ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement

Introduction

If the hard drive in your ThinkPad T420 has failed or you wish to install a larger or faster drive, this guide will show you how to replace the hard drive.

Guide notes

This guide does not cover operating system installation.
- I may be able to help locate an image if I know what you need, but there are no gaurantees.
If you are installing an SSD or an thin Advanced Format (AF) drive, a 7mm->9.5mm drive spacer may be required. These are readily available online from sites like eBay if required.
- If you are installing a hard drive, cut the spacer based on the location of the breather hole. Heat kills spinning drives.
ANY UNKNOWN HDP PASSWORDS MUST BE REMOVED BEFORE REPLACING THE DRIVE.
- This will transfer to your new drive since it is stored on the ATMEL chip.
Make a backup of your original drive and image it, if possible. This is optional, but can be used to recover if something goes wrong.
- Note: Not recommended for used systems. Reinstall from scratch, and make a clean image from a fresh install.
Once you are done with the old drive if you do not need it, securely erase it.
- Note: SED's (and FDE) can be erased by deleting the encryption key from the drive rather then a full drive erase.

What you need

Step 1 Backup your laptop first!

ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Backup your laptop first!: step 1, image 1 of 2

ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Backup your laptop first!: step 1, image 2 of 2

In most cases, it is better to reinstall the OS from scratch rather than image and restore. If the OS install is old, it is often overdue.
Before replacing the drive, backup your personal files. This can be done by hand, or automated.

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Step 2 Unplug the system/remove the battery

ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Unplug the system/remove the battery: step 2, image 1 of 3

ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Unplug the system/remove the battery: step 2, image 2 of 3

ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Unplug the system/remove the battery: step 2, image 3 of 3

If the system is plugged in, disconnect it from power and remove the battery. Slide the lock tab to the unlocked position.
While holding the tab in place, remove the battery.

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Step 3 Remove the hard drive door

ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the hard drive door: step 3, image 1 of 3

ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the hard drive door: step 3, image 2 of 3

ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the hard drive door: step 3, image 3 of 3

Remove the hard drive door from the system. Use a Phillips #1 bit.
Once the screw is loose, remove the drive cover as shown.

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Step 4 Remove the hard drive caddy

ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the hard drive caddy: step 4, image 1 of 3

ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the hard drive caddy: step 4, image 2 of 3

ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the hard drive caddy: step 4, image 3 of 3

Pull the black tab on the drive caddy to remove the drive.

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Step 5 Remove the drive bumpers

ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the drive bumpers: step 5, image 1 of 3

ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the drive bumpers: step 5, image 2 of 3

ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the drive bumpers: step 5, image 3 of 3

Remove the hard drive bumpers.
Remove the drive screws using a Phillips #1 screwdriver.

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Step 6 Remove the old hard drive

ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the old hard drive: step 6, image 1 of 2

ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the old hard drive: step 6, image 2 of 2

Remove the old hard drive from the laptop. If you intend to keep it, store it in a antistatic bag if possible.

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Step 7 Install the new hard drive

ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Install the new hard drive: step 7, image 1 of 2

ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Install the new hard drive: step 7, image 2 of 2

If you are installing an SSD, a 7mm->9.5mm spacer may required.
Install your new drive using steps 6 through 3. Reinstall or reimage the operating system.

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Step 8 Install the operating system

ThinkPad T420 Hard Drive Replacement, Install the operating system: step 8, image 1 of 1

If you are installing Windows, use an official ISO or purchase OEM installation media without a product key.
In order to save time setting up your system in the future, reinstall Windows from scratch and image the computer once all the drivers and updates are installed.
After reassembling the system and confirming the new drive is recognized, reinstall your operating system.