How to Switch Hard Drives in a Compaq

The hard drive in your Compaq computer is a hardware device that stores and retrieves data necessary to run your operating system and software. If you own more than one hard drive, you can switch the hard drive currently installed in your Compaq computer with a new hard drive or with another PC's hard drive. In order to remove your Compaq's current hard drive and replace it with another, you must open your computer and disconnect the hard drive, then install the new one.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Compatible replacement hard drive (IDE or Serial ATA)
• ESD grounding device

Instructions

1. Shut down your Compaq through the Windows operating system. Unplug the power cord from the computer. Disconnect any USB devices and cables, networking cables, headphones, mouse, printer cable and any other peripherals. This will prevent electricity from transferring through your computer and possibly injuring you while you switch hard drives.

2. Remove your Compaq's case. Most Compaq computers allow for easy removal of the case. Simply use a Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the screws found along the outer edges of the computer's rear panel. After you remove all of the screws, lift the case up to remove it. If you are using an older model, you may need to hold down a latch or tab to remove the case after unscrewing it from the computer.

3. Disconnect the hard drive's power cable and data cable. If your Compaq is a newer model, it will have a Serial ATA hard drive, and you must remove the red cable (power cable) from the back of the hard drive by pulling the black connector end of the cable.
   Remove the power adapter cable---a set of multi-colored wires leading to one black connector---in the same manner. Leave the other end of these cables attached to the motherboard. If you have an older Compaq that uses an IDE hard drive, you must remove a ribbon cable from the back of the hard drive, and remove the power adapter cable.

4. Remove the hard drive. The hard drive in most Compaq computers is mounted in a "cage" and is secured by four screws. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove all of the screws securing the hard drive to the cage. Slide the hard drive out of the cage.

5. Insert your other hard drive into the cage, and secure it by using a Phillips screwdriver to replace the screws you removed from the cage in Step 4. Connect the hard drive's data cable and power cable into the back of the hard drive. Once these cables are securely inserted, replace the computer's case, and secure it with the screws you removed in Step 2. Reconnect the computer's power cord, cables, and any peripherals you disconnected in Step 1.
   You will know that you have successfully switched hard drives if your Compaq begins loading the operating system stored on the replacement hard drive. However, if the hard drive is new, you will need to install an operating system and software to use the computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Use an ESD (electrostatic discharge) grounding device when handling your Compaq's hardware in order to prevent static electricity from damaging your motherboard or other critical hardware. If your are switching IDE hard drives, as opposed to the more common Serial ATA hard drives, you will need to use pliers to move the jumper shunt (a small black peg on the hard drive) to designate the hard drive as the "Master" hard drive. This is the default position. Check your computer's user guide to determine if your motherboard supports Serial ATA hard drives or IDE hard drives.

• Check your user guide or other documentation that came with your Compaq computer to see if removing the hard drive will void any warranties.

Resources

• PC World -- How to Buy a Hard Drive
• Differences Between Types of Hard Drives
• Compaq Support