How to Move a Hard Drive From One Computer Into Another

Lots of storage space. Just plug it in.

Installing a hard disk is a great way to increase the usefulness of your computer. It's especially rewarding when you want to bring information from one computer to another. Virtually all desktop computers have room for more than one hard drive. Most laptops can take a second hard drive. For both installations, it takes no more than a few minutes and a screwdriver.

Things You'll Need

• Small screwdriver, either Phillips, regular or both.
• Pliers

Instructions

Getting into the Old Computer, Removing the Hard Drive and Putting It Elsewhere

1. Turn off the desktop computer and remove all of the external cables. Take off the correct side panel. As you face the rear of the computer, it's usually on the right side. Turn the computer on its side. Most computer components are shielded against static electricity. Still, it's not a bad idea to ground yourself on the bare metal of the frame of the computer before you touch anything. Locate the hard drive. It's usually in the top front section. Disconnect the cables. Use the screwdriver to take out the screws and remove the hard drive.

2. Most hard drives will require you to adjust some jumpers. On the rear of the hard drive you'll see short, bare wires that poke straight out of the back with plastic bridges called "jumpers" covering two of the wires. Look at the label on the top of the hard drive. You'll see a diagram showing various positions for the jumpers. They can be in "Master," "Slave" and "Cable Select" configuration. The jumpers will be placed in the "Master" position. Use your fingernail or a pair of pliers to remove the jumpers and replace them in the "Slave" position.

3. Open the destination computer's side panel and move it over on its side. Locate the bay that is designed to hold the hard disk. Touch the frame of the computer to remove any static electricity you've acquired. Install the hard disk. This may require you to attach separate plastic rails to the sides of the hard disk. After you have the new hard disk installed, attach the data and power cables. Replace the side panel and reattach the exterior cables.

4. Start the computer. Watch for the message during the start-up that tells you to press a certain key to enter "Setup." The setup screens show you the basic information your computer uses to run itself. Each setup is different. Look for information on the hard disks and see if two are listed. If the new hard disk isn't there, you may have to reinstall it. However, continue on to the Windows splash screen.

5. When Windows is fully open, double-click "My Computer" and see if the second hard disk is listed. If it isn't, go into the control panel and double-click "Administrative Tools." Double-click "Disk Management," then click it again under "Storage" on the left side. See if it's listed in the bottom middle list of storage devices. If not, click the "Action" menu and click "Rescan Disks." If it still isn't listed, shut the computer off and check the installation of the new hard disk.

6. Laptop computers are easier. Turn the machine off and turn it over. Find the plastic cover over the hard disk and remove it. The new hard disk simply plugs in. If there's no place to plug it in, your laptop can only handle one hard disk. Much simpler. No jumper to configure. No cables to remove. No screws to take out.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't attempt this is you're not comfortable inside the case of a computer. Remember to ground yourself to remove static electricity.

References

• Microsoft: Install or remove a hard disk
• Hubpages: How to install a hard disk
• Computer Services Chicago: Computer Hard Disk Explained