Locating a hard drive requires cracking open the computer chassis.
While there are many versions of the HP Pavilion, both in desktop and laptop versions, all Pavilion desktop hard drives can be found within the same general location of the computer chassis. Due to difficulty and specialty tool requirements, laptops should be serviced by trained technicians only. Locating the HP Pavilion desktop hard drive can be achieved with minimal tools and complexity.
Tools
Most HP Pavilion chassis covers are secured using thumb screws. If the thumbscrews are too tight to remove by hand, you will need a Phillips screwdriver for removing the chassis cover.
Locating the HP Pavilion desktop hard drive
A common IDE hard drive with ribbon cable for identification
With the opened chassis facing you and the front of the computer to your right, the HP Pavilion's drive bay will be in the upper right-hand quarter section of the chassis. Depending on the specific drive configuration for your model of HP Pavilion desktop, the hard drive will be below one or two CD/ROM drives. The HP Pavilion hard drive can be identified by a flat, usually gray, ribbon cable leading from the back of the hard drive to the mother board.
Caution
An anti-static wrist strap, or other grounding device, should always be worn when working on electronic components. Even a small, electrostatic discharge can damage sensitive components. You should always use caution when working around the interior metal edges of the computer case as well because they can be very sharp.
Tags: hard drive, desktop hard, Pavilion desktop, Pavilion desktop hard, desktop hard drive