Abstract: A portable hard disk drive module enclosing all of the operative components of the disk drive is removably received by a receptacle in a microcomputer system. The disk drive module and the receptacle each have an electrical connector and these connectors are coupled when the module is in an operating position within the receptacle. The connectors comprise the sole interface between the operative components of the disk drive and the remainder of the computer system. The receptacle includes a transport mechanism for moving the module from a load position to the operating position and from the operating position to a module unload position. Accordingly, movement of the module between these positions in the receptacle is completely under machine control.