Installing a new hard disk is one of the most common upgrade tasks. It’s an easy way to extend the life of a computer that is running out of storage space. When you install a new internal or external hard disk you can boost your total disk space several times over, since hard disks are much bigger today than even two or three years ago.
External hard disks
The simplest way to add more hard disk space is to plug in an external hard disk. If you add an external hard disk, it cannot function as your primary hard disk where you install Windows, but you can use it as a secondary disk to store programs and files. Adding an external hard disk is a good way to create plenty of extra space to store digital photos, videos, music, and other files that require a large amount of disk space.
To install an external hard disk, all you have to do is plug it in to your computer and connect the power cord. Most of these hard disks plug into a USB port, but some plug into a Firewire (also known as IEEE 1394) port. For additional instructions, check the information that came with your external hard disk. You may also want to install any software that came with the hard disk.
Installing an internal hard disk takes a bit more work, especially if you plan to make the new disk your primary hard disk where you install Windows. To install an internal hard disk, you should be comfortable opening your computer case and connecting cables.
Most desktop computers have room for at least two internal hard disks. Mobile PCs have room for only one hard disk. If you are replacing the primary hard disk rather than adding a secondary disk, you will have to install Windows after you connect the disk.
NoteMany internal hard disks contain jumper pins you must set in order to designate a hard disk as a primary (master) disk where you install Windows or as a secondary (subordinate) disk where you store programs and files. These jumpers are small plastic sleeves that you must place on the correct metal jumper pins. For additional instructions, check the information that came with the internal hard disk.
Turn off your computer, disconnect the power, and remove your computer’s cover. If you have a mobile PC, check the information from the manufacturer to find out if there is a panel you can remove to access the hard disk.
2.
Unplug all cables connected to the hard disk, and then remove the hard disk. Pay attention to which cables you unplug, since you will plug the same cables into the new hard disk. If there are any screws holding in the hard disk, you will need a small screwdriver to unscrew them. Many hard disks slide in and out of the case on rails. If you have questions, check the information that came with your computer.
3.
Insert the new hard disk and connect it to the same cables in the same places as the hard disk you removed. One cable connects the disk to the computer’s power supply, and the other cable connects the disk to the computer’s motherboard.
Turn off your computer, disconnect the power, and remove your computer’s cover. If you have a mobile PC, check the information from the manufacturer to find out if there is a panel you can remove to access the hard disk.
2.
Insert the new hard disk into an empty hard disk bay in your computer case. You may need a small screwdriver to screw the disk into your case. Different cases have different ways of holding hard disks. Many slide in on a chassis.
3.
Connect one cable from the computer’s power supply to the power connector on the back of the hard disk.
4.
Connect the wide, flat IDE cable (which normally comes with a new hard disk) from the back of the disk to the IDE connector on the computer’s motherboard.
After you have installed a new hard disk, your computer should recognize the new disk if you have installed it correctly. When you turn on your computer, the basic input/output system (BIOS) should automatically detect the new hard disk.
If you plan to use the new hard disk as the primary partition that contains Windows, then you will have to install Windows on the disk before you can use your computer. You will need a Windows Vista installation disc to do this. For more information, search Help and Support for "Installing and reinstalling Windows."
If you plan to use the new hard disk as a secondary disk (one that does not contain Windows), you should be able to see the new hard disk drive the next time you start your computer and log on to Windows. After Windows starts, click the Start button , click Computer, and then look for your new drive in the Computer folder. The letter assigned to the drive will depend on your computer’s configuration. If you don't see the new hard disk drive, try looking for it in Computer Management.
1.
Open Computer Management by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, clicking Administrative Tools, and then double-clicking Computer Management. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
2.
In the Navigation pane, under Storage, click Disk Management, and then look for the new drive.
You will probably have to format the hard disk before you can use it. For instructions, see Formatting disks and drives. Follow these same instructions to format an old hard disk that contains data you want to erase.
If your computer does not recognize the new hard disk, double-check the installation instructions that came with the hard disk. If you have additional questions, go to the manufacturer's website.
NoteYou can divide a new hard disk into more than one partition. Each partition on the hard disk can be formatted and assigned a drive letter. For more information, see Managing hard disks: recommended links.
A general term that describes laptops, notebook PCs, Tablet PCs, and ultra-mobile PCs. This term does not describe computing devices (such as mobile phones and PDAs) or desktop computers.
Motherboard
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Motherboard
A computer's primary circuit board. The board contains most of the computer's basic components.
Basic input/output system (BIOS)
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Basic input/output system (BIOS)
Software that is built into a computer and that is run when the computer is first turned on. Among other things, this software starts the operating system and supports the transfer of information between hardware devices (such as the keyboard and the monitor).
USB port
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USB port
A narrow, rectangular connection point on a computer or other device (such as a keyboard) where you can connect a universal serial bus (USB) device.
Primary partition
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Primary partition
A type of partition created on basic disks that can host an operating system and functions as though it were a physically separate disk. Also called a volume. Up to four primary partitions can be created on a basic disk.
Partition
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Partition
Part of a computer hard disk that functions like a separate disk. Separate, formatted partitions share your computer's memory and storage space. Partitions allow you to install more than one operating system on the computer.
Hard disk
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Hard disk
The primary storage device located inside a computer. Also called a hard drive or hard disk drive, it is where your files and programs are typically stored.
Drive
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Drive
An area of storage that is formatted with a file system and has a drive letter. The storage can be a floppy disk, a CD or DVD, a hard disk, or another type of disk.
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