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Buffalo Linkstation mini LS-WSXL Disassembly

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.

What you need

  1. Buffalo Linkstation mini LS-WSXL Disassembly, Remove front strip: step 1, image 1 of 2 Buffalo Linkstation mini LS-WSXL Disassembly, Remove front strip: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Using a thin blade, gently prise the strip-sticker from the front of the unit.

    Edit

  2. Buffalo Linkstation mini LS-WSXL Disassembly, Splitting the case: step 2, image 1 of 2 Buffalo Linkstation mini LS-WSXL Disassembly, Splitting the case: step 2, image 2 of 2

    • There are two catches to release on the front face.

    • Using the iFixit opening tools, insert the first blade between the long opening and the first hole.

    • The second blade should be inserted between the third and fourth holes

    • Gently manipulate the tools to disengage the catches.

    • 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.

    Edit

  4. Buffalo Linkstation mini LS-WSXL Disassembly, Removing the lid: step 3, image 1 of 2 Buffalo Linkstation mini LS-WSXL Disassembly, Removing the lid: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • The first catch is next to the rubber foot. Insert the tool under the lip and lift the side to disengage the catch

    • The second catch can be found at the beginning of the vents, use the same technique to open the catch

    • Repeat the steps on the opposite side and the lid will come off.

    Edit

  5. Buffalo Linkstation mini LS-WSXL Disassembly, Removing the hard drives: step 4, image 1 of 3 Buffalo Linkstation mini LS-WSXL Disassembly, Removing the hard drives: step 4, image 2 of 3 Buffalo Linkstation mini LS-WSXL Disassembly, Removing the hard drives: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • Pull the until out of the case, there are no catches, it is simply held in.

    • Place the unit on it's side and remove the metal plate that is clamped to the board.

    • Turn the unit over the remove the second plate.

    • The hard drives can now be removed.

    Edit

  6. Buffalo Linkstation mini LS-WSXL Disassembly, Finished!: step 5, image 1 of 2 Buffalo Linkstation mini LS-WSXL Disassembly, Finished!: step 5, image 2 of 2

    • The unit is now disassembled, assembly is simply done in the reverse order.

    • When reassembling the unit, pay attention to the orientation of the metal plates.

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

One other person completed this guide.

3 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)!

Andrew Blay - Reply

I need the TFTP Boot Recovery files. Have you the files?

Michael Gebert -

Thanks to all...I opened it without breaking anything thanks to you.

Maurizio Spinelli - Reply

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