| If the hard drive in your ThinkPad T420 has failed or you wish to install a larger or faster drive, this guide will show you how to replace the hard drive. |
| '''Guide notes''' |
| * '''This guide does not cover operating system installation. I may be able to help locate an image if I know what your system ran before, but there are no gaurantees.''' |
| * If you are installing an SSD or an AF (Advanced Format) drive, a drive spacer may be required and are usually available on sites like eBay if your drive does not include one. '''If you are installing a hard drive, cut the spacer relative to the location of the breather hole.''' |
| * '''If the system has a unknown HDP installed, this MUST be removed. The password will be loaded onto your replacement drive. This is stored on the system's ATMEL chip.''' |
| * Make a backup of your original drive, if possible. This is not a requirement (and not required if you purchased the system used and want to install a new drive), but will apply in most scenarios in the event something goes horribly wrong. |
| * Once you are done with the old drive and are sure you have your data you need off of the old drive, securely wipe the drive. '''SED's can be erased by deleting the encryption key from the drive rather then using a drawn out full disk erasure. This also applies to FDE.''' |