How to Use a Seagate Disk

Seagate hard disk drives are used to store all of the various files and programs you need on your computer. Installing and using a Seagate disk drive is a simple process that can be completed quickly at home. Seagate disk drives come with their own diagnostic software that automatically checks for any errors on the device and lets you know if you need to reformat the disk and start over from scratch.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Operating system recovery CD

Instructions

Installation

1. Plug the Seagate drive's USB cable into an open USB port on your computer if you are using an external hard drive. Power the computer off and remove all of its cables if you are installing an internal hard drive.

2. Remove the side panel screws from the back end of the computer case. Pull the side panel off the computer. Slide the Seagate drive into an open drive bay at the right side of the motherboard.

3. Push the jumper pin on the back of the Seagate drive into the "Master" setting if you are only using one drive. Put the jumper pin into the "Slave" setting if you are installing a second drive.

4. Connect the cable running from the power supply to the port on the back of the Seagate drive. Install the screws to hold the drive to the drive bay. Reassemble the computer.

5. Insert the installation disc that came with the drive into the computer's CD or DVD drive. Follow the installation instructions on the screen.

6. Open the "Start" menu and right-click "My Computer" if you would like to change the drive letter for the Seagate disk. Select "Manage." Click on "Disk Management."

7. Right-click the Seagate disk option and choose "Change Drive Letter." Select the drive letter you would like to use and click "OK."

Diagnosing and Fixing Problems

1. Open the "SeaTools" software you installed earlier. Click on "Long Drive Self Test."

2. Save backup copies of any files you need to an external source if the drive test displays a "failed" result.

3. Return to the SeaTools software and click "Full Erase." Select "OK" and wait for the hard drive to finish its reformat process.

4. Insert the operating system recovery disk that came with your computer into the CD drive.

5. Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall the operating system.

Tips & Warnings

• Seagate manufactures both ATA and SCSI hard drives. If your computer does not have built-in SCSI capabilities, you will need to install an SCSI adapter into an open PCI slot on your motherboard. Check your computer's manual to find out if it is SCSI compatible. In Windows Vista you must be logged on as an administrator to access the Disk Management screen.

• Depending on how much data is stored on your Seagate Disk, the Long Drive Self Test could take up to four hours.

References

• Seagate Disk Drive Support Website
• Using SeaTools

Resources

• Seagate Web Page