How to Add an Extra Internal Hard Drive
- 1
Any computer work could result in lost data, back it up first.dvd image by dinostock from Fotolia.com
Back up any important files on your computer. Save them to an external hard drive or to an optical disc such as CD-ROM or DVD-ROM. - 2). Power off your computer and unplug the cord from the wall. Wait at least one minute before opening the case (there are capacitors in the system that can hold electricity even after the computer is turned off). Use the screwdriver to remove the screws holding the case. Remove the case.
- 3). Attach the clip on your anti-static wrist strap to the metal of the computer case. Place the strap around your wrist. This will prevent you from discharging static into your computer and damaging the circuits. Even a small discharge can cause damage.
- 4). Remove the new hard drive from its anti-static bag. Look inside the case to see where the new hard drive will fit. You will see the current hard drive with a ribbon cable and a power cable coming out the back. Extra hard drive slots are usually right next to the current hard drive. Test fit the new hard drive in the available slot. Line up the holes in the metal rails with the holes in the sides of the hard drive case. Test to see that the power and ribbon cables will reach (there should be extra cables in your PC case or cables included with the new hard drive or both).
- 5
Jumpers are small connectors that bridge the gap between two wires.computer screws and jupper switches image by Agb from Fotolia.com
Set the jumpers on your hard drive if you have an IDE drive (usually for a computer that was made before 2003). Newer SATA drives do not require this step. Consult the manual that came with your new IDE hard drive to see how to set the jumpers to indicate this is a slave hard drive. Your current drive will be set as the master. Use the needle nose pliers to gently remove the jumper and then reposition it according to the diagram in the manual and firmly press it down. Be careful to not bend the pins. - 6). Screw in the support screws that hold the hard drive in place. Do not over tighten the screws; they should just be snug.
- 7
A ribbon cable for connecting a hard drive.competer cable image by Pali A from Fotolia.com
Plug in the ribbon cable to the wide port on the back of the hard drive. The new SATA cables are keyed so you can only plug them in the correct way. If you have an IDE hard drive, look at the cable to see where there is a blank spot and line that up with the missing pin on the back of the hard drive. Line up the cable straight and level with the back of the drive and firmly push it in. Try to not torque to one side or the other as this can bend the pins. - 8
A power cable for connecting a hard drive.cable image by mangia from Fotolia.com
Connect the power cable to the back of the hard drive. Ensure that it is firmly seated. - 9). Close the case and replace the screws. Plug the computer back in and power it on. Windows should automatically recognize the new hard drive, and if it is an SATA drive it will likely already be formatted. If you have an IDE hard drive you will need to format it. In Windows click "Start" then click "My Computer" and look for an extra hard drive. Your old drive should be labeled "C:" and they new drive might be "E:" or "F:," depending on how many optical drives you have. Right-click on the new drive and select "format" and then follow the instructions to format the drive. Be sure you are selecting the new drive as formatting will delete all of the data on a hard drive.
