Troubled with a failed hard drive? Get to know the to-dos!
One fine morning, you wake up only to discover that your ‘so far faithful’ computer is refusing to boot. When the hard drive of you computer fails, you want to get the computer up and running – that’s your first priority. After that you want the data retrieved. But to make your computer running, replacing the failed hard drive is essential. Get ready with the software CDs (i.e. operating system, programs) and PC repair tools. Get a hard drive enclosure too, if you can. To remove the failed hard drive, turn off the PC first and don’t forget to unplug it before that. Take off the case of the computer. Unplug the HDD cables. Unscrew it before you slide it out. Buy a brand new hard disc drive. But you need to be sure that you know which type of hard drive your computer is compatible with.
Today, many online retailers sell hard drives. Try Wal-Mart or dynamic online stores like Newegg.com. If you aren’t computer savvy or feel unsure of what you should buy, just hit the stores with the failed hard drive. No matter what, you want a compatible drive. The salesman can help you identify the type of hard drive you need as a replacement by looking at your out of order drive. Then set new hard disk drive jumpers. All hard disk drives have 2 rows of miniature pins, which are known to be "jumpers," which feature small-sized, plastic covers. The cover’s location directs the "jumper settings" (i.e. master, slave and cable select).
There is a legend usually for the settings onto the sticker you see on the hard drive. Ensure that the new hard disk drive has just the same kind of jumper setting as your old one. Install your new hard disk drive. Slide it in and screw it up and get the cables connected. Follow the installation sheet (usually features diagrams along with visual aids) that comes with the new hard drive. Test your new drive booting the computer. Then just reinstall the operating system along with all the programs you normally use.
One fine morning, you wake up only to discover that your ‘so far faithful’ computer is refusing to boot. When the hard drive of you computer fails, you want to get the computer up and running – that’s your first priority. After that you want the data retrieved. But to make your computer running, replacing the failed hard drive is essential. Get ready with the software CDs (i.e. operating system, programs) and PC repair tools. Get a hard drive enclosure too, if you can. To remove the failed hard drive, turn off the PC first and don’t forget to unplug it before that. Take off the case of the computer. Unplug the HDD cables. Unscrew it before you slide it out. Buy a brand new hard disc drive. But you need to be sure that you know which type of hard drive your computer is compatible with.
Today, many online retailers sell hard drives. Try Wal-Mart or dynamic online stores like Newegg.com. If you aren’t computer savvy or feel unsure of what you should buy, just hit the stores with the failed hard drive. No matter what, you want a compatible drive. The salesman can help you identify the type of hard drive you need as a replacement by looking at your out of order drive. Then set new hard disk drive jumpers. All hard disk drives have 2 rows of miniature pins, which are known to be "jumpers," which feature small-sized, plastic covers. The cover’s location directs the "jumper settings" (i.e. master, slave and cable select).
There is a legend usually for the settings onto the sticker you see on the hard drive. Ensure that the new hard disk drive has just the same kind of jumper setting as your old one. Install your new hard disk drive. Slide it in and screw it up and get the cables connected. Follow the installation sheet (usually features diagrams along with visual aids) that comes with the new hard drive. Test your new drive booting the computer. Then just reinstall the operating system along with all the programs you normally use.