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How to Add a Second Hard Drive to a Computer

Step 1:
Set out your materials, which are:Hard drive (with at least 2 screws & wires) and Tools (phillips or flathead).

Step 2:
Turn off your computer by using Shut Down.

Step 3:
While waiting on the computer to shut down, wash your hands and then of course, dry them.

Step 4:
Once the computer has completly shut down, unplug all the cords and extras so your computer is bare.

Step 5:
Pick up your computer, so you can work with it and place it on a stable surface, like the kitchen table or your desktop.

Step 6:
sample of bolt holding the lid/cover on computerNow, look for a bolt, nut, screw or latch that is on the outside of the base. It's keeping the lid on your computer.

Step 7:
Once you find it, unscrew it. Some computers have a small piece of tape on the outside of this lid, it's transparent, taped to both the lid and the reminder of the base. It only warns you about going inside the computer, that it voids the warrenty and/or shock. It's not much to worry about because once you're done, it tapes itself back, and if you follow the next step, shocking yourself should not happen.

Step 8:
Once unscrewed, depending on the brand of computer, lift the lid or slide it off. Don't worry, you shouldn't break anything. You'll hear a pop. If this is the first time taking it off, it will probably take a few minutes to loosen the tape (don't peel it off yourself -it will do it on it's own)

Step 9:
Once off, set the lid aside to a place where it won't fall on you or the computer.

Step 10:
Rub your hands together, including fingers. Not fast, just like you were going to wipe something off...you could also touch the side of the computer where the lid came from. All this will help prevent static cling (this part can be taken care of when you do step 12)

Step 11:
Locate, inside your computer, the power button. Look over at all four corners. There are clips that are holding the front panel on your computer. Some computers have two additional clips in the middle.

Step 12:
Set your computer right side up, like if you were going to use it (or leave it laying down; whichever is easier for you on the next step)

Step 13:
To remove the front panel, unclip the clips,(depending on computer) just pop them out. Push down (or up or out) This is probably the hardest part on getting started. Some computers don't like this, so it's harder than most. You have to pop one out, while holding another..so on and on.

Step 14:
Once you think you have them all unclipped, pull the front panel off, if it's not off already. If it doesn't come off easy, you might have another clip to undo.

Step 15:
Once off, you should be able to see all your drives, such as DVD, CD and Hard drive (and dust!)

Step 16:
Set the panel aside.

Step 17:
now, lay the computer back on the side where you can see inside the computer like before.

Step 18:
Determine which one you haveNewer computers now use a Flat red wire (blue circle in picture) for new hard drives, while the older models still use the Flat Gray/Black wire (pink circle in picture) for hook ups. Determine which type you use. Power cord is in the green circle.

Step 19:
Locate your current hard drive. It looks like the same one you have to upgrade/add. Black/silver and square.

Step 20:
If your upgrade is a New drive, that's still in the box, open it and then set the wires that came with it, aside. You won't need all of them, hopefully only the red (or black) flat wire. Same if it were a used hard drive.

Step 21:
Take a look at your current hard drive and the wires that are going into it. You're going to copy what you see already, basically.

Step 22:
Take a look at the Red Flat Wire. It plugs into a certain part of the hard drive. Follow it along until it comes to the computer motherboard. See how it connects? Look to see if you have another area to plug on in. It should be right beside that one. If you do not, then you can not plug another hard drive up this way. Newer computers should have this there for you.

Step 23:
Open the wires that came with your new hard drive. Take out the red flat wire. Plug it into the area you located on the motherboard (next to the one being used by your current hard drive).

Step 24:
Now do the same with the other plug that's already in the hard drive. The power plug. Follow it along until you come to the bundle of other plugs. Find the plug with the next number on it. So in other words, if you only have 3 things in your computer (DVD, CD and hard drive) you'll be looking for number 4 written/stamped on the side of the plug.

Step 25:
Pick up your new hard drive, rub it gently, like you're dusting it and then slide it into the slot underneath (or above- depends on your computer) where your current hard drive is located.

Step 26:
Pick up end of the other Red Flat Wire, plug it into the area that fits on the hard drive. It's just like any other plug. Fix it to fit and then gently push it into place. -This is going to make this drive your secondary (slave). If you want it your first (master) what it first boots to, then unplug it from the current hard drive, and give your current hard drive the plug you're holding now, to make it your secondary. Some hard drives are different. Consult with your manual that came with the hard drive, to ensure you can do this.

Step 27:
Pick up the power plug (the smaller plug) and then gently, but with force, plug it into the other area on the back of the hard drive. (all plugs are self explanatory) No switching here. ;)

Step 28:
Fix the hard drive where you like it in the slot..in some, out some. its up to you.

Step 29:
Some hard drives are snug in their new slot, while others might need tightening. If yours isn't snug and you want it that way, find the screws that came with the new hard drive and open the package. (carefully, or they'll go flying across the room)

Step 30:
find and line up the screw places with the computer base and the hard drive.

Step 31:
Pick up your phillips screwdriver (I like the ones with magnetic ends only) and rub the metal part on your hands a couple of times. This does help, so you won't hurt any of the computer components and yourself, once inside your computer.

Step 32:
Using your 'phillips', screw them in. Until you're happy with what you have. Usually only takes about 2.

Step 33:
Set your computer back up in the upright position.

Step 34:
Before you can say you're done, you have to check it out first.

Step 35:
Make sure there are No Wires on the fan or other important parts within the computer area.

Step 36:
Leaving the covers (base and front panel) off..Place your computer back on/near your desk area so you can plug in your:monitor, mouse, keyboard and power -last

Step 37:
Watch (and listen) your computer start. If your computer is making a noise, it could be your new hard drive (some are noisy) (or your power panel box- depends on all you have hooked up in your computer and how old it is)

Step 38:
Your computer should start fine and with Vista as your main system and XP on the secondary drive. Depending on how you have your computer set up (from the boot menu within your computer) is how the system will boot. Also depends on if you switched the flat red (or black) wire with the new hard drive or not. (from step 25)

Step 39:
If you are wanting a choice in the systems (XP or Vista), you need to go to Boot Menu (F1 while starting up) and make that choice within there.

Step 40:
Once you have discovered it's all running smoothly, shut down the computer off again by using Shut Down. Once it's shut down, you can dust, it if you'd like.

Step 41:
Once you're ready, refasten the front panel the same way you took it off (except opposite) ;) and then refasten the computer lid, after you have checked to make sure there are no wires on the fan or other areas that move..that all wires are still plugged up as they were, memory is still in place..etc, once that is fine, then refasten and make sure it's secure.

Step 42:
Put computer back in place as was before, plug all back up and you're set!