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Overview
Internal hard disks connect to your computer's motherboard using an IDE interface or SATA interface. Most new hard drives come with either an IDE or SATA connection cable, depending on the type of drive.
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Many IDE internal hard disks contain jumper pins that you must set to designate a hard disk as a primary (master) disk where you install Windows or as a secondary (subordinate) disk where you store programs and files. These jumpers are small plastic sleeves that you must place on the correct metal jumper pins. For additional instructions, check the information that came with the internal hard disk. |
To remove and replace an internal hard disk
1. Turn off your computer, disconnect the power, and remove your computer's cover. If you have a laptop, remove the battery from the computer as well as check the information from the manufacturer to find out if there is a panel you can remove to access the hard disk.
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3. Insert the new hard disk and connect it to the same cables that are in the same places as the hard disk you removed. One cable connects the disk to the computer's power supply, and the other cable connects the disk to the computer's motherboard.
To add a new internal hard disk (without removing an existing disk)
1. Turn off your computer, disconnect the power, and remove your computer's cover. If you have a laptop, remove the battery from the computer as well as check the information from the manufacturer to find out if there is a panel you can remove to access the hard disk.
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4. Depending on what type of hard disk you have, connect the IDE cable or SATA cable from the back of the disk to the IDE or SATA connector on the computer's motherboard. IDE cables are wide and flat with large connectors, while SATA cables are thin with small connectors. For more information, check the information that came with the hard disk.
Preparing to use a new hard disk
If you've installed your new hard disk correctly, your computer should recognize it. When you turn on your computer, the basic input/output system (BIOS) should automatically detect the new hard disk.
If you plan to use the new hard disk as the primary partition that contains Windows, then you'll have to install Windows on the disk before you can use your computer. You'll need a Windows 7 installation disc to do this. For more information, check this
If you plan to use the new hard disk as a secondary disk (one that does not contain Windows), you should be able to see the new hard disk drive the next time you start your computer and log on to Windows. After Windows starts, click the Windows Start button, click Computer, and then look for your new drive. The letter assigned to the drive will depend on your computer's configuration. If you don't see the new hard disk drive, try looking for it in Computer Management.
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2. In the left pane, under Storage, click Disk Management, and then look for the new drive.
You'll probably have to format the hard disk before you can use it. For instructions, check here. Follow these same instructions to format an old hard disk that contains data you want to erase.
If your computer doesn't recognize the new hard disk, double-check the installation instructions that came with the hard disk. If you have additional questions, go to the manufacturer's website.
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You can divide a new hard disk into more than one partition. Each partition on the hard disk can be formatted and assigned a drive letter. For more information, check here. |