Some tips for replacing a hard drive
Replacing a hard drive is an intimidating thought to many computer owners, but it does not have to be that way. In reality, it is not at all difficult to replace a hard drive, and such a task is well within the abilities of most computer owners. Before replacing a hard drive it is important to take a number of steps before you begin. If you are replacing a failed hard drive, it is a good idea to attempt to recover some of your important data first. There are a number of software programs on the market that can recover files even from physically damaged disks, so before you toss that failed disk in the trash it may be worth your while to at least try to recover some of your most important files first. If you are replacing a hard drive with another of a higher capacity it is important to back up the data on the current hard drive, using either a portable hard drive, an external hard drive, a DVD writer or a CD writer. Getting the information on the drive into a safe format will make it easier to move it to the higher capacity drive after it is in place. Depending on the configuration of your computer, you may not have to replace the hard drive at all. If your computer case still has a 5.25" bay available, you may be able to simply hook the new hard drive up as a secondary hard drive. Doing so is generally very easy, and simply consists of hooking up the IDE cable and a cable from the power supply. When you buy the new hard drive it should come with instructions on how best to install it, so be sure to look at those instructions before getting started. You may also be able to find good instructions at the web site of your computer manufacturer. Whether you are adding a hard drive or replacing a failed hard drive, it is important to follow the directions of the computer manufacturer and the maker of the hard drive. The first step is to open the case, and the manual that came with your hard drive should provide complete instructions on how to disassemble the case and install the new hard drive. If you are replacing a hard drive with a new one, you will simply disconnect the cables running to the current hard drive and hook up the new hard drive. If the new hard drive is completely new, you will no doubt need to install the operating system that came with your PC, so it is important to gather up all the CDs you will need before you get started. If you are adding a hard drive, it is important to follow the instructions in your computer's owners manual, and to connect the proper cables to make the new drive the secondary. Most computer makers make it quite easy to accomplish this, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully when installing the secondary drive.
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