How to install a second internal hard drive?

[golfnut]

I would like to install a second internal hard drive, can someone please tell how to do this or where I might find a guide. I purchased a used drive with no manual. The drive already in is 160g, NTFS, the second drive I want to install is 80G. I am on Windows XP Home. Thank you for your help on this.
Golfnut

[redwudz]

I posted a guide for building a computer a while back and you can page down through that for information on installing hard drives. I would also go the the manufacturer of the drive's website and find the jumper diagram. Check how your other drive is configured. Some use cable select, then all drives are jumpered that way. Some use master/slave settings, then it would depend on what your existing drive is set to. The boot is almost always master and the added drive on the same cable would be slave.

Pull the side cover off the case and check for mounting positions, available ATA cables and power connectors. Most drives mount with four screws. A few use slides.

Though you didn't mention, I'm assuming the new drive is a PATA version. If it's SATA, no jumpers, just plug it in.

My guide here: http://pages.suddenlink.net/sredwudz/index.htm

[golfnut]

Thanks redwudz, I will read your guide. Really appreciate the info and reply, have a great day.

[handyguy]

Would have been easier if we knew what kind of computer you have.

Btw, drives do come with install instructions.

[ahhaa]

Also at the manufacturer's site there'll be a downloadable HD utility program, it can help diagnose bad sectors or whatever on your used drive, and even partition it if desired.

[golfnut]

handyguy if you will click on computer details icon it will tell you what kind of computer I have. Thank you.

[RabidDog]

0) set jumpers at the back of the drive to slave.
1) put drive into computer case above or below existing hard disk.

2) secure with four screws to stop it rattling.
3 insert ide cable into ide "socket" on the new hard drive. This ide cable will already be attached to your existing hard drive and your motherboard.
4) insert molex power plug into drive.

power up and hope for the best.

you can attach the ide cable, molex power cable before inserting the hard drive in the case for covenience.
google all the terms and look at your motherboard manual for help.

it is basically, very easy
also try howitworks website and hard disk mfr website for diagrams** top tip

[golfnut]

rabiddog thank you for the instructions. I follow everything except the molex power cable, what is that? Thank you.

[redwudz]

Molex is the brand name of the four pin power connector common to hard drives and optical drives. Most of the power supply connectors are based on Molex designs.

Another thing to mention, if the drive isn't formatted, once you boot your computer, you may not see the new drive. Usually the OS will see it and offer to partition and format it. If not, you can go to 'computer management' in your control panel and partition and format it there.

[golfnut]

Got it redwudz, thanks much for the help.