How to Erase a Used Hard Drive & Install It in Another PC

At some point, you may need to erase your hard drive and install it into another computer. There could be different reasons for this. You may have a secondary computer that needs storage or a friend may need to borrow your hard drive. This process is somewhat complicated, but by following a few steps, you will be able to erase your used hard drive and install it on another PC.

Things You'll Need

• Windows XP or later
• Phillips screw driver

Instructions

Erase the Used Hard Drive

1. Put the Windows XP disk into your CD-Rom drive. This step needs to be done while the computer is on.

2. Reboot your PC. Your PC should boot from the CD. If your computer does boot to the CD-Rom, proceed to Step 3. If it does not, you will need to enter your Bios. Reboot your computer again. You will need to watch your screen for setup instructions. Although this differs from computer to computer, your Bios can usually be entered by hitting "F10" or "DEL." Once you have entered the Bios, you will have several options to choose from. Again, every Bios is different. You will need to find the "Boot Option Menu." Once this is located, follow the instructions to change the boot order as follows, "CD-ROM" then "Hard Drive." Save the changes then exit.

3. "Press any key to start setup" should appear if your computer boots from the CD-ROM. The Windows XP CD will check your system configurations and setup necessary information. You will come to a screen that asks you if you wish to format your computer. You will need to choose the disk that you are wanting to format. Then it will ask you how you would like to do this. You have the options of a complete format or a quick format. Choose the complete to guarantee that all information is erased.

4. Continue to setup Windows. You can choose to do this now or when the hard drive is installed on another PC. For the quickest method, installing Windows on your newly reformatted hard drive may be the best solution. If you choose to wait till the hard drive is installed on the other PC, shut down your computer and continue to Section 2. If you opt to install windows now, continue with Step 5.

5. Follow the setup instructions. Each one is self-explanatory. With a fairly fast computer, this step should take less than an hour.

Installing a Hard Dive in another PC

1. Remove the screws in the back of your tower. This will be the right panel. Take the panel off and locate the hard drive.

2. Pull the cords out of the back of your hard drive. Be as gentle as possible. The power cord that is connected to the power supply may be a little tight. Pull fairly hard on the connector. Never pull on the wires, however.

3. Remove the screws from the hard drive connected to the tower. You may need to take the other panel on the tower off to completely remove the hard drive. Following the instructions in your computer's manual.

4. Remove the panel from the tower of the other computer. If another hard drive is attached to this computer, remove it by following Steps 2 and 3.

5. Check the back of the used hard drive. The jumpers should be in the "master" selection. These are either one or two removable pins on the end of the hard drive. The jumper setting for your specific drive will be outlined on the top.

6. Screw the used hard drive into the other tower. You do not need to take off the left panel. Two screws are enough to hold the hard drive in place.

7. Insert the IDE cable. This is the long thin cable connected to your motherboard. This is inserted into your hard drive. You will see a long slit with pins. This is where the IDE cord will be placed. If it does not go in one way, turn it around.

8. Insert the power cord into the back of the hard drive. This is a white flat connector that is attached to the power supply. This will only go in one way. You will need to press fairly hard to completely insert the connector.

9. Check the steps above to make sure everything is connected correctly. This needs to be done before you turn on your computer.

10. Turn the PC on. Your hard drive should boot to the Windows if it was already installed. If it does not or if you hear a series of beeps, turn off the computer and re-check your work.

Tips & Warnings

• Different operating systems may require a different formatting procedure. For example, with Windows 98 you will need to boot to DOS and type "format" in the Windows directory.

• Some IDE cable can be inserted either way. However, the hard drive will only work one way. If your PC does not boot to Windows, you may need to turn around your IDE cable.