How to Connect an Xbox HDD Drive to a PC

by Kammy Pow
An Xbox hard drive can be read and backed up when connected to a PC.

An Xbox hard drive can be read and backed up when connected to a PC.

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The hard disk drive inside the Xbox game console consists of a 2.5-inch S-ATA hard drive and resembles hard drives found inside a laptop. This makes it possible to connect the Xbox hard drive to a standard PC motherboard with S-ATA slots and perform various maintenance tasks, such as backing up disk contents, formatting new Xbox hard drives and using the Xbox hard drive as additional storage for the computer. The added bonus of such scalability is that it allows individuals to replace hard drives reasonably without paying for higher-priced Microsoft-branded equivalents.

Step 1

Download a copy of Xplorer360 from the Internet and unzip the file to your computer hard drive.

Step 2

Turn off the Xbox console. Ground yourself by using an ant-static wrist strap or have the anti-static work surface set up.

Step 3

Place the console on its side, with the hard disk bay facing you on top. Push the hard disk release button and lift the hard drive away from the console.

Step 4

Turn the hard drive upside down with the Microsoft seal facing up. Use the Torx T-6 screwdriver to remove the three screws. Gently remove the Microsoft seal in the corner and remove the screw underneath it.

Step 5

Pull the drive open slowly, starting at the rounded end. The hard drive will be enclosed in a metal casing. Use the Torx T-10 screwdriver to remove four screws. Pull the hard drive away from the casing.

Step 6

Gently lift up the metal casing. Remove the S-ATA connector and power supply. Slide the hard drive out.

Step 7

Turn off the computer. Remove the side panel to the computer case. Locate an empty S-ATA slot on the motherboard along with the S-ATA power cable from the power supply. Connect the Xbox hard drive to the PC using the S-ATA cable and plug in the power cable.

Step 8

Turn on the computer. After the PC boots into Windows, run Xplorer 360. Back up the Xbox hard drive before attempting any other functions.

Warning

  • Removing the Microsoft seal from the hard drive constitutes a warranty violation. If the hard drive does not work after its removal, you will need to purchase a new one.

About the Author

Kammy Pow studied biological sciences at the University of California Irvine. She spent 13 years as a programmer for the financial, medical research, and healthcare sectors. She has been freelancing since 2005 and currently writes health-care related material and pens the occasional review for Southern California altweeklies.

Photo Credits

  • Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images