03:25
Ganesh Sharma
The hard drive is the primary storage location for all of your computer’s data. If you run out of that storage, installing a new drive may be the most practical solution. If your computer is dead, you may need to replace your old failed hard drive. In either case, you can do it yourself instead of taking your computer into a repair shop. Read on after the jump to learn how.
Method 1 of 2: Installing a Desktop Hard Drive
1.
Power down the computer. Shut off the power supply in the back. If you
can access the inside where it stands, you don’t need to unplug the
computer. Otherwise, unplug the computer and place it somewhere that
allows you to get inside.
2. Remove the case panels. You
may need a Phillip’s head screwdriver, but most newer computers have
thumbscrews. You will need to remove both sides so that you can screw
the hard drive in on both sides.3. Make sure you are grounded. If your computer is still plugged in (but the power supply is switched off), you can ground yourself by touching any metal part of the case. Otherwise, make sure that you are grounded before starting to work on the inside of the computer. This will prevent electrostatic shock from damaging the components of your computer.
4. Remove the old drive (if applicable). If you are removing an old hard drive, make sure all of the cables are disconnected from both the motherboard and the power supply. Unscrew all the screws on both sides of the hard drive, and then slide it out of the housing.
- You may need to remove more cables or cards in order to access the hard drives in a tight case.
- If you can, use a slot that has some space around it. This will improve airflow and lead to a cooler system, but is not a critical concern.
- Tighten the screws to a firm tightness, but don’t overtighten as that may cause damage as well.
- If you are connecting your primary hard drive, the SATA cable should be plugged into the first SATA channel. This may be labeled SATA0 or SATA1. Refer to your motherboard documentation for detailed information for your motherboard.
- Secondary drives should be connected to the next available SATA channel.
- The blue end of the cable plugs into the motherboard. The black connector plugs into your primary (Master) drive, while the black connector plugs into the secondary (Slave) drive if applicable.
- Set the jumper for your primary drive to Master. The jumper diagram should be printed onto the hard drive. If you are installing a secondary drive but it is the only drive connected to the cable, it should be set to Master as well.
- Make sure that all of your connections are secure. Ensure that none of the cables can come undone by wiggling them a little bit.
11. Finish the installation. Once you’ve got everything connected and the computer turned back on, you’ll need to finish the installation of the hard drive from your computer. If you are replacing your primary drive, you’ll have to reinstall your operating system. If you are adding a new drive, you;ll need to format the drive before you can use it.
- To reinstall Windows, follow the guide that matches your operating system:
- To reinstall OS X, follow the guide that matches your operating system:
- Leopard
- Snow Leopard
- Mountain Lion
- To format your hard drive, follow this guide for all systems.
Method 2 of 2: Installing a Laptop Hard Drive
1. Power down your laptop. Shut your laptop down completely (don’t put it in Sleep mode). Turn it over and remove the battery from the back of the laptop. This will help prevent the possibility of electrocution.2. Open the hard disk panel. This panel is located on the bottom of the laptop. You will need a small Phillip’s head screwdriver in order to remove the screws and the panel. The panel can be identified by the hard drive logo printed next to it.
- Almost every laptop can only fit one hard drive at a time. Some of the higher-end laptops may be able to support two. If you are replacing your only hard drive, you will need to reinstall your operating system after replacing it.
4. Pull the ribbon to release the hard drive. The hard drive will pop back about half an inch, allowing you to remove it from its housing. Place your old hard drive somewhere safe in case you need to retrieve data off of it.
5. Insert your new hard drive. Ensure that you insert it with the correct side facing out. Once you’ve placed the hard drive in the housing, press it firmly into the connectors. Do not force the hard drive, or you may damage the connectors. Once the hard drive is secure, reinsert any screws.
6. Close up the laptop. Once the hard drive is installed, close up the panel and reinsert the battery. Make sure the panel is securely closed. You will now need to prepare the new drive:
- To reinstall Windows, follow the guide that matches your operating system:
- To reinstall OS X, follow the guide that matches your operating system:
- Leopard
- Snow Leopard
- Mountain Lion
- To format your hard drive, follow this guide for all systems.
0 comments:
Post a Comment