Before opening your iPod, ensure that the hold switch is in the locked position. /Guide/Repair/iPod-2nd-Generation-Hard-Drive/373/all#s1522 Opening the iPod can be challenging. Don't get discouraged if it takes a few tries before the iPod is opened. Insert a plastic iPod opening tool in the seam between the white plastic front and metal back of the iPod. Once you've inserted the tool, run it along the seam to free the five tabs holding the iPod together. /Guide/Repair/iPod-2nd-Generation-Hard-Drive/373/all#s1523 Continue to run the opening tool along the side of the case until all five tabs have been released. /Guide/Repair/iPod-2nd-Generation-Hard-Drive/373/all#s1524 Work around the corner of the iPod and release the two tabs holding the iPod together near the dock connector. /Guide/Repair/iPod-2nd-Generation-Hard-Drive/373/all#s1525 Free the five tabs holding the iPod together on the other side. You may be able to free the tabs by gently wiggling the front panel of the iPod. /Guide/Repair/iPod-2nd-Generation-Hard-Drive/373/all#s1526 Lift the rear panel away from the iPod, making sure it doesn't catch on the headphone jack. /Guide/Repair/iPod-2nd-Generation-Hard-Drive/373/all#s1527 Peel up the metallic tape attached to the top of the battery. /Guide/Repair/iPod-2nd-Generation-Hard-Drive/373/all#s1532 Lift the battery up from the hard drive and lay it next the the iPod (it is still connected to the logic board). /Guide/Repair/iPod-2nd-Generation-Hard-Drive/373/all#s1533 Carefully disconnect the orange ribbon cable from the hard drive. If the cable doesn't come free easily, it may be helpful to gently wiggle the cable from side to side. Lift the hard drive out of the iPod. /Guide/Repair/iPod-2nd-Generation-Hard-Drive/373/all#s1534