How to Install a Hard Disk Drive in a Desktop PC

You can install a hard drive yourself.

Avoid hiring a computer technician to install a hard disk drive. In a few steps, you can install a hard disk drive yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Turn the computer off. Disconnect all lines connected to the desktop computer. This includes the mouse. keyboard, speaker, printer and any device connected to the USB ports.

2. Remove the chassis cover. Be careful not to lose any screws.

3. Identify the available computer drive bays, including the 5 1/4 inch and 3 1/2 inch bay. Most hard drives fit in the 5 1/4 inch bay. The 3 1/2 inch bay is usually for a floppy drive. Hard drives that fit in the 3 1/2 inch slot are usually for laptops.
   Slide the hard disk in the bay slot. Do not screw down the hard drive yet.

4. Connect the communications cable, either an IDE cable or SATA cable, to the back of the hard drive. The cable is keyed, meaning that it should fit only one way. Then connect the other end of the cable to the appropriate slot on the motherboard.

5. Connect the power cable to the back of the hard drive. If you are replacing a hard drive, make sure to remove the data cable before removing the power line. This will prevent damage to the motherboard if an static surge occurs while removing the power line.

6. Align the hard drive with the screw openings and screw it down. Some hard drives snap in place. Replace the cover on the chassis. reconnect all the cables, cords and USB connections. If you're installing the primary hard drive, you'll have to install an operating system on this hard drive before you can boot your system from it.

7. Turn on the computer. The computer should automatically recognize the hard drive. You'll need to partition and format the hard drive to fully complete the installation process.

Tips & Warnings

• If your hard drive comes with jumper pins, you must set them to designate your hard drive as a primary (master) disk where you install the operating system or as a secondary (subordinate) disk where you store programs and files. Refer to your hard drive's instruction manual for further information.

• Touch metal or use an antistatic strap to remove static from your body before handling electronic parts, which can become damaged from static electricity.

References

• Windows: Install or Remove a Hard Disk Drive

Resources

• Windows: Create and Format a Hard Disk Partition