How do I get into this thing?

MacChump · Mar 30, 2011

Okay, I've got a problem.

I'm trying to replace the hard drive on a G3 iMac. I've got the parts, I've got the instructions, it all looks fiddly but straightforward. But I'm falling at the first hurdle because I can't get the outer casing open. I've taken out all the screws, and the back is loose - the trouble is the hooks or clips or whatever they are inside the front of the machine, which are hanging on for dear life.

I've seen a couple of youtube videos where the whole shell comes away with a gentle tug - mine doesn't. I've seen posts on forums advocating the judicious use of brute force - but I've gone as far down that route as I feel comfortable with too: I'd kinda like to be able to put the thing back together when I'm done.

There must be something I'm doing wrong, but I don't know what. Help!

RavingMac · Mar 30, 2011

Never opened one of these machines but a number of our members are very familiar with older Macs, so I'm confident you'll get help pretty soon.
Hope everything works out for you.

BTW: Welcome to the forum

pigoo3 · Mar 30, 2011

MacChump said:
Okay, I've got a problem.

I'm trying to replace the hard drive on a G3 iMac. I've got the parts, I've got the instructions, it all looks fiddly but straightforward. But I'm falling at the first hurdle because I can't get the outer casing open. I've taken out all the screws, and the back is loose - the trouble is the hooks or clips or whatever they are inside the front of the machine, which are hanging on for dear life.

If you've got the parts & you have the instructions...then there shouldn't be a problem.

Maybe you don't have "good instructions". Go to iFixit.com and try their instructions:

Installing iMac G3 Model M4984 Hard Drive - iFixit

Good luck,

- Nick

MacChump · Mar 30, 2011

Thanks for the goodwill, guys, but any guide that basically says "then simply remove the plastic casing" - and the iFixit one is the same - is no use to me. The front clips just aren't releasing.

cradom · Mar 30, 2011

Assuming you have removed the screw under the handle on the back, you just may have to resort to a moderate amount of force to get it off.
Just make SURE you have ALL the screws out.

MacChump · Mar 31, 2011

Okay, in the end brute force did the trick - sure enough, there was a pretty scary CRACK! when the cover finally came off, and one of the clip housings did break, but it was all plain sailing from there on in: disassembling and replacing the internal parts was a doddle, and the machine is now back up and running.

Phew!

RavingMac · Mar 31, 2011

MacChump said:
Okay, in the end brute force did the trick - sure enough, there was a pretty scary CRACK! when the cover finally came off, and one of the clip housings did break, but it was all plain sailing from there on in: disassembling and replacing the internal parts was a doddle, and the machine is now back up and running.

Phew!

Sometimes there's no substitute for getting a bigger hammer.

Glad it worked out for you.

clive12 · Mar 31, 2011

MacChump said:
Okay, I've got a problem.

I'm trying to replace the hard drive on a G3 iMac. I've got the parts, I've got the instructions, it all looks fiddly but straightforward. But I'm falling at the first hurdle because I can't get the outer casing open. I've taken out all the screws, and the back is loose - the trouble is the hooks or clips or whatever they are inside the front of the machine, which are hanging on for dear life.

I've seen a couple of youtube videos where the whole shell comes away with a gentle tug - mine doesn't. I've seen posts on forums advocating the judicious use of brute force - but I've gone as far down that route as I feel comfortable with too: I'd kinda like to be able to put the thing back together when I'm done.

There must be something I'm doing wrong, but I don't know what. Help!

If you are having issues opening it up I wouldn't advise making changes which if done wrong could break your computer.

I would take this to a specialist repair shop and pay them to do it for you.

How do I get into this thing?

MacChump

RavingMac

Well-known member

pigoo3

Well-known member

MacChump

cradom

MacChump

RavingMac

Well-known member

clive12

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