How to Install a Second Internal Hard Drive on Desktop Computer

Adding a new internal hard drive to your computer gives you space to store your large, less frequently accessed files--all in one location. Chunks of raw audio and video are often stored on a secondary drive by video editors while video enthusiasts find internal drive necessary to backup their large movies collections.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver Tweezers

1. Turn off your computer and disconnect all cables attached to the tower. Sit the tower on a stable work surface---like a table or a desk.

2. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws on the back of the case. You will need to remove not only the side paneling but the whole case. After removing the screws, set them aside.

3. Carefully slide the case off of the tower's frame. Consult your manual for specific instructions on removing the case.

4. Use the tweezers to move the jumper pins on the new hard drive to the secondary position. Consult the hard drive's manual to find out which pins to cover or not cover with the jumper.

5. Locate the current hard drive. It should be near the front of the tower and below the DVD drive. Insert the new hard drive into an empty bay near the current drive.

6. Plug the same data cable that is connected to the current drive into the new drive. The wide IDE cables have more than one outlet so that more than one drive can use the same cable. Plug the narrow SATA cable in with a space cable connected to the same controller on the motherboard as the current drive.

7. Plug a power cable into the right side of the hard drive. Replace the case and replace the screws.

Tips & Warnings

• Rub your hands against any metallic portion of the case before handling the hard drive to avoid shocking it.

[cherylannagnes]

on 6/13/2009 I need a video to understand all this.

[AfaS]

on 12/9/2008 How does one add a second (IDE) hard drive, if the existing hard drive is SATA?