Need help to install a new hard drive disk

Junior Member

3. July 2006 @ 13:06

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It seems like my HDD went bad.
I'd like to replace with 120gb HDD, but I don't know how to do it.
All I can think of is install a new HDD and then install OS.

Member

3. July 2006 @ 13:12

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Well it depends on what you mean by bad for your first hard drive. If it still runs you might be able to copy the contents (usually done with a partition program ie. partition magic), but if not yea looks you gotta start over.

then again, im not an expert thats just what i think hehe. there are probably a bunch of people more experienced then me here

This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 3. July 2006 @ 13:13

Junior Member

3. July 2006 @ 13:33

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No, I can't access to windows.
Data had has been lost, but it's ok because I have 80gb slave drive and all the important files on that disk. This one has no OS installed this is kind of my storage.

All I want to know is step by step procedure.
I've been researching this subject for days snd hours, but I couldn't find a right one.

Dell Demension 8100
2.8ghz/powerleap
winxp pro
wdc 80gb-slave
ibm 40gb-This is the one that went bad which was master HDD.

This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 3. July 2006 @ 13:36

Member

3. July 2006 @ 13:52

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wait you want a step by step on how to install the hard drive physically? or just how to get old files onto the new hard drive?

Junior Member

3. July 2006 @ 14:20

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Yes physically.
I mean I have no data to backup or recover because when my compuer was acting weird tried reinstall OS. Whatsoever make a long story short wouldn't even able to do it.

I ordered a wd1200jb and I'm waiting.
If it's just replace the HDD and install OS then I can do it, but since I read bunch of how tos from numerous websites and I still don't which one is right for me.

Thanks

ddp

Moderator

3. July 2006 @ 17:47

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just as you quoted "If it's just replace the HDD and install OS then I can do it" except might have a problem with jumper. if both hd's on same data cable, set 120gig as master & 80gig as slave but look at the current drives to see what the drives are set as.

Member

4. July 2006 @ 21:57

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ok to physically install a new hard drive as master:

1) Take out the old one hehe

2) Make sure new hard drive is set as master and old one is set as slave by putting the jumpers in the right place. Heres an ok example except this one is set to slave make sure your new one is on master http://members.cox.net/yesshows/CD6.jpg the jumper is the little white thing. In this pic to set it to master you would move it over one column to the right. Some drives are more complex and use two jumpers, but it should say on the hard drive how to place the jumpers for master or slave.

3)When you removed your old HDD it should have had 2 cables connected to it, a ribbon cable (looks like the top half of this: http://www.lanyoncomputers.com.au/images/ideconnect.jpg )and a power cable ( looks like the one labled 4-pin connect in this: http://www.allinone-store.com/products/products-image/PSU/image_m... ). The ribbon cable would have been connected to both Hard drives at the same time. Take those cables and plug them into the back of the new hard drive. Make sure the ribbon cable is securely connected to both drives.

4) Lastly try to turn on your computer, check your bios to see if it is recognizing your new hard drive and if so if it is recognizing it as the master and the old one as the slave. If it does then screw them in and put ur case back together.

Then you can install your operating system with a boot CD / disc to your new Hard Drive and youll still have your old files on your 80 gb one.

hope this helps :)

edit: spelling (jumpetr -> jumper lol)

This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 4. July 2006 @ 22:03

Junior Member

5. July 2006 @ 05:38

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Thanks Xevlys

You just fed me with the right answers.
I knew about step through 1-3.
My question is about step 4)......Then you can install your operating system with a boot cd.
According to your instructions I must have a boot cd besides oprating system cd and how this is working?
Do I have buy one if I must could you recomend me?
Because I've never have to use one of those. Lucky me.

Thanks a million

"Thanks to you and everyone here to takes the time to help others."

finjetsu

Member

5. July 2006 @ 05:57

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um uve gt a dell rite? withs dells they don't send you the xp installion stuff, when i bought mine i had to ring up and make them send me all the discs.... apparently they dont send the disc's because its backed up on the hard drive..... hmmm not a good idea....

Jboy

Member

5. July 2006 @ 08:34

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Well... it depends. if you're using Windows XP then the installation CD is a boot CD hehe. You just need to tell your bios to boot from your CD drive. Then Windows XP should start the setup process on its own. First it will ask repair or install then it will just ask you some questions about formatting your Hard Drive and stuff. I would format it cause i dont know if hard drives come formated >_>.

It says in your bios what your comp tries to boot from first, but in this case i dont hink it matters cause neither of your HDDs have operating systems so it will just look everywhere it can and end up at the CD.

Im not very experienced with older windows, but i know their boot discs were floppys. I think theres a setup command on the floppy which then asks you to put the installation CD in, but im not sure.

Junior Member

5. July 2006 @ 10:14

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Yes, my OS is Win xp pro.
Hard drive will arrive tomorrow or day after.
I'll let you know how it went.

Thanks again.