how do i install a hard drive?

Question

i have an hp pc, windows xp media center, and i want to install this hard drive i got from a friend, i opened up the pc and i got a few cables labeled P4, P5 and P6 that are just hanging there. i dont know what to do. how do i set it as a slave or a master(idk what that is)

Answer 1

You can connect the hard drive with the cable that looks most widest n flat... (generally white but could be of any color)... sometimes you will see a connector in-between of this cable... if there is not an extra one in your pc... you can connect through that also...

Generally in the all the new computers you don't have to do any extra configuration once you connect the hard drive (it detects is automatically) but if that does not work... you will have to go inside the BIOS to make it a slave

Answer 2

You will need to check both of the hard drives for jumper settings. On each drive there will be a label that tells you where to set the little jumper on the rear of each drive. If you wish to run two drives, one will need to be Master and the other a Slave. The normal configuration is Master at the end of the cable with the slave attached to the center tap. You will need to attach one of the plugs that have four wires (red, black, black, and yellow) to the new drive. This is the power connector and attaches to the right side of the rear of the drive.

Next, you will need to make sure that the drive is formatted.

So, secure the drive to any open drive bay. Attach the IDE (big, wide, flat) cable to each drive. Start your computer. Open My Compter and you will see a new drive letter.

To use the drive simply copy and past whatever you wish onto it.

Good luck. A second drive is a wonderful idea. It can be used for extra storage and as a backup unit.

Answer 3

Please refer to either of these links:
http://www.helpwithpcs.com/upgrading/install-hard-drive.htm
http://www.pcmech.com/show/harddrive/43/