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Before you begin
- Turn off the PC, disconnect all cables, and transfer the PC to a clear, flat, stable work surface over a non-carpeted floor.
- HP strongly recommends the use of an anti-static wrist strap and a conductive foam pad when working on the PC.
- To add an additional SATA hard disk drive, an additional SATA data cable is required.
WARNING:The edges of metal panels can cut skin. Be careful not to slide skin along any interior metal edge of the computer.
CAUTION:This product contains components that can be damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD). To reduce the chance of ESD damage, work over a noncarpeted floor, use a static dissipative work surface (such as a conductive foam pad), and wear an ESD wrist strap connected to a grounded surface.
If you are adding an additional hard drive
When adding a hard drive, it is important to identify the connectors on the motherboard.
The hard drive connectors on the motherboard must match the type of hard drive you wish to connect. If your motherboard has SATA data connectors and one is not in use, you can attach an additional SATA hard drive. If your motherboard has an IDE connector available, you can attach an IDE hard drive.
NOTE:If you want to install an IDE hard drive to a motherboard that has only SATA data connectors, a third-party adapter is necessary.
Video overview
View the following video before using the steps in this article.
NOTE:For best quality on dial-up connections, wait until the video has fully loaded before viewing.
Removing the primary disk drive
Use the steps in this section to remove a hard drive so that an empty bay can be used to install a new drive.
WARNING:Make sure the computer is disconnected from power before starting.
| Step 1. With all cables disconnected from the PC, remove the right side panel and the front cover. For more information about removing the right side panel and the front cover, refer to the HP support documents Opening the PC Case and Removing the Front Cover . |  |
| Step 2. Remove the I/O panel by first... |  |
| ... detaching the connectors that run from the I/O panel to other PC components. |  |
| Then, remove the screw that secures the I/O panel to the front of the PC. |  |
| Finally, push the I/O panel firmly to the right, ... |  |
| ... and then pull the I/O panel with the I/O cables out of the front of the PC. |  |
| Step 3. Remove the power and data cables. |  |
CAUTION:If you are disconnecting a serial ATA SATA drive, make sure to press in on the latch when removing the data cable. Failure to do so, can damage the cable. |  |
| Step 4. Pull the quick release latch... |  |
| ... and pull the hard drive out of the front of the PC. |  |
Installing a primary disk drive
Use the steps in this section to install a new hard drive into an empty drive bay.
| Step 1. The original hard drive is fitted with 4 large-headed screws that fit into slots on the drive cage. If this is a new hard drive, transfer the screws from the old drive to the new one. |  |
| Step 2. If you are installing a Parallel ATA drive (IDE flat ribbon cable) check the jumpers on the new drive to make sure they are correct. Normally, the drive should have the jumper set to Cable Select (CS). |  |
| Jumper positions can vary from drive to drive. Look for etchings or diagrams printed on the drive for instructions. |  |
| Step 3. Match the screws on the drive with the slots on the PC and then slide the hard drive through the guides until you hear it snap into place. |  |
| Step 4. Connect the power and data cables to the drive. The connectors are keyed and can be attached in only one way. NOTE:When a second hard drive is present, the primary drive cables must be connected after the drive is mounted in the drive cage. | |
| Step 5. Replace the I/O panel. Thread the I/O panel cables into the front of the PC. | |
NOTE:Make sure you thread the USB cables on the I/O panel into the separate access hole on the right side of the PC. |  |
| Align the I/O panel so that the bottom tab and the small hook on the I/O panel fit under the PC lip and the top tab fits above the PC lip. |  |
| Slide the I/O panel firmly to the left until the screw hole on the I/O panel aligns with the screw hole on the front of the PC. |  |
| Replace the screw that secures the I/O panel to the PC. | |
| Step 6. Replace the right side panel and the front panel, and then reconnect the cables. For more information about replacing the right side panel and the front cover, refer to the HP support documents Opening the PC Case and Removing the Front Cover . | |
| Step 7. Perform a system recovery (to replace the original software that came with the PC) or install a new operating system. |
