How to Switch Your Local Disk on Your Computer
Switching out your local disk (or hard drive) is a task which is occasionally necessary when the old drive becomes corrupted or broken and the chances for a successful repair are slim to none. The hard drive is mounted into a small rack in the front of the computer case, but removing and replacing it should not prove too troublesome, even for a computer novice.
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Instructions
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If your computer case uses screwless entry, consult your operating instructions for the proper method to remove the side and open your machine. Otherwise, open the side of your computer by removing the two large screws located on the top-right and bottom-right sides of the back of your computer case. Once removed, the side of the machine should pull out. Remove it by first shifting it backwards (in the direction of the rear panel of the case), then pulling it out and away from the computer.
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Locate your old hard drive and remove it. The old hard drive will be mounted in a small metal rack towards the front of the case. It will be held into place by two cables (a larger IDE cable and a smaller power cable) and a pair of screws. Carefully pull the cables out of the hard drive and tie them to the side of the machine for later use in reattaching your new local disk. Unscrew the hard drive by removing the screws on either side of the drive. At this point the drive should slide right out.
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Insert the new local disk in its place and reattach it, using the same screws and cables that you just removed from the old disk. Mount it into place first by using the screws, then plug in the IDE cable and power supply cord.
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Tips & Warnings
Boot your computer to ensure that the new local disk is operational before replacing the side.
