost tear it down to get at it.

The G4 iMac is quite easy, having done both optical, as well as hard drive replacements.

I just hate having to work close to the CRT when you work on the slot-load. The tray-load is pretty closed off from the bottom.

 

[Christopher]

actually, i find it quite the opposite, save for the G4.
The tray-load are easy, just take off the bottom, and then pull out the tray. The CD is just fixed to it, and easy to get.

The SLOT LOAD is a bit more complex. you gotta almost tear it down to get at it.

The G4 iMac is quite easy, having done both optical, as well as hard drive replacements.

I just hate having to work close to the CRT when you work on the slot-load. The tray-load is pretty closed off from the bottom.

Me too, i was stripping down a tray load iMac and during the process I broke the tube on the back of the crt and heard loud hissing. This was done in my bedroom WITHOUT open windows, until I heard hissing of course.

 

[rocketath]

Right, Sorry-not a G4; Green Slot load imac G3.

Thanks for the replies, but aside from which one is easier to get to than the other, nobody is telling me how to OPEN THE CASE. I'm sure I can figure it from there, but there are only two visible screws on the bottomside.

THANKS for the link, oh most helpful one, whoever you are, I will check it out right now.

 

[Mike Richardson]

There are four screws you need to remove. You can see two already. The other two are hidden underneath a panel that pops off. The panel has tons of holes in it, and underneath you can see some metal.

Insert a screwdriver into the bottom of the panel. There is a small rectangular hole. Pry off the panel.

Now, you will see four screws. You only need to take off two of them. I believe they are the two outer screws.

Once you are done with all of that now you are ready to take off the bottom. The rear part of the bottom (opposite the screen) comes off easily. The side next to the screen is harder. Pull away the bottom plastic as if it were hinged on the side with the screen. You may hear a noise like plastic breaking but no plastic is really breaking.

Then there is the metal shield. It has about six screws holding it down. Remove all the screws and pull off the shield.

Now you want to remove the metal cage that has the hard drive and CD drive. Remove the wires from the HD and CD and remove the four screws holding the cage to the metal plate. The cage will then lift off.

 

[Apostrophe]

To rocketath--I think I detect distinct sarcasm and/or rudeness from your reply.

nobody is telling me how to OPEN THE CASE

THANKS for the link, oh most helpful one, whoever you are

Just remember that none of us have to help you. We do it on our own time, so it would be a good idea to show just a tiny bit more appreciation...oh most sarcastic one.

-Apostrophe