How to Add a Hard Drive to your computer

This article will walk you though the steps necessary to install another(or more)hard drive(s) into your computer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• New Hard Drive (any size)
• Screwdriver (phillips head)
• Sata Cable(if sata hard drive)
• IDE cable(if IDE drive)

1. Gather all materials. If you have an anti-static wrist strap use this. I can not guarantee that you will not cause any electrostatic buildup if you don't use it. So if you have one use it!!!

2. UNPLUG ALL WIRES! Never open a computer case while it is still on. You not only can hurt yourself but ruin your computer as well. Also turn the switch to the off position on the back of the case.

3. Take the side of the case off. This is usually held on by screws or on my case, thumb screws. If your case has a side fan un-attach the cable connecting it.

4. Next, Unplug any IDE cables connected to the other hard drives(s) and mark them with tape if possible just remember where everything goes.

5. Slide your new hard drive(s) into an empty drive bay and attach with screws( usually in the box with the hard drive). Since this will be an added hard drive you will need to follow the jumper connections on the drive it self and set to SLAVE.(ONLY ON IDE DRIVES)

6. Now since we have the jumper connections set and everything where we want it, we can put the marked cables back to where they are suppose to go. With a new hard drive we need to either A. connect the SATA cable or B. connect the IDE grey cable connection to the new Hard drive.

7. Make sure all connections are snug. If you had a fan on the side of your case attach that cable back together. and put the side of the case back on. Then connect all the cables to the back of the computer and turn the switch to on. Now lets start the computer up.

8. Once the computer has booted up and you have your start menu, Right click on MY COMPUTER. Then click MANAGE. A screen should pop up called computer management. On the left hand pane look for DEVICE MANAGER and single click on it.

9. Now in the right hand pane Look for disk drives and right click on it. Then scroll to SCAN FOR HARDWARE CHANGES. Your computer will scan and find the new drive(s) and you will be able to use them

Tips & Warnings

• This will work for Windows XP 2000 And Vista...I'm not Sure about other operating systems
• If there is a phrase you don't understand use this site to look up what it means http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_computer#Hardware
• ATA is the same as IDE
• DO NOT work on a running computer
• Always unplug and turn off your computer
• Always Wear an Anti-Static wrist guard I got lucky when changing mine Don't push your luck

Resources

• Computer Hardware

[sanderdoe]

on 5/28/2009 Good info on how to add a hard drive to a computer. I'm just thinking of doing that and will add this to my favorites! 5*

[westernmom]

on 5/28/2009 Okay, that was easy, what's next? Thanks for some very good instructions on installing a new hard drive. 5*

[michellen]

on 5/28/2009 Great article, you make it sound so easy to install a new hard drive! 5*s and rec'd