How To Replace Your Hard Drive

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If your computer seems a bit sluggish, this guide will help breathe new life into your old machine.

To complete this How-To you will need:

A micro screwdriver
A new hard drive
An anti-static wrist strap (optional)
Rubber-soled shoes (optional)

Step 1: Backup old drive

Backup the old hard drive and save files you want to transfer to the new one.

Step 2: Turn off computer

Turn off the computer and unplug the external cables, including the power cable.

Step 3: Open the computer

Remove the housing and unplug the ribbon cable, also known as the multi-wire planar cable, and the power cable from the old hard drive.

Tip: Static electricity can destroy a new hard drive. Make sure you ground yourself with an anti-static wrist strap or rubber-soled shoes.

Step 4: Remove the hard drive

Use a micro screwdriver to remove the screws holding the hard drive in place, and then gently slip it out.

Step 5: Install new hard drive

Secure the new hard drive in place with the original screws and then reattach the ribbon and power cables.

Step 6: Restart computer

Put the housing back on, reattach the external cables, and then restart the computer.

Step 7: Reinstall operating system

Reinstall or upgrade your operating system and then copy your backed up programs and files to the new drive.

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Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• HotHowTos
• computers
• PC
• Mac
• hard drive
• repairs
• update
• hardware
• technology
• tech
• install

[brandonr85]

Uhh, replacing your hard drive won't solve your problems. You should be proactive and take care of your computer in the first place, and then you won't have to spend the money.

[manyakols9]

lame

[ekstaasikontiainen]

Lol. I bet they just have neon lights to make it look pro.

[1alwayswin]

I have a cpu with a 120 g hd. I want to replace it with a 360 g hard drive. I lost the system backup disk. If i put in the new hard drive will it even start up?

[heroicevil]

If I put a condom on my hard drive and go to a porn website will my computer get an STD?

[chadheck96]

@PiexlHD I know but when it comes out I may get it and a SSD :) Hopefully the SSD prices will go a little down by then.

[PiexlHD]

@chadheck96 Yes :) But you have to install your drivers again (check your computer model's website) and better use Google Chrome instead of Internet Explorer :D BTW: There's no windows 8 yet if you didn't know

[chadheck96]

Let's say I bought a SSD and installed Windows 8. Would it come with all the essentials on it already like Internet Explorer? Stupid question, but I've never replaced a Hard Drive or Operation System so I just want to make sure.

[lern2live]

@wiigamer136 Thanks Captain Obvious!

[wiigamer136]

@lern2live

Then it is a different process.

[Revanchist12]

would wearing a condom ground me and protect my new hard drive at the same time?

[studes900]

why not use rubber gloves?