How To Change The Hard Drive

By: Deborah Taylor

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Need to know how to change the hard drive on your computer? Even for those who have never opened a computer case before, it is still considered a simple process. Changing your hard drive yourself saves you a great deal in labor fee costs charged by computer professionals. If you determine that your hard drive has stopped working or if you desire more space for additional files and programs, take these simple steps to change your hard drive.

To change your hard drive, you will need:

The new or replacement hard drive
A screwdriver
A setup disk if inserting a new hard drive

Open your case. Depending on the model and type of computer undergoing the change of hard drive, there are usually mounting screws holding the outside cover together. They are normally found on the rear of your computer casing, and may hold either a section or the complete outside cover to the main computer body. Remove each with a screw driver and place them in a safe place.
Remove any static electricity. The second, and often most overlooked step when changing a hard drive, is removing any static electricity from your hands. Static electricity can damage electronic components of a computer and can sometimes completely destroy some of the parts. Rub your hands on a metal surface before touching any inside components of your computer. In most situations, touching the outside of the case is sufficient.
Find your hard drive. The hard drive is a flat, metal box component that normally contains at least two cable connections. One connection is to the main circuit board in the back of your computer case. The second connection is made directly to the power supply for the computer. Normally, the hard drive is located in the front section of the computer the farthest away from the computer’s power supply.
Remove the hard drive. Disconnect the cables connecting your hard drive to the main circuit board, and the power supply of your computer. Disconnect the screws holding the hard drive in place and slide it out. Take note of the settings on the back of your old hard drive to determine if it is set as a slave or a master drive. Set your new hard drive to the same setting.
Change your hard drive. Simply replace the new hard drive in the same spot where the old one came from. Screw the mounting screws back in place, connect the cables to the rear of the replacement hard drive, then close and secure your case.
Format your hard drive for use. If you have changed your hard drive to a new, store-bought hard drive, you will need it formatted for your computer and operating system. If you do not have a setup disk, you can go online to the manufacturing website of your hard drive and look for a download used when changing to a new hard drive of that manufacturer. Install the software from the setup disk or download and follow the program’s instructions to format your new hard drive for use. Once you have completed with formatting for your operating system, you can restart your computer, then install and replace any software and programs.