MacBook Pro - Problem upgrading hard drive

drabina · drabina #1 (**permalink**)

07-24-2009, 09:28 AM

I have MacBook Pro model A1226 with 120GB hard drive. Yesterday I tried to upgrade hard drive to 500GB. I followed instructions and was able to get to the point when I had to unscrew the two torx-6 screws from hard drive bracket (the one on the right). That's when I got stuck. The screws are not stripped but it looks like they had one side of them flattened at the factory to prevent removal (I bought the MacBook Pro new so this was the first time case was opened). Now the torx-6 screwdriver cannot unscrew them.

Did anybody ever came across something like that while upgrading their hard drive? Is there anything I can do?

Thanks.

chrismac · chrismac #2 (**permalink**)

07-24-2009, 12:56 PM

Follow the guide in my sig.

If the drive mounting screws are stripped then use a pliers to grip each one and unscrew.

Juan Largo · Juan Largo #3 (**permalink**)

07-24-2009, 03:14 PM

@chrismac

Nice video! Where did you buy the HDD with OS X pre-installed on it?

chrismac · chrismac #4 (**permalink**)

07-24-2009, 03:46 PM

I didn't get it pre installed. Check out my cloning vid

jrichard012 · jrichard012 #5 (**permalink**)

07-24-2009, 11:21 PM

Chris,
How different would a mid-2007 MBP be for swapping out the HD? Also, if I do this myself, will it void the remainder of my warranty coverage?

empty_noise · empty_noise #6 (**permalink**)

07-25-2009, 12:48 AM

MacBook Pro model A1226... That would be the Mid/Late 2007 2.2GHz model then yes?

So, so far you can't get the mounting screws out at all?
Can you get any grip at all with the Torx T6?

To jrichard012:
Replacing the Hard Drive on Pre Late 2008 MBP:
YouTube - How to replace a hard drive in a 15" MacBook Pro

As for the warranty...
The current Post Late 2008 models you can replace the Hard Drive as much as you want.
The older models... I really don't know.

drabina · drabina #7 (**permalink**)

07-30-2009, 10:35 PM

Sorry for late reply. I can't get any grip with Torx-6. I have tried pliers but the screws are too small. I am wondering if I took it to Apple store and paid them to do the upgrade, would they be able to replace hard drive?

thisisvb · thisisvb #8 (**permalink**)

04-08-2010, 09:33 PM

I have a similar problem. I'm trying to upgrade my hard drive in my 15" MBP late 2008 model, but can't unscrew the single screw that's holding the HD down, i.e. the screw on the black plastic bracket(?). I spent a lot of time trying to unscrew it using a philips 00 screwdriver but wasn't able to. eventually I stopped as I didn't want the head of the screw to get dis-shaped.

Furthermore, tried calling the apple tech support and they say I'll void my warranty if I go ahead with this. can someone please help me unscrew this single f'n screw!!

Thanks so much!!

thisisvb · thisisvb #9 (**permalink**)

04-11-2010, 05:27 PM

bump, bump, bump!

6string · 6string #10 (**permalink**)

04-11-2010, 10:11 PM

The main key is to this is to have quality tools for this, not tools from the $2 shop bargain bin.
Some of these screws will have locktight on the end of them, or just require a bit of elbow grease.
As long as it's the right tools, and high quality, the heads shouldn't strip.
If really uneasy, best to go to a qualified computer repairer and have them do it.

quin · quin #11 (**permalink**)

04-12-2010, 05:00 PM

I had to use a pair of pliers to remove the two torque screws on my factory drive on my MBP. Fairly easy. Make sure you put a good grip on the screw with the pliers and hold the handle with your hand a little further away down the handle to give yourself good torque. It should twist right out. Also try to find a wide piece of rubberband and wrap that around the screw head to give the pliers good grip if needed.

Good luck

mtbinva · mtbinva #12 (**permalink**)

04-12-2010, 05:16 PM

I have found that having the right tools for the job usually work, even if the torx screws are tight. If the heads had stripped, it may be because the head size was off a bit.

The genius bar will be able to help.

chrismac #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Jun 12, 2009 Location: Staffordshire Posts: 356 Mac Specs: 15.4" uMBP: iPhone 4	07-24-2009, 12:56 PM Follow the guide in my sig. If the drive mounting screws are stripped then use a pliers to grip each one and unscrew. Click Here For My Video Mac Guides[/CENTER]
	QUOTE Thanks

chrismac #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Jun 12, 2009 Location: Staffordshire Posts: 356 Mac Specs: 15.4" uMBP: iPhone 4	07-24-2009, 03:46 PM I didn't get it pre installed. Check out my cloning vid Click Here For My Video Mac Guides[/CENTER]
	QUOTE Thanks

