An M.2 SSD with an M key slot will not fit in a B key connector. Secure the hard drive in place with screws. Last Updated: July 28, 2022 For PATA drives (EIDE or IDE), there's a 40-pin connector and a 4-pin power connector. For SATA or mSATA drives, you should see a single SATA connection like those inside the PC. Brad Chacos spends his days digging through desktop PCs and tweeting too much. Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day.
What should I do if I don't have screws for my laptop's hard drive? This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/09\/Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-22-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-22-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/09\/Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-22-Version-2.jpg\/aid1152652-v4-728px-Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-22-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Virtually all new desktop hard drives sold today use the SATA interface (unless youre dealing with servers). This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/46\/Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-21-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-21-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/46\/Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-21-Version-2.jpg\/aid1152652-v4-728px-Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-21-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved.
If your PC does not recognize the drive, there may be a formatting problem. Power on your computer.
You now have an internal hard drive acting as a portable external storage device. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Be careful of any ribbons or cables attached to the motherboard from the bottom panel. If you are connecting your primary hard drive, the SATA cable should be plugged into the first SATA channel. If your computer can still turn on and load Windows, use the 'chkdsk' command in the Command Line followed by the name of the disk, for example 'chkdsk C:' for the C drive, followed by 'chkdsk C: /f' to fix errors found. Follow these steps to use an internal hard drive externally. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-29.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-29.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-29.jpg\/aid1152652-v4-728px-Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-29.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Screws are the best way to secure your hard drive into your cases drive cage. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/49\/Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-12-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-12-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/49\/Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-12-Version-5.jpg\/aid1152652-v4-728px-Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-12-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved.
If you hear beeps or any jarring noises, immediately turn off the computer and check the hard drive's connections. Some enthusiast-class also cases give users the ability to remove drive cages or to mount them in different positions to optimize air flow and simplify cable management. Tighten the screws to a firm tightness, but don't over-tighten as that may cause damage as well. If by "fully loaded," you mean that you have taken out a hard drive from a different computer that had the operating system already installed on it and put it into a new computer, this unfortunately will not work. You can browse to the drive, open it, drag files and folders into it, or set it up for receiving security backups and recovery files.
4. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-19-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-19-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-19-Version-3.jpg\/aid1152652-v4-728px-Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-19-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Ensure that none of the cables can come undone by wiggling them a little bit. He specializes in graphics cards and gaming, but covers everything from security to Windows tips and all manner of PC hardware. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/02\/Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-26-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-26-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/02\/Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-26-Version-2.jpg\/aid1152652-v4-728px-Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-26-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. When youre done connecting the SATA cable, youll have to connect the drive to your power supply unit (PSU). % of people told us that this article helped them.
Install a new operating system on your computer.
This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-30.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-30.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-30.jpg\/aid1152652-v4-728px-Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-30.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. If you needed to disconnect any ribbons or cables to remove the bottom panel, be sure to reconnect them before closing the laptop. Most SATA 3 (6-gigabit)-compliant cables will usually come with the clips. Make sure your computer has an expandable hard drive slot or replaceable hard drive.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/aid1152652-v4-728px-Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. 3.5 inch (8.9cm) SATA drives are used in most desktop computers. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. SATA drives come in two sizes. Talking to a tech professional (like a specialist at a store selling computers and related items) would be best. PCWorld helps you navigate the PC ecosystem to find the products you want and the advice you need to get the job done. Disconnect the SATA cable and power supply cable from the old hard drive. Because of availability and a lack of general consumer knowledge, internal hard drives can be somewhat cheaper than standalone externalhard drives. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website.
