Installing a Hard Drive for a VMAX A1 Plus  & A1 G4 DVR

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Affected Roles: Administrator, Owner

Last Edit: June 30, 2026

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Hard Drive Storage

VMAX A1 G4 and VMAX A1 Plus DVR models allow users to monitor live camera video and archive footage to a local storage drive. This internally installed hard drive permits users to store and review previously recorded footage, regardless of Internet connection status.

If you have purchased a recorder without a hard drive, this article will explain how to install a new hard drive into the recording unit.

**NOTE: If you are replacing a hard drive, please read VMAX G4 & VMAX A1 G4 - Replacing A Hard Drive.

DISCLAIMER: Digital Watchdog will not be liable for the loss of data or consequential damage (including without limitation, damage to recording media) resulting from this process.

Supported/Affected Devices:

• VMAX VG4 NVR
• VMAX A1 G4 DVR

Installing the Drive:

Prior to adding the hard drive, make sure that you are using an approved hard drive model.

**NOTE: The 20 TB drive is only supported by the VMAX A1 G4 8-channel and 16-channel models.

Adding the Hard Drive

To install the hard drive:

1. Confirm that the DVR is completely powered off. There should be no LED lights ignited on the front panel of the DVR. If there is still power, soft-shutdown or disconnect the power cable from the DVR.

**NOTE: For a soft shutdown, press the power button on the front of the unit, then select Shutdown. Alternatively, if you are currently logged in at the DVR, click on the power icon on the toolbar at the bottom of the screen while in Live View, then select Shutdown.

2. Remove the four screws from the back panel of the DVR, then remove the top cover of the unit.

3. Attach the power supply cable and SATA cable to the new hard drive.

4. Carefully place a hand on the hard drive, hold it in place, and turn the DVR over. Insert four mounting screws to secure the hard drive to the inside of the DVR.

5. Replace the top cover of the unit. Replace the four screws at the back panel of the DVR to secure the top cover.
6. Connect the DVR’s power cable and power the unit on.
7. Log in as the Administrator, right-click with your mouse, and select Menu to open the system’s Setup Menu.
8. Navigate the menu to the Hard Drive menu (Site > HDD). The Hard Drive menu should display your new hard drive’s model, capacity, and free space. Prior to use, it is recommended to format the hard drive.

9.  To format the hard drive, check the box next to the HDD name then click the Format button.

   A confirmation message will appear, asking you to confirm if you wish to proceed. Confirm the message and allow the DVR to format your new hard drive. The progress bar at the bottom of the menu shows you the status of the format.

10. Once the hard drive is done formatting, a confirmation message will appear. Confirm the message and reboot the DVR. Once the DVR is done rebooting, you may use your recorder normally.

**NOTE: If the DVR experiences recording issues or does not detect the new hard drive, power the unit off and confirm that the power supply cable and SATA cable are securely connected to the hard drive.

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Related Article: VMAX G4 & VMAX A1 G4 - Replacing a Hard Drive

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