Taking Apart the PowerBook G4

At each stage of the Take Apart procedure, we'll let you know if there are special notes and information; otherwise, we proceed from component to component, from the outside in.

Servicing a PowerBook requires a deft touch since it is comprised of many small, expensive components arranged carefully in a compact form factor. As such, always exercise care, and do not exert too much pressure when disassembling a PowerBook.

Battery

Whenever you open a PowerBook G4—whether to install memory or remove a faulty component—the first step is to remove the battery.

1.	Place the computer on a clean, flat surface.
2.	Shut down the computer and wait 30 minutes before continuing. NOTE Warning: Always shut down the computer before opening it to avoid damaging its internal components or causing injury. After you shut down the computer, the internal components can be very hot. Let the computer cool down before continuing.
3.	Disconnect the power cord and any other cables connected to the computer.
4.	Close the computer, turn it over, and locate the battery latch. Use a coin to turn the battery latch 1¼4-turn clockwise to unlock the battery. Gently remove the battery. Removing the battery will prevent you from turning on the computer accidentally.

Memory Door

The memory door must be removed so that the top case can be removed.

5.	Using a Phillips #0 screwdriver, remove the four screws from the memory door, then remove the door, exposing the two memory slots underneath.

Top Case and Keyboard Assembly

The metal top case and attached keyboard assembly must be removed to access various internal components, including the hard drive.

6.	Remove the two screws inside the battery bay.
7.	Remove the two screws from the memory bay.
8.	Remove the four screws along the back edge.
9.	With the display open, rest the computer on its right side. Remove the three screws on the left side.
10.	Turn over the computer and remove the three screws on the right side.
11.	Open the computer slightly and rest it with the back facing up. Remove the two top screws along the back. NOTE Do not remove the bottom screws.
12.	Lay the computer right side up and open the display slightly past 90 degrees.
13.	Remove the two hex screws at the back corners of the top case (you can also use a TORX 6 driver).
14.	Along the left side, near the back, insert a nylon probe tool into the space between the top and bottom case. Work the nylon probe tool forward with a twisting motion until you can insert it on the left side of the front. NOTE Warning: Do not insert the nylon probe tool into any of the ports along the left side.
15.	Loosen the back right side, if needed. NOTE Warning: Do not insert the nylon probe tool into any of the ports along the right side.
16.	Work the left side up until the four catches over the optical drive slot release along the right side. Then lift the top case straight up, slightly, to release it completely, but do not remove it.
17.	Lift the front of the top case and pivot along the back edge to about 45 degrees, to expose the keyboard flex cable connected to the logic board. NOTE Warning: Do not lift off the top case or strain the keyboard flex cable.
18.	Remove any kapton tape from the keyboard connector on the logic board, then use a nylon probe tool to disconnect the flex cable. Set aside the top case and keyboard assembly.

Hard Drive

All current PowerBook G4 models come with an internal Ultra ATA/100 hard drive (capacities differ depending on the model).

19.	Locate the hard drive.
20.	Remove the three screws from the hard drive/optical drive holder.
21.	Lift out the hard drive/optical drive holder.
22.	Use a nylon probe tool to carefully disconnect the hard drive flex cable connector.
23.	Lift up on the right side of the hard drive to remove it.

When You Are Finished

1.	Return the faulty hard drive to Apple in the packaging provided.
2.	Install the replacement hard drive following the instructions in the service manual.
3.	Replace the top case, memory door, and battery.
4.	Verify that the system works correctly by starting up the system, running AHT, and using Disk Utility to reformat the replacement drive, if necessary.