Install a SATA or IDE hard drive to your HP computer.
Replacing a hard drive installed in your HP computer is inevitable as it may get damaged over time. Hardware devices are fragile, especially the hard drive, that can become damaged with a single drop. This makes it necessary to install a new hard drive to your HP computer. Note that there are two types of hard drive: IDE and SATA. Both require different steps for installation.
Instructions
SATA Hard Drive Installation
1. Turn off the computer and remove all cables and external peripherals that are attached to the computer. Remove the screws at the back of the computer. Slide away the side panel to remove.
2. Locate the "SATA slot" on your motherboard. Read the labels on the motherboard to look for slot, which should read "SATA1" or "SATA2." Use the SATA interface connector that comes with your hard drive to connect from the SATA slot on the motherboard into the connector port at the back of the hard drive. Also attach the power cables from the power supply into the power port of the hard drive.
3. Use a Philips screwdriver to secure the drive into the "drive cage." Do not tighten the screws too much as this may damage the hard disk. Close the computer casing.
IDE Hard Drive Installation
4. Unplug wires and cables attached to the computer. Ensure that the computer is turned off while you do this. Open the computer casing.
5. Read the labels on the motherboard to locate the "IDE port," which should read "IDE1" or "IDE2." Connect the IDE cable (a thin, flat cable with two connectors) from the IDE port of the motherboard into the hard disk. If there is only one hard drive in your HP computer, use the last connector (at the end of the the IDE cable) to make it the "master" hard drive. If there are two hard drives, connect the first connector on the cable into the first hard drive, and the second connector into the second hard drive. Also connect the power cable from the power supply to the power port of the hard disk.
6. Fasten the screws to secure the hard drive to the "drive cage." Close the computer casing and plug the cables and devices that you removed earlier.
Tags: hard drive, hard drive, your computer, computer casing, drive your, drive your computer, hard disk