Hard Drive Installation Instructions

Before you start

  • If this drive is a replacement for an old drive make sure to backup the data from your existing hard drive.
  • Make sure you have a bootable Windows startup disk created.
  • Get your hardware/software manuals together, Mother Board, Hard Drive, Windows.
  • Make sure to record the existing hard drive geometry settings from either the hard drive or the CMOS.
  • You will need a medium #2 Phillips screwdriver.

Preparing For The Installation

  • Do not unpack your new hard drive until you are ready to install it. When you do unpack the hard drive if you need to set the drive down make sure to place it (Lay it on a wide side, do not stand the drive on edge) on its static bag.
  • Handle the new drive with care. Do not jar, drop, or otherwise knock the drive about. Handle the drive by its edges only, do not touch the circuit board.
  • ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) precautions are absolutely necessary whenever handling sensitive electronic devices or opening your computer. Always ground yourself by touching any part of the metal case before touching other components. REMEMBER: Clothing can also contain electrostatic energy, do not allow clothing to come in contact with components. If you have access to an electrostatic wrist-strap it would be advisable to use it.
  • Verify that you have a free 40-pin connector. Most systems can have up to four hard drives or IDE devices installed at once. This would include an IDE CD-ROM drive. The location of the free 40-pin connector will most likely play a role in your upcoming decision on a location for the new drive. You may need to re-arrange the existing IDE devices to make the placement of the new drive possible.
  • You will need an available 4-pin power connector. If you do not have an available connector you will need a Y-adapter. These can be purchased from most computer dealers. Power (W)atts may be an issue if the system has been upgraded with prior power consumption components at an earlier date. If you system acts up after the hard drive installation you may need to install a larger power supply.
  • Determine what hardware will be required to complete the installation. Hardware might include drive rails or mounting brackets. If you will be installing a 3 1/2-inch hard drive into a 5 1/4-inch drive bay you will need either mounting brackets or in some cases drive rails. If the drive does not come with mounting hardware then you can purchase it at your local computer store. If you need drive rails you may need to contact the manufacturer of the case. Mounting the new drive into a 3 1/2-inch bay requires only mounting screws.
  • Determine what supplies you might need. Most often the new drive will come with screws but check for adequate IDE cable lengths and number of connectors. The standard IDE cable that is supplied with most drives is 18-inches in total length and the center connector is located 6-inches from one end. In tall tower cases. Longer cables may cause problems, check the hard drive manufactures specifications to be sure. 

Installing the New Drive

  1. Turn off the system power. Make sure to discharge yourself to the case. Unplug the system.
  2. Remove the cover from the case. Make sure to keep all hardware together. This will simplify the task of reassembling the case.
  3. If this drive will be the only drive in the system then check the jumper settings on the new drive for proper single drive operation. If this is a dual install check the jumpers on both the new and old drives for proper operation. If you are in doubt check the hard drive manufacturer documentation or check out our online links to hard drive manufactures and jumper settings.
  4. Check and attach the IDE cables to the mother board. Make sure to align pin-1 of the cable (Marked with a colored stripe on the cable) with pin-1 on the socket. You may need to consult the mother board manual for pin-1 socket alignment.
  5. Mount the hard drive in position using your selection for location. Make sure to install all necessary hardware. This means use all screws. Improper mounting can cause possible damage to the drive. Make sure to leave adequate spacing between the hard drive and other installed components. Air-flow is very important to maintain consistent operation of the drive. Inadequate air-flow can cause the drive to overheat and or shorten the lifespan of the hard drive.
  6. Attach the cable coming from the mother board socket to the hard drive(s). Make sure to align pin-1 of the cable (Marked with a colored stripe on the cable) with pin-1 on the hard drive socket. Usually pin-1 is marked on the solder side of the circuit board. If necessary consult the hard drive manufacturers manual for pin-1 alignment. In some instances there is a plug in one pin of the cable which will not allow improper alignment. There might also be a notch in the socket which again will not allow improper alignment. If you do happen to get the plug placed in backwards usually this will not harm the hard drive, but rather the BIOS will catch this during boot-up.
  7. Connect the 4-pin power connector. This connector cannot be plugged in improperly without exerting great force on the connector.
  8. Double check the installation. Take a few minutes to take a look at the work you have just done. If you remember or see a problem now you will not need to get back in the case later!
  9. Replace the cover. You might want to setup the CMOS and boot the system before replacing the cover. Use the hardware gathered during the disassembly of the case. 

Setting up the System BIOS

  1. Before you Partition and Format the hard drive you will need to setup the system BIOS. Most systems provide an internal setup utility (CMOS Setup) that allows you to enter basic setup values for the hardware. For more information on your specific system CMOS setup refer to your system manual.
  2. Enter you CMOS setup program. There are several entry method which are system specific. Two common methods are to press either the DEL or F1 keys down during the POST test during the boot-up process. This key stroke input is usually preformed just after you see the video card information displayed, and might be done during the memory test. Enter the "Standard" setup area.
  3. Set the "Type" to "Auto" and the "Mode" to "LBA" or "Auto". Do this for either the Primary master and slave and possibly the Secondary master and slave as the installation requires.
  4. Exit back to the main screen and "Save and Exit"

 

 


Powerful Point and Click Software to Upgrade or Backup your Entire Hard Drive.