How Disassemble a VBA to replace HD?

[Jazzdog44]

I was able to get the top cover off very easily, and I could partially detach the front face, but it seems hooked under the On/Off button. I'm assuming the HD is under the DVD drive. The chassis seems riveted together and I don't want to break anything. This is a solid piece of kit! This VBA was purchased from Small Green Computer about five years ago. Is there a trick to further disassembly? Surely someone has replaced the HD before. As always, many thanks for any suggestions.

[Doris1997]

Does your Vortexbox Appliance look exactly like the one in the below link?

https://www.engadget.com/products/vortexbox/appliance/review/

[Jazzdog44]

Mine is very similar but there are differences. Mine has a silver frame surrounding the front face, and a large illuminated on/off button that partially dips into the silver perimeter. The on/off button, the red logo, and the open/close button are all close to each on the the right side if the VBA is horizontal.

[Doris1997]

What about the below link photo?

https://www.amazon.com/VortexBox-1TB.../dp/B001VSY66O

[peterhocking]

It may help if you post a picture, a number of different cases have been used over the years.

[Jazzdog44]

Good idea. I hope the image comes through; most attachments don't open for me when I peruse this forum. I would think the chassis' would be very similar across similar boxes, just the fascia would change. My problem is how to unscrew the metal framework that holds the drives. The screws look like rivets to me. They look a little like a security screw with a rounded hole on top but without the little nub in the center of the hole.

[Doris1997]

Jazzdog44:
photo did not come through, is the below link how your VBA looks?

https://www.amazon.com/VortexBox-1TB.../dp/B001VSY66O

[Jazzdog44]

Doris, Yes! In Fact I purchased it via Amazon.

[Doris1997]

I have a different Appliance case.

[agillis]

There are two plastic clips that hold the from plastic bezel on. unclip them and the plastic bezel with come off. Once this is off unscrew the screw next to the CD and the one in the same place on the other side. Then the drive carrier will slide back and up.

[Doris1997]

Thanks Andrew!

[Jazzdog44]

Doris 1997, I very much appreciate your time and effort to help me with this, I thank you! Andrew's tip was just what I was hoping for and I will give it a go this evening. If all goes well I will order the replacement HD and then upgrade to 2.4 after I get it. I might have another question or two along the way. Good to know you are around.

[Doris1997]

Your very welcome, I’m a retired electronics technician with a lot of time on my hands and glad to be of any assistance

[Jazzdog44]

The 3T replacement drive arrived yesterday. I can jump from 2.2 straight to 2.4 (no 2.3 jump), right?

[Doris1997]

Jazzy ... Yes you can!