Introduction
Hard drive failed? Want to increase the storage capacity? This guide will help you open the Linkstation.
Notes:
1) I tried to replace the standard 500 GB hard drives with SSD items, it was not succcessful; the unit would not initialise.
You need to therefore buy the SSD version if you want the latest technology.
Tools
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There are two catches to release on the front face.
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Using the iFixit opening tools, insert the first blade between the long opening and the first hole.
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The second blade should be inserted between the third and fourth holes
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Gently manipulate the tools to disengage the catches.
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Open the case wider to be able to get the ifixit tools in the gap on the side of the unit - go to the next step.
 
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The first catch is next to the rubber foot. Insert the tool under the lip and lift the side to disengage the catch
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The second catch can be found at the beginning of the vents, use the same technique to open the catch
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Repeat the steps on the opposite side and the lid will come off.
 
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Pull the until out of the case, there are no catches, it is simply held in.
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Place the unit on it's side and remove the metal plate that is clamped to the board.
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Turn the unit over the remove the second plate.
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The hard drives can now be removed.
 
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The unit is now disassembled, assembly is simply done in the reverse order.
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When reassembling the unit, pay attention to the orientation of the metal plates.
 
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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
2 comments
I have the 2x1TB version and DID manage to successfully replace HDD's with SSD's! I only had 500GB SSD's and don't recall having any problems (but it was years ago though). I do have a number of downloaded utilities, including TFTP Boot Recovery (presumably from Buffalo website) so it's possible I had to use this (too long ago to recall)!
I need the TFTP Boot Recovery files. Have you the files?