How to Install an Internal Hard Drive on
Your Computer
By
Corey Sandler from
Fix Your Own Computer For Seniors For Dummies
The process of adding or replacing your computer’s hard drive
isn’t as hard as you may think. You may want to consider replacing your hard
drive if your hard drive fails and there’s no cost-efficient way to repair it,
or you want to increase your computer’s efficiency or capacity. A larger hard
drive not only gives you more storage space, but also lets Windows use more
virtual memory for faster operation.
If you’re replacing your boot drive, make sure to back up any
data that you want to save and install on your new hard drive.
To install a new internal hard drive, start by turning off your
computer, unplugging the power cord and cables, placing the computer on a
sturdy, well-lighted surface, and opening its case.
1.If
you’re replacing a drive, unplug its data and power cables, and remove it from
the case.
This process may be as simple as
sliding the drive out of a cage. In other cases,
you have to remove two or four screws on the sides of the drive.
2.If
your new drive needs rails to mount in the case, remove the rails from the
drive you took out.
You need to do this before installing the rails that should have
come with the new drive.
3.Slide
the new drive partway into the slot you just vacated or, if you’re adding a
second drive, partway into a vacant slot.
Installing the drive only partway holds it in place but gives
you flexibility while you hook up the data and power cables (see Steps 4 and
5). You’ll seat the drive in the slot later.
Depending on the design of your computer, it may be easier to
connect the data and power cables before you slide the drive into place.
4.Find
an available data cable and connector near the location where you’ll be
installing the new drive and plug this cable into the data port of your new
hard drive.
Data cables are just lying around inside the case, connected to
the motherboard on one end and to nothing or to another hard drive on the
other.
5.Locate
an appropriate power cable, again choosing one near where the new drive will be
installed, and plug this cable into the power connector on the new hard drive.
Slide the drive into place.
Make sure that the drive and cables are properly secured and
that you didn’t leave any tools or other objects inside the case.
6.Put
the case back on, secure it, and return the computer to its usual location.
Reattach the cables and power cord.
Don’t forget to turn on the computer.