How to Install a Hard Drive in a Computer

Installing a hard drive on a computer is not an difficult task. In fact, even a newbie can do it! All you need to know is what cable should be plugged in where. It is a simple process and shouldn't take more than a few minutes of your time. You will need a set of screw drivers and the compatible screws that should come with the hard drive.

To start off, open up your CPU’s body. Make sure you have unlocked all the locks that you usually get with branded computers. If the locks aren’t unlocked you won’t be able to replace the hard drive. Once you have done this the next step is to know where your hard drive is. If you don’t yet know where the hard drive is placed check your computer’s manual and it will tell you. Now, again check if there are any clips or locks surrounding the hard drive as in most of the computers the hard drive has extra clip to keep it secure.

Now you know where the hard drive is so start detaching it from the computer. If you are installing a new hard drive and your computer doesn’t have one so you need to trace where it should be fixed from the manual. Next check in the manual again to see which plugs are to be plugged in and where they go. If you are replacing your old hard drive then the process is simpler. All you need to do is to keep a track of the plugs that you removed and remember which slots they should be plugged into again.

Depending on the type of hard drive you are installing you will need to figure out the jumpers. SATA hard drives are easier to install as they come with their own wires. With an IDE hard drive you need to figure out an IDE channel from your motherboard. Of course you won’t use the same on that is connected to your DVD drive. Usually motherboards come with two IDE channels so it is easier to track the idle one.

When the home work is done all you need to do is to connect the wires and let the hard drive run. Properly connect the jumper and other wires and make sure your hard drive is properly fit in. Close all the locks or clips that you had open earlier to detach the hard drive. Do not close the cover of your CPU yet.

Turn on the computer and see if it’s working. If the new hard drive is not properly installed the computer won’t run and in the case of an additional hard drive you will need to manually go into my computer properties and check whether the new hard drive is showing up or not. If you have replaced your old hard drive with the new one then also your computer won’t start if it’s not properly connected.

Photo Credits: Tim Patterson

Originally posted 2010-04-23 03:39:15.

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hard drives, installing a hard drive, installing a new hard drive, motherboard, new hard drive

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Posted by How To Computer on January 31, 2012 in Computer Tips, hard drive. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.