empty_noise #6 (permalink)
Member Since: Feb 10, 2008 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 122 Mac Specs: MacBook (Mid-2007, 10.5.8) + MacBook Pro (Late-2008, 10.6.8) - See Signature	07-25-2009, 12:48 AM MacBook Pro model A1226... That would be the Mid/Late 2007 2.2GHz model then yes? So, so far you can't get the mounting screws out at all? Can you get any grip at all with the Torx T6? To jrichard012: Replacing the Hard Drive on Pre Late 2008 MBP: YouTube - How to replace a hard drive in a 15" MacBook Pro As for the warranty... The current Post Late 2008 models you can replace the Hard Drive as much as you want. The older models... I really don't know. MB \| Mid-2007 \| 13-inch \| 2.16GHz Core 2 Duo \| 2GB DDR2 \| 120GB HDD \| GMA 950 \| White MBP \| Late-2008 \| 15-inch \| 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo \| 4GB DDR3 \| 250GB HDD \| 9400M + 9600M GT w/ 256MB GDDR3 \| Unibody
	QUOTE Thanks

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MacBook Pro - Problem upgrading hard drive

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drabina #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Jul 24, 2009 Posts: 13	07-24-2009, 09:28 AM I have MacBook Pro model A1226 with 120GB hard drive. Yesterday I tried to upgrade hard drive to 500GB. I followed instructions and was able to get to the point when I had to unscrew the two torx-6 screws from hard drive bracket (the one on the right). That's when I got stuck. The screws are not stripped but it looks like they had one side of them flattened at the factory to prevent removal (I bought the MacBook Pro new so this was the first time case was opened). Now the torx-6 screwdriver cannot unscrew them. Did anybody ever came across something like that while upgrading their hard drive? Is there anything I can do? Thanks.
	QUOTE Thanks

jrichard012 #5 (permalink)
Member Since: Aug 26, 2007 Location: Orange County, Southern California Posts: 123 Mac Specs: MBP and iMac; 2 iPhones 4G; 2 iPADS.	07-24-2009, 11:21 PM Chris, How different would a mid-2007 MBP be for swapping out the HD? Also, if I do this myself, will it void the remainder of my warranty coverage?
	QUOTE Thanks

drabina #7 (permalink)
Member Since: Jul 24, 2009 Posts: 13	07-30-2009, 10:35 PM Sorry for late reply. I can't get any grip with Torx-6. I have tried pliers but the screws are too small. I am wondering if I took it to Apple store and paid them to do the upgrade, would they be able to replace hard drive?
	QUOTE Thanks

thisisvb #8 (permalink)
Member Since: Apr 08, 2010 Posts: 2	04-08-2010, 09:33 PM I have a similar problem. I'm trying to upgrade my hard drive in my 15" MBP late 2008 model, but can't unscrew the single screw that's holding the HD down, i.e. the screw on the black plastic bracket(?). I spent a lot of time trying to unscrew it using a philips 00 screwdriver but wasn't able to. eventually I stopped as I didn't want the head of the screw to get dis-shaped. Furthermore, tried calling the apple tech support and they say I'll void my warranty if I go ahead with this. can someone please help me unscrew this single f'n screw!! Thanks so much!!
	QUOTE Thanks

thisisvb #9 (permalink)
Member Since: Apr 08, 2010 Posts: 2	04-11-2010, 05:27 PM bump, bump, bump!
	QUOTE Thanks

6string #10 (permalink)
Member Since: Sep 09, 2009 Location: Down Under :D Posts: 5,484 Mac Specs: Back to my old 2.2GHz C2D MB after selling my MBP and wondering what my next Mac will be :)	04-11-2010, 10:11 PM The main key is to this is to have quality tools for this, not tools from the $2 shop bargain bin. Some of these screws will have locktight on the end of them, or just require a bit of elbow grease. As long as it's the right tools, and high quality, the heads shouldn't strip. If really uneasy, best to go to a qualified computer repairer and have them do it.
	QUOTE Thanks

quin #11 (permalink)
Member Since: Dec 19, 2009 Posts: 426 Mac Specs: MBP 13, 2.4, 8GB, 120GB SSD OCZ	04-12-2010, 05:00 PM I had to use a pair of pliers to remove the two torque screws on my factory drive on my MBP. Fairly easy. Make sure you put a good grip on the screw with the pliers and hold the handle with your hand a little further away down the handle to give yourself good torque. It should twist right out. Also try to find a wide piece of rubberband and wrap that around the screw head to give the pliers good grip if needed. Good luck
	QUOTE Thanks

mtbinva #12 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 13, 2010 Location: East Coast Posts: 282 Mac Specs: 15"MBP 2.66, 750GB 7200RPM HD, 8GB RAM; iPhone4S 64GB; 32GB iPad, White, AT&T.	04-12-2010, 05:16 PM I have found that having the right tools for the job usually work, even if the torx screws are tight. If the heads had stripped, it may be because the head size was off a bit. The genius bar will be able to help.
	QUOTE Thanks

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