jimbob200521
Diamond Member
First off, let me preface this by saying DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK! The risk of messing up your old hard drive as well as your new console is always present, however minor the risks. Also, I'm pretty sure this isn't warranty friendly.
Ok, let's get down to business. Thinking about buying a new XBox but don't want to spend the extra $100+ to get the 250gb version when you already have plenty of space with your existing 20gb, 60gb, or 120gb drive? Then this might be worth a read.
I have a Halo 3 XBox with a 60gb drive but have been wanting a second XBox for a while for Netflix, multiple gaming, media extender, etc. but it didn't make sense to me to spend $300+ to buy an XBox with 250gb of space when I don't even use the 60gb I have now, not to mention the fact one system wouldn't even need space because it's just going to play Netflix and an occasional game. So I bought the new XBox S 4gb version but of course it's new, so it's got to be my main console. I wanted my profile, save games, themes, etc on the new XBox, but didn't want to spend another $20 on a transfer cable plus the cost of the newly released 250gb drive, so I did a little looking online. I couldn't find anything saying that if you took your old hard drive out of it's enclosure that it wouldn't work in the new system, so I set to work.
All you need is a TORX #6 & #10 bit and about 15 minutes. There are plenty of guides online on how to take apart your hard drive, so I won't go into much detail.
1) There are 4 screws (TORX #6) holding your old drive enclosure together. 3 are visible, 1 is hidden under a round, shiny Microsoft "don't mess with this" sticker. Once you have removed those 4 screws, carefully pull the plastic shell apart.
2) There are 4 more screws (TORX #10) holding the actual drive in place. Remove those screws, and then carefully disconnect the SATA connector from your drive and slide it out.
3) Ok, now that the hard part is over, take your now free drive to your new console, and remove the plastic cover on the bottom of the system. CAREFULLY slide the new drive into the SATA connector, making sure not to force anything. Now here's the rub with this method; until someone releases some kind of after-market enclosure or support system, your drive is going to have to sit somewhat freely in your new system. Whenever you transport your new system in any way, I would recommend removing the drive until you have placed your system where it's going.
Here is a pic of what the drive in place will look like:
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/jimbob200521/Console.jpg
4) Finally, replace the plastic cover and power on your system. If you got the drive plugged in, your system will recognize it right away.
Your new system should show that you have your existing 4gb of storage, plus your newly installed drive.
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/jimbob200521/Screenshot.jpg
Once again, let me say that this is a do-it-at-your-own-risk guide. Some people may not like the idea of there drive sitting in there new XBox without being snugly held in place, so if you don't like it, don't do it. I don't mind it because it saves me the cost of a new drive plus the transfer cable. Also, I don't move my system so I don't see any problem with the drive sitting the way it is. I may eventually make some kind of rubber grommet for support, but for now, I'm happy to have all my games, videos, etc on my new system.
Ok, let's get down to business. Thinking about buying a new XBox but don't want to spend the extra $100+ to get the 250gb version when you already have plenty of space with your existing 20gb, 60gb, or 120gb drive? Then this might be worth a read.
I have a Halo 3 XBox with a 60gb drive but have been wanting a second XBox for a while for Netflix, multiple gaming, media extender, etc. but it didn't make sense to me to spend $300+ to buy an XBox with 250gb of space when I don't even use the 60gb I have now, not to mention the fact one system wouldn't even need space because it's just going to play Netflix and an occasional game. So I bought the new XBox S 4gb version but of course it's new, so it's got to be my main console. I wanted my profile, save games, themes, etc on the new XBox, but didn't want to spend another $20 on a transfer cable plus the cost of the newly released 250gb drive, so I did a little looking online. I couldn't find anything saying that if you took your old hard drive out of it's enclosure that it wouldn't work in the new system, so I set to work.
All you need is a TORX #6 & #10 bit and about 15 minutes. There are plenty of guides online on how to take apart your hard drive, so I won't go into much detail.
1) There are 4 screws (TORX #6) holding your old drive enclosure together. 3 are visible, 1 is hidden under a round, shiny Microsoft "don't mess with this" sticker. Once you have removed those 4 screws, carefully pull the plastic shell apart.
2) There are 4 more screws (TORX #10) holding the actual drive in place. Remove those screws, and then carefully disconnect the SATA connector from your drive and slide it out.
3) Ok, now that the hard part is over, take your now free drive to your new console, and remove the plastic cover on the bottom of the system. CAREFULLY slide the new drive into the SATA connector, making sure not to force anything. Now here's the rub with this method; until someone releases some kind of after-market enclosure or support system, your drive is going to have to sit somewhat freely in your new system. Whenever you transport your new system in any way, I would recommend removing the drive until you have placed your system where it's going.
Here is a pic of what the drive in place will look like:
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/jimbob200521/Console.jpg
4) Finally, replace the plastic cover and power on your system. If you got the drive plugged in, your system will recognize it right away.
Your new system should show that you have your existing 4gb of storage, plus your newly installed drive.
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/jimbob200521/Screenshot.jpg
Once again, let me say that this is a do-it-at-your-own-risk guide. Some people may not like the idea of there drive sitting in there new XBox without being snugly held in place, so if you don't like it, don't do it. I don't mind it because it saves me the cost of a new drive plus the transfer cable. Also, I don't move my system so I don't see any problem with the drive sitting the way it is. I may eventually make some kind of rubber grommet for support, but for now, I'm happy to have all my games, videos, etc on my new system.
