How to Replace Your Hard Drive

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

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.
FACT: Today's personal computers have about 1,000 times the speed and 500,000 times the memory of the Apollo 11 computer systems.