Part of the Dalhousie Libraries Documentation Wiki
Remove internal hard drive from Lenovo ThinkCentreM58 desktop computer
Prepare desktop computer
- Remove all media and devices (e.g., CDs, DVDs, digital media player).
- Turn off all attached devices.
- Turn off desktop computer.
- Disconnect all power cords from electrical outlets.
- Disconnect all power cords, I/O cables, and any other cables connected to the desktop computer.
- Remove any locking device that secures the side panel of the desktop computer.
- Optional step: review manufacturer documentation on removing the internal hard drive.
Prepare temporary evidence storage area
- Obtain small empty plastic container from digital forensics lab supply area.
- Label plastic container with:
- Accession ID
- Evidence ID
- Name of examiner
- Date
- Obtain polypropylene sleeve from digital forensics lab supply area.
- Place polypropylene sleeve inside plastic container.
- Place plastic container in temporary evidence storage area near forensic workstation.
Remove side panel from computer tower
- Remove two screws that secure side panel and place in plastic container.
- Press the cover-release button on the side panel.
- Slide side panel to the rear of the computer to remove the panel.
- Place piece of painter’s tape on side panel.
- Write Evidence ID on tape.
- Place side panel in evidence storage area.
Examine hard drive cables
- Locate each end of the power supply cable.
- Locate each end of the SATA cable.
Detach cables from hard drive
- Detach power supply cable.
- Detach SATA cable.
- Leave power supply and SATA cables attached to motherboard.
Remove cooling fan
- Remove four cooling fan screws and place in plastic container.
- Leave cooling fan connected to motherboard.
Remove hard drive
- Move cooling fan below the hard drive enclosure.
- Use blue plastic handle to pull hard drive out of enclosure.
Remove plastic hard drive handle
- Remove plastic hard drive handle.
- Store handle and all screws in polypropylene bag.
Next steps
1.Update Register of Digital Media Carrier with information about hard drive:
a)Manufacturer
b)Maximum storage
c)Physical details
d)Serial number
2.Notify Digital Forensics Lab Manager that hard drive has been successfully extracted from the Lenovo ThinkCentre M58 desktop computer
3.See lab procedures PR-03 if approval is granted to proceed with forensic imaging