How to Swap the mSATA SSD or RAM on a Toshiba Portege

There are a couple of gotchas when it comes to removing the bottom panel on the Toshiba Portege Ultrabook.

1. Under the centre bumper is found a T8 Tamper-Proof Torx screw.
2. The microphone and earphone jacks pin the cover in place on that side.

Once all of the screws have been removed including the tamper-proof centre screw one needs to make sure that the SD slot is empty.

Then, based on the image above gently grasp the two _opposite_ corners to the mic/ear jacks (right top and bottom) and pull up much like the cover of a book pivoting on the mic/ear side.

Once the cover is a couple of centimetres up (~1.5”) we can then slip the cover out and off over the mic/ear jacks.

When it comes to re-installing the back cover run through the opposite steps however one needs to be mindful of the VGA port as it has a slot on either side that the cover needs to nestle into.

Set the cover in place over the mic/ear jacks first and then guide it into place around the VGA port. It should essentially settle into its rightful spot with a little assistance from there.

NOTE: At no time is there any need to use force when working the back cover off or on. When removed or installed correctly the panel will essentially sit in place with no more effort than to guide it off or on.

Also, be mindful that making any changes to the default unit can and may void the Toshiba warranty.

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists
Co-Author: SBS 2008 Blueprint Book

*Our original iMac was stolen (previous blog post). We now have a new MacBook Pro courtesy of Vlad Mazek, owner of OWN.