Can one physically remove a hard drive and install a new one on a computer?

Question

A friend of mine gave me her old computer. I have tried to remove a lot of programs and files, but there are still a lot of programs and files that I can't remove. I would prefer to have a whole new hard drive installed and remove the old one if possible. This way I would know what programs and files have been installed and saved.

Answer 1

Yes, just open the case remove the old one, slide the new one in. Put in your operating system disk you wish to load and follow the instructions.

Answer 2

Assuming that you have the OS disc your best strategy will be to format the disc and start clean. Go to the DOS or command prompt and type (Format: C) You will get a message that tells you that all data will be lost. They are not kidding about all data being lost so make sure that you are willing to loose everything. Type Y hit Enter and then go to lunch or something because it will take quite a long time. After it is complete insert the OS disc and load the OS. In some computers you have to be outside of a drive to format if this is the case insert the OS disc and either let it format or start the format chain by typing D: Enter. Your prompt should show you in the D: drive. Use the same string as first stated.

Answer 3

Yes you can physically remove a hard drive and replace it.

BUT!!! I would only do that if you have an operating system to install on the new hard drive. If not, then you'd better stick with what you got.

You could always just reinstall Windows using the recovery disk also. This will erase anything that had previously been installed. It will place it back in factory defaults.

Hope this helps!

Answer 4

Yes, you can open up the case to the compuer and replace the hard drive. Another option you might try is to just reformat the computer. You would need a valid copy of the operating system (Windows, etc.) to reinstall. Most of the time reformatting is an easier option if you have all of the software already. Usually you do not need to replace the hard drive unless it has a physical failure, such as making loud noises and/or not working at all.

Answer 5

Yes it can be done. The hard drive connects through a series of cables inside the box. You disconnect the cables and install the new drive the same way. If you have no idea what to do take it to a technician.

Answer 6

Sure you can do that or,if the friend gave you the recovery software for the computer,you can do a complete system restore with that.
If you buy a new hard drive you wouild need an operating system to install on it.

Answer 7

You can remove the hard drive and install in your new computer. I can give you a link that deals with hard drive problems. Some hard drive problems can be easily fixed yourself by using easily available tools. I found the info at http://fixit.in useful

Answer 8

This is indeed possible, and not terribly difficult (depending on the computer).

You'll need to be prepared to spend some money, though.
If you're new to computers, you'll probably want about 80GB
Here's a link to one at NewEgg. If you're not comfortable buying online, go into a computer/electronics store and ask as many questions as you need.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822146229

There should be directions with the Hard Drive, otherwise feel free to e-mail me (tailor_j@@hotmail.com).

Good luck!

Answer 9

Of course yes.
The hard disk is connected to the system through only two cables ie. a 4-pin power cable and a multi-pin data cable.
switch off the system , take off these cables (only from hard disk)
and plug them into new one and then just make partitions (may need to take technical assistant) ie drives(E:,D:,C:)

Answer 10

Yes. If the old occupant of an apartment leaves his items unremoved, and does not preclude you from using them, the choice is yours whether to use them, discard them altogether and put your own in place.