How to Move a Hard Drive to a New Computer

Moving your current hard drive, also known as an HDD, into another windows computer lets you avoid hours of moving files and likely losing important data along the way. Moving an HDD from one computer to another just requires a little preparation and basic computer knowledge.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Full version installation CD of operating system
• Floppy disc
• Anti-static wristband

1. Download current drivers for the new computers motherboard and BIOS. Place these files onto a floppy disc to ensure you have them if required.
2. Insert the operating system CD into the new computer. Check that the CD is a full version of the product and that you have the registration key.
3. Power down both computers, remove the power cord from the back and proceed to open the case. Remove the old HDD paying careful attention to its position along the IDE ribbon.
4. Power the computer up and enter the BIOS setup utility by tapping the delete key repeatedly. If you pass the opportunity to enter the BIOS utility, quickly power down the computer
5. Insert the HDD into the new computer making sure it is in the same position on the IDE channel as its previous installation. Replace the cover and power cord on the new computer.
6. Locate the boot sequence, which is likely set to boot from the hard drive. Change the sequence to boot from the CD drive first. Exit the BIOS Utility being careful to save the settings first.
7. Wait for the computer to boot from the CD and verify that you wish to continue if asked. Select option 1 "To Set up Windows Now, Press Enter." Files will continue to load from the CD before the computer reboots and finalizes the installation.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use an anti-static wristband to avoid electrical damage.
• Only use a full version CD of the operating system. Recovery disc provided with many computers will not work.
• Always back up your data before attempting to exchange a hard drive.

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