Skip to main content

VMAX G4 & VMAX A1 G4 - Replacing a Hard Drive

Updated

Replacing a Hard Drive for a VMAX A1 Plus & G4

-----------------------------------

Affected Roles: Administrator

Last Edit: May 21, 2026

-----------------------------------

Hard Drive Replacement

VMAX G4 and VMAX A1 G4 recorders allow users to monitor live camera video streams 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.

In the event of an issue, the recording unit can be troubleshot to resolve most recording problems. However, in the rare event of a hard drive failure, the internal storage drive may need to be replaced.

DISCLAIMER: By opening the recorder unit to replace a pre-installed HDD, you will be assuming responsibility for the condition of the unit. 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.

**NOTE: If you are trying to install an HDD for a recorder model that does NOT initially include pre-installed local storage, please consult VMAX G4 & VMAX A1 G4 - Installing A Hard Drive.

**IMPORTANT: Hard drives must be replaced with the same model from the same manufacturer. Mixing HDD models and manufacturers may lead to performance degradation.

 

Supported/Affected Devices:

  • VMAX G4
  • VMAX A1 G4

Replacing the Drive

Prior to replacing the hard drive, make sure that you will be using an approved hard drive model as the replacement.

Approved HDDs for VMAX G4 | VMAX A1 G4
HDD Part Number Storage Capacity Hard Drive Description
HDSG-ST2000VX017 2 TB Seagate SkyHawk 2TB SATA 6Gb/s 256MB Cache 3.5" CMR Air
HDSG-ST4000VX016 4 TB Seagate SkyHawk 4TB SATA 6Gb/s 256MB Cache 3.5" CMR Air
HDSG-ST6000VX009 6 TB Seagate SkyHawk 6TB SATA 6Gb/s 256MB Cache 3.5" CMR Air
HDSG-ST8000VE001 8 TB Seagate SkyHawk AI 8TB SATA 6Gb/s 256MB Cache 3.5" CMR Air
HDSG-ST10000VE001 10 TB Seagate SkyHawk AI 10TB SATA 6Gb/s 256MB Cache 3.5" CMR Air
HDSG-ST12000VE003 12 TB Seagate Skyhawk AI 12TB SATA 6Gb/s 512MB Cache 3.5" CMR Helium
HDSG-ST16000VE004 16 TB Seagate Skyhawk AI 16TB SATA 6Gb/s 512MB Cache 3.5" CMR Helium
HDSG-ST20000VE003 20 TB Seagate Skyhawk AI 20TB SATA 6Gb/s 512MB Cache 3.5" CMR Helium

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

 

Replacing the Hard Drive

To replace the Hard Drive, follow the steps below:

  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, if you are currently logged in at the DVR, click on the power icon on the toolbar at the bottom of the Live View screen, then select Shutdown.

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

  1. Carefully turn the DVR over and place a hand on the hard drive to hold it in place. Remove the four mounting screws that secure the hard drive to the inside of the DVR. Remove the old hard drive.

  1. Disconnect the power cable and SATA cable from the attached hard drive.

  1. Insert your replacement hard drive and replace the four mounting screws to secure the new hard drive to the DVR.
  2. Reattach the power cable and SATA cable to the new hard drive and replace the top cover of the unit. Replace the three screws at the back panel of the DVR to secure the top cover.
  3. Reconnect the DVR’s power cable and power the unit on.
  4. Log in as the Administrator, right-click with your mouse, and select Menu to open the system’s Setup Menu.
  5. Navigate the menu to the Hard Drive menu (System > 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.
  6. To format the hard drive, check the box next to the HDD name and click “Format”. 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.

  1. 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 your DVR continues to experience recording issues, please consult with Digital Watchdog Technical Support as there may be additional hardware or software issues occurring with the unit.

______________________________________________________________________________

For More Information or Technical Support

DW Technical Support: https://www.digital-watchdog.com/contact-tech-support/

DW Sales: sales@digital-watchdog.com | www.digital-watchdog.com

Copyright © All rights reserved. Specifications and pricing subject to change without notice.

Document Version 1.2

Related to

Related articles