How to Replace Your Hard Drive
If your computer seems a bit sluggish, this guide will help breathe new life into your old machine.
Up next in Data Management & Storage (23 videos)
Organize your online information with the data management and storage tips in this Howcast video series.
You Will Need
- A micro screwdriver
- A new hard drive
- An anti-static wrist strap (optional)
- Rubber-soled shoes (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Backup old drive
Backup the old hard drive and save files you want to transfer to the new one.
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Step 2
Turn off computer
Turn off the computer and unplug the external cables, including the power cable.
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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.
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Static electricity can destroy a new hard drive. Make sure you ground yourself with an anti-static wrist strap or rubber-soled shoes.
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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.
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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.
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Step 6
Restart computer
Put the housing back on, reattach the external cables, and then restart the computer.
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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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Today's personal computers have about 1,000 times the speed and 500,000 times the memory of the Apollo 11 computer systems.
