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Before you begin
- Turn off the computer. Disconnect the Ethernet or modem cable. Then disconnect the power cord.
- Transfer the computer 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 computer.
- 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 computer, remove the side panel and the front cover. For more information about removing the side panels and the front cover, refer to the HP support documents Opening the PC Case and Removing the Front Cover . NOTE:If you have a Personal Media Drive, remove the HP Personal Media Drive from its bay. |   |
| Step 2 Detach the data connector from the back of the HP Personal Media Drive bay. Press firmly on the side tabs of the connector while pulling the connector away from the bay. |  |
| Step 3 Remove the two screws that secure the hard drive cage to the PC. |  |
| The hard drive cage is secured in place with a cage release latch. |  |
| Step 4 Use a long tool, such as a screwdriver, to depress the latch on the side of the hard drive cage and then ... |  |
| ... lift the hard drive cage up and out of the PC. |   |
| Step 5 Remove the data and power cables from the back of the hard drive. |  |
NOTE:Some hard drives have SATA power and data connectors, which have a latch that must be pressed to remove the cable. |  |
| Step 6 Remove the four screws (two on each side) that secure the hard drive to the hard drive cage. |  |
| Step 7 Slide the hard drive out of the hard drive cage. |  |
Installing a hard disk drive
Use the steps in this section to install a new hard drive into an empty drive bay.
| Step 1 If you are installing a new hard disk drive, make sure it is set to cable select. |  |
| Step 2 Slide the hard disk drive into the hard drive cage. |  |
| Step 3 Align the screw holes on the hard drive with the screw holes on the hard drive cage. |  |
NOTE:Make sure the connectors are at the top of the hard drive cage. |  |
| Step 4 Replace the four screws (two on each side) to secure the hard drive to the hard drive cage. | |
| Step 5 Connect the power and data cables to the drive. The connectors are keyed and can be attached in only one way. | |
| Step 6 Insert the hard drive cage into the PC. Align the four tabs on the side of the hard drive cage with... |  |
| ... the four slots inside the PC. |  |
| Align the three tabs on the side of the hard drive cage with ... |  |
| ... the three slots on the front of the PC. |  |
| Step 7 Slide the hard drive cage down until it snaps into place. |  |
NOTE:Make sure the front tabs on the hard drive cage are correctly inserted into the slots on the front of the PC. |  |
| Step 8 Replace the two screws that secure the hard drive cage to the PC. | |
| Step 9 If you are adding an additional hard drive, not replacing a hard drive, connect the SATA data cable for the new hard drive to the next available SATA connector on the mother board. NOTE:The SATA data connectors on your mother board may look slightly different than the example. |  |
| Step 10 Replace the front panel and the side panel, and then reconnect the cables. For more information about replacing the side panel and the front cover, refer to the HP support documents Removing the Front Cover and Opening the PC Case . |  |
| Step 11 If using Windows, wait until Windows finds and configures the new drive. |  |
