Lenovo ThinkPad R61i Hard Drive Replacement

ID: 118125

Description: This guide will show you how to replace your...

Steps:

1. You will need to have a replacement drive ready. The R61i officially supports SATA I speeds, but if you flash the Middleton's BIOS, you will get the full SATA II speed. If you plan on upgrading to an SSD during this process, I would recommend flashing Middleton's BIOS. Get more information & download links here

2. You may need to apply a good amount of force to the levers that hold the battery in place. Mine was especially well stuck, as it was a recently installed aftermarket battery.

3. Locate and remove the #2 philips screw on the hard drive bay cover.
4. Pull the hard drive bay cover straight out. Mine required a good bit of wiggling and force before it came out of the computer.

5. Locate the plastic tab that you will need to use to remove the caddy. I recommend using the iFixit plastic tool to remove this, as most screwdrivers could tear or scratch the plastic or drive caddy.
6. Pull the hard drive and caddy straight out of the machine.

7. Remove the two rubber sleds from the drive caddy.

8. Remove the four phillips head screws around the hard drive. Do not lose these, as they will be used to install your new hard drive or SSD!