How to Install a New Hard Drive Into a Dell Dimension 8300

The Dell Dimension 8300 desktop computer is a PC built for home consumer use. If you own this computer and want to install a new hard drive, you must remove the drive already in the system and install your new drive in its place. This process requires some minor technical skills, since you do have to work inside the computer.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Hard drive

Instructions

1. Turn off your computer and unplug all cables from the back of the machine, including the power cable.

2. Facing the back of the computer, lay the computer flat on its left side. Press down on the large, black, plastic oval buttons on the top and bottom of the computer near the back and pull up on the right panel, which will swing open.

3. Unplug the power and data cables from the hard drive. The hard drive is located near the front of the inside of the computer and will have two cables attached to it, one running to the motherboard and the other to the power supply unit at the back of the computer case.

4. Slide the hard drive out of the drive bay and use your screwdriver to remove the green rails attached to it.

5. Attach the green rails to your new hard drive with the screws from the old drive and slide it into the drive bay. Plug the power and data cables into the new hard drive, ensuring they are secure.

6. Close the computer panel, making sure the buttons on the top and bottom of the computer lock into place. Turn the computer upright, plug the cables back in and turn the computer on. You can now install Windows on the drive and use it.

References

• Dell: Dimension 8300 Technical Manual