How To Replace Computer Hard Drive

Level of difficulty: Easy

There are possible reasons in replacing a computer hard drive. A hard drive experiences hardware failure and need to be replaced or you may want to upgrade the primary drive to increase storage capacity and computer speed. This is relatively an easy task to complete.

Materials Needed:
- Hard Drive
- Screw Driver
Step 1
First, backup all files you may want to keep.
Step 2
Make sure that the power is off on the system. Remove the power supply cable connections behind the computer.
Step 3
Open the two sides of the computer using a screw driver. Unplug the board ribbon or the power cable from to the motherboard, hard drive(s), and ROM drive(s) to provide enough space. Disconnect the ribbon or data cable (IDE, SATA) from the hard drive. IDE uses a wide cable and connector to link the hard drive and motherboard. While SATA uses a smaller cable.
Step 4
Use the screw driver to loosen the screws located on both sides of the hard drive. A Hard drive is generally located in a specific rail or cage within the front computer casing.
Step 5
Slowly and carefully remove the old hard drive out of the casing. Set it aside.
Step 6
The jumper settings are generally shown on top of the hard drive. Make sure that the new hard drive jumper setting (Master / Slave) selections are correct. The setting should be the same as the old drive when replacing.
Step 7
Install the new hard drive using the same slot. Tighten up the screws on the same side to secure the newly installed hard drive.
Step 8
Reconnect the ribbon or data cable (IDE, SATA) into the new hard drive, including the ribbon for ROM drives, and motherboard. Make sure to check for loose connection to avoid future problems.
Step 9
Attach the power cable/ribbon that connects the motherboard, hard drive, ROM drive to the power supply. Ensure proper connection to avoid power failure.
Step 10
After replacing the hard drive, you are required to inspect all the connections on the motherboard, ROM drive, hard drive, and other computer peripherals.
Step 11
Close the side panel of the computer casing and connect the power cable at the back of the power supply.
Step 12
After this process, you may begin to install a new copy of Windows Operating System. Insert the Windows OS installation CD into the ROM drive and follow the instructions.
Step 13
After the Operating System installation, you may then restore the backed up files.


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