A friend or colleague might also have some spare ones you could use. What should I do. Securing the drive to a cage usually requires four screws on the sides or bottom of the drive. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. 11. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Placement and orientation of the cages or bays will vary from case to case. Michael Heine is a CompTIA-certified writer, editor, and Network Engineer with 25+ years' experience working in the television, defense, ISP, telecommunications, and education industries. The drivers that were installed with the operating system on your older computer are almost certainly not compatible with the drivers needed for your new computer. This wikiHow teaches you how to install a hard drive in a desktop or laptop computer. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Inside the enclosure, there may be a place to mount the internal hard drive into the enclosure, either by screws or fasteners (some slot into the connector). If you're installing older drives such as EIDE or IDE, you may see several wires to connect the hard drive. Jeremy Mercer is the Manager and Head Technician at MacPro-LA in Los Angeles, CA. In mainstream cases, drive connectors will typically point to the rear. The SATA power cable from your PSU, like the SATA data cable, is keyed to fit onto the drive one-way. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. You may find the SATA cables included with your new drive or motherboard feature different connectors: straight ends or right-angle (L-shaped). If your computer has multiple hard drive bays, consider positioning your hard drives so that there is empty space between them to help keep your computer running cooler. If you want to install a hard drive on a Mac computer, you can take it to an Apple professional and have them help you. To install an M.2 SSD, simply insert the SSD into the M.2 slot at a 30-degree angle. On older drives, connect the wires to the drive. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-6-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-6-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-6-Version-5.jpg\/aid1152652-v4-728px-Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-6-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Many casesespecially enthusiast casesuse tool-less trays that hold the drives with simple pins and clips. Installing an internal hard drive is one of the more straightforward upgrades out thereand is often a better option than using external drives that may be dropped or misplaced. Tested. I am told to reboot, but either the screen is blank or I am told to replace my battery, which doesn't help either. Now lets get this hard drive installed in your computer. The connector is keyed to fit only one way. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Copyright 2022 IDG Communications, Inc. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/25\/Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-13-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-13-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/25\/Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-13-Version-4.jpg\/aid1152652-v4-728px-Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-13-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. You may want to install a hard drive on your computer to gain additional storage space or to replace a faulty hard drive. All that remains is to connect the enclosure to the PC. Some laptops, such as Mac laptops, will require you to unscrew several screws around the border of the case.
This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Remove the side panel on your desktop tower or bottom panel on your laptop. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. I like to use SATA cables with right-angle connectors on the drive side, provided there is adequate clearance between any drives in the system. If you had to remove screws to remove the original hard drive, screw them back in as well. Shut down your computer. Internal 3.5-inch hard disk drives are typically mounted in a drive cage or in an available drive bay. Many laptops require special screwdrivers, such as Pentalobe models, or tri-wing screwdriver, to unlock the case. In the BIOS, go to the standard System Settings menu or the Integrated Peripherals > SATA menu to see all of the drives installed in the system. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Once the drive is mounted, connecting it to your system is quick and easy. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website.
This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. BIOS and UEFI interfaces can differ based on the motherboard make and model, so check your motherboard manual or manufacturer website for details.
This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-16-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-16-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-16-Version-4.jpg\/aid1152652-v4-728px-Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-16-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. As long as you dont force it, theres really no way to mess it up. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-18-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-18-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-18-Version-3.jpg\/aid1152652-v4-728px-Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-18-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Both types of connectors are keyed to be plugged in one way only. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. 9.
Try to find screws that will match the necessary size, either in a shop or online. Connect the enclosure to a computer and follow the plug-and-play instructions to set up. However, these brackets are often less secure than traditional screws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-5-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-5-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-5-Version-5.jpg\/aid1152652-v4-728px-Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-5-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-27-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-27-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-27-Version-2.jpg\/aid1152652-v4-728px-Install-a-Hard-Drive-Step-27-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Seal the hard drive enclosure. If it has a power switch, turn it on. Connect the enclosure to the PC. Still, there are a few things you should know to make installation as smooth as possible. By using our site, you agree to our. Usually, it's a USBcable, which provides both connectivity and power to the drive. Keep up with the latest tech with wikiHow's free Tech Help Newsletter.
Need More Space on Your PS3? wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The shape of the connector makes no difference in performance. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Hard drives emit heat when they are running. The connections you need to make differ depending on the type of hard drive connector you have. Try to fix it. This article was written by Jeremy Mercer and by wikiHow staff writer, Travis Boylls. In enthusiast-class cases, its becoming more common to see the drives connectors facing the right side, making it easier to route and hide cables behind the motherboard tray. Physically mounting the hard drive in a PC is probably the most difficult part of the installation process. If youve opted for a solid-state drive, be sure to check out our companion guides explaining how to install an SSD in a desktop and a laptop.
- Dyson V7 Charger Replacement
- Troon Employee Handbook
- Paxcess Pool Cleaner Troubleshooting
- Healthforce Superfoods Vitamin C
- Kohl's The Big One 3 Drawer Storage Tower
- Small Metal Pail With Lid
- 20g Flat Back Earrings Surgical Steel