Remove the 2.5” hard drive from a Western Digital Passport

Today I have a visual HOWTO. We're going to liberate the 2.5” hard drive from a Western Digital Passport portable hard drive. Why you might ask? First answer, just to see if it can be done. Second answer, you might want to use that drive for another application such as upgrading a smaller laptop drive or using the drive in another device or enclosure. Third answer, you can get these for song when they're on sale.

Here's how to free the hard drive from the WD Passport {WARNING: WARRANTY VOIDED and THE RISK IS ALL YOURS}.

:: Separate the case from the hard drive holder using a small screwdriver or some other hard flat instrument. Start at the points shown in the image below (click any image for a Super-Size view) by working the tool into the points indicated by the arrows. I chose these two spots because I was able to squeeze the case a bit and insert the screwdriver.

:: Gently pry your way around both the top ridge and the bottom ridge with the instrument. Occasionally you'll hear a click indicating separation from the case. It will take some time and you need to have some patience. Eventually you will have the case separated from the holder. Be careful to not crack the case if you want to use it again.

:: Gently pull the hard drive holder out of the case by wiggling it. Again, take it slow and easy as I broke a clip when I opened my case; however, I was still able to put it back together. Still...

:: The hard drive/interface assembly and holder are now removed from the outer case as shown in the image below.

:: Gently separate the drive/interface assembly from the holder by pulling the holder back on the sides with your fingers and lifting out the drive/interface assembly as shown in the image below.

:: Now remove the four rubber boots on each corner of the hard-drive/interface assembly.

:: Hold the drive/interface assembly in both hands, as shown in the image below, and use your thumbs to pull down on the drive to separate it from the interface. This step requires a lot of pressure.

:: The drive is now separated from the interface, as shown in the image below, and can be used for other applications.

That's all there is to it. Have a unique use for the drive once its been removed? Leave a comment and add to the tech notes.

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