Opening an IBM Aptiva 720

Inx

Hey guys.

So my dad comes to me the other day and he says "I need you to take the hard drives out of our old computers."

He then saddles me with a couple of old dells and an ancient IBM that I thought had been lost to the ages.

It's an IBM Aptiva 720, the flat destop model (I don't even know if the 720 CAME in a tower model), and I haven't even the SLIGHTEST idea how to get into the damned thing. I've googled my little heart out trying to find the manual for this thing, since we lost our copy ages ago. The only thing I can thing of at this point is using an axe or just letting the thing get hit by lightning.

Help me H/A, you're my only hope.

PeregrineFalcon

[strike]Can you post the part code (XXXX-YYY)?

Most older IBM desktops it's "remove screws at back, pimpslap the cover rearwards, lift"[/strike]

Edit: BAM

AtomBomb

Can you put a picture up? It's a bit hazy, but I think that might be one of those that you take some screws out of the back and then the top, sides and front all slide forward; pretty much the opposite of how every other tower of that type works. It would be a lot easier to describe if I had a picture. Basically the entire outside (except the back) stays together.

Anyway, seeing a pic would probably jog my memory. Take them from a few angles if you can.

bowen

PeregrineFalcon wrote: »

Can you post the part code (XXXX-YYY)?

Most older IBM desktops it's "remove screws at back, pimpslap the cover rearwards, lift"

That is a wonderful way to describe the process.

Inx

I don't have a camera, I'm afraid. However, there are no screws in the back that i can get to - it's entirely encase in plastic and metal.

Part code....i can't find.

Make and model is 2144-S15. The thing was made in 1994.

PeregrineFalcon

Inx wrote: »

I don't have a camera, I'm afraid. However, there are no screws in the back that i can get to - it's entirely encase in plastic and metal.

Part code....i can't find.

Make and model is 2144-S15. The thing was made in 1994.

"Machine type and model" is what I meant to say, and that's the XXXX-YYY format number you posted.

Is the .gif I posted above correct?

Inx

Yes.

Peregrine, I will love you forever. Now to finagle with this thing....

EDIT, where in the nine hells did you find that anyway??

Inx

This may require a stronger man than I...

EDIT: GOT IT! Thank you gravity.

Thanks a lot guys!

EDIT EDIT: Now to track down the hard drive. Oh god theres screws everywhere

PeregrineFalcon

http://home.ptd.net/~don5408/case/

If you need to open any other old 21xx Aptivas from that era, they're covered as well. :P

1. There's no case lock on it, right?
2. Make sure you're actually pressing the latch in far enough, and you're not grabbing the metal part as you pull.
3. Push back on the system if need be.

Inx

Thanks for the link, Peregrine!

I think they put the hard drive UNDER the CD rom drive...and I'm gonna need a flathead screwdriver to get the cd drive out....this is madness.

Ruckus

Inx wrote: »

Thanks for the link, Peregrine!

I think they put the hard drive UNDER the CD rom drive...and I'm gonna need a flathead screwdriver to get the cd drive out....this is madness.

No, that is IBM (Sparta).

PeregrineFalcon

If you truly don't need anything but the hard drive, just break out a Dremel or a Sawzall and cut the whole thing in half. It's oh so satisfying.

Of course, the last time I had to pop open old machines were to destroy the hard drives, not salvage them. So YMMV on that. :P

You know too much, Mr. Presario ... and I'm afraid we can't take any chances this time. Kill him, and get rid of the body.