by Wink Junior

Created on: March 13, 2007   Last Updated: April 19, 2007

Installing a second hard drive is not difficult, if you're the kind of person who's comfortable at least adding more oil, brake fluid, windshield wiper fluid, etc. to your car. The key things are making sure first and foremost that things are unplugged, you are grounded and not carrying a static charge, and that you're not a klutzy person (I am, but I still manage.)

If you're one of those people who've never popped the hood of your car, then my advice is to find a local computer shop and have them do it for you. It won't cost much and it might save you from having to replace your entire computer should something get shorted out electrically! In fact, most local shops sell hard drives for not much more or even less than what you can buy them for online when you add in shipping, and many of them will install it for free if you buy it from them.

So, assuming you know the risks of install a drive, let's go to it, step by step!

0. Keep your new hard drive in the static-free bag (usually a grey plastic) until you're grounded and the case is open.

1. Shut down your computer, and unplug the plug from the system itself. You'll often need to do it to open the case. No need to unplug the cord from the wall socket. Wait a minute, some systems (older Dells or any with Intel's "Coppermine" motherboard) often take a little while to discharge the extra power they store in capacitors in the system. Take this time to read the installation instructions that came with your hard drive. These days, they're really well written.

2. If you have a static discharge "bracelet", get it, put it around your wrist, and get ready to clip it to the case or the ground on in the socket on the computer that you unplugged the power from.

3. Take your computer cover off. There may be screws in the back, a latch (modern Dell and HP PCs) or perhaps some screws on the back. Fortunately, PC makers have come to realize it's better to make it easier to open the case. Once you've got the cover loose, remove it: some times it's just one side, with other systems it cover the whole frame.

4. Look inside and figure out where the first hard drive is and there will likely be a second slot for your new hard drive. Again, most modern systems have this and it's usually right above or below the main/first HD.

5. Take the new hard drive carefully out of the bag, and never touch any exposed circuitry. Hold it by the sides. Note that you can install a drive in *any* direction: upside down, horizontally or vertically - it doesn't

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