Installing or Upgrading the DVR's HDD

Most DVR’s included in our kits already have a pre-installed internal HDD and is ready to begin recording right out of the box. For instances in which you require a larger capacity HDD or if your DVR did not include a pre-installed HDD, you can follow along with these quick and easy steps that will demonstrate how to install/upgrade the DVR’s HDD. The steps below are general and the images of the DVR may not be identical to the DVR model you purchased, however, the process should be the same.

Caution: Never install or remove the HDD while the DVR is powered on

Remove the screws that hold the DVR casing: You will need a Philips head screwdriver for this step.
To begin you must first remove the screws on the back and sides of the DVR. You will then remove the lip that holds the DVR casing in place after you have removed the screws.
Your DVR/NVR will look similar to the image on the right once you have removed the screws and removed the casing lip.

Remove the DVR Casing: 

Now you are ready to remove the DVR casing by lifting the DVR casing up slowly. Please keep in mind certain models will have a plug that must be disconnected before you remove the casing completely. Next, disconnect the end of the plug that connects to the motherboard and you should do this slowly to avoid any internal damage to the DVR. Once the plug has been disconnected, you will be able to fully remove the DVR casing.

Removing the HDD if you are upgrading to a larger capacity HDD: 

You will need a Philips head screwdriver for this step.

If you are upgrading the pre-installed HDD to a larger capacity HDD to better fit your security needs, you must be sure to remove the screws that are holding the HDD in place from the bottom of the DVR. Please see image below for reference and keep in mind the sticker on the bottom of the DVR will display the model number of your recorder.

Next, disconnect the data and power cables which are connected to the pre-installed HDD.
Remove the HDD from the DVR but only once you have removed the screws on the bottom of the DVR which are holding the HDD in place and have disconnected the data/power cables from the HDD.
Installing a new HDD: You will need a Philips head screwdriver for this step.

Connect the data and power connector to the HDD while also aligning the HDD with the holes on the bottom of the DVR/NVR. Next, carefully secure the HDD in place by utilizing the HDD screws that should have been included with your new HDD or use the screws that were removed from the pre-installed HDD.

Attaching the DVR Casing: 

You can attach the DVR casing once the HDD screws have been tightened to secure the HDD in place. To attach the DVR casing you will slide the front of the DVR casing under the front lip of the DVR and lower the back of the casing down into place. Then, you will re-install the screws you removed from step one to secure the DVR casing in place.

Formatting the HDD: 

Once you have installed the DVR casing and powered the DVR; the final step in the process is formatting the HDD from within the DVR’s HDD menu. First, we need to login to access the main menu by entering your username and password.
Once you have accessed the main menu, select the device tab located along the top of the main menu interface. Then, select the HDD tab which indicates if the DVR and the HDD are communicating properly or if there is an HDD error.
Click the “Select” field which will select the HDD. Click “Format HDD” to begin formatting the HDD to the DVR’s specifications. Please keep in mind that formatting the HDD will erase all information from the HDD.
You will be prompted to enter your username and password to allow the formatting of the HDD. Click login once you have entered your user information.
A screen will appear advising that all of the data on the HDD will be deleted after formatting is completed. Click “OK” to continue.
A notification message will appear which displays the progress of the HDD format process.
The notice message will state “Format Completed” when the HDD has been formatted. You will click “OK” to continue.
It is recommended to reboot your DVR once the formatting of your HDD has completed. To reboot your DVR you will select the “Advanced” menu icon which is located along the top of your main menu bar. Then you will click on the “Shutdown” tab which will display a window that will require you to enter your user name and password to reboot your DVR. Lastly, to reboot your DVR you will click on the “reboot” tab once you have entered your username and password.