How to Install a Dell Dimension Hard Drive

The Dell Dimension line was one of Dell's most popular computer lines, comprised of 34 models over the course of the line's life. Many Dell Dimension desktops found themselves in need of upgrades in order to keep up with technological trends, with one of the more common upgrades being the installation of new hard drives to replace older drives with a lower capacity. Installing a new hard drive on a Dell Dimension computer is quite easy, taking only a few minutes to accomplish from start to finish. All that is needed is a screwdriver and the new drive.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver Replacement hard drive

Instructions

1. Remove the side panel of the Dell Dimension desktop's case. If there are any screws holding the panel in place, remove them; you will also need to slide the black securing clip down that is located on the back of the computer case. Once it is pressed down, use the hand grip on the side panel to slide the entire panel back so that it can be removed.

2. Remove the old hard drive (assuming that it has not already been removed.) This is done by unplugging the two cables from the back of the drive, unscrewing the screws that are holding it into its mounting bay and sliding the drive out of the bay.

3. Slide the new hard drive into your Dell Dimension's empty hard drive bay, lining up the screw holes in the hard drive's body with the small holes in the side of the bay enclosure. Use the small screws from the previous hard drive to secure the new drive in order to prevent it from shifting within the case.

4. Plug the data cable (the wide, flat cable or thin red cable that you had unplugged from the previous drive) and the power cable (smaller cables from the power supply that combine at the drive's power plug) into the hard drive. The cables will only fit into their ports in one specific direction, so if the plugs don't want to fit then don't try to force them. The data cable will plug in to the left side of the hard drive's rear, while the power cable will plug in to the right.

5. Replace the side panel, making sure that you slide it closed completely to help prevent dust and other contaminants from getting in to your computer case. You can now boot up your computer and format your new drive or install the operating system of your choice.