Upgrading Computer

[kingnathski88]

Will i have to mess around with re-installing windows etc?

 

[floppybootstomp]

Will i have to mess around with re-installing windows etc?

No you won't.

Leave your current 60Gb hard disk as it is. On the same cable connecting your current hard disk to the motherboard there will be another unused plug/connector.

Set the new 120Gb (or 200Gb, whatever you choose) jumper setting to slave. There is usually a sticker/diagram on the hard disk itself telling you what the jumper settings will be.

On your current disk, the end connector of the IDE cable should be plugged into it, use the middle one for the new disk.

so, basically, set new hard drive to 'slave' install it in hard drive bay in computer (4 screws) connect middle connector of IDE cable, connect power supply connector to new hard drive, switch computer on.

Go to 'My Computer' and you should see your new hard disk there. Right click, select properties and give it a name if you want, something like 'Storage' or 'Fluffy Bunny' whatever you feel like.

Then right click the new hard disk icon and select 'format'. If you're using XP I suggest you format it in NTFS, although FAT 32 is ok as well.

Once you've formatted it you can create folders and move all your mp3's, pictures, knitting patterns etc over to your shiny new hard drive

 

[kingnathski88]

sounds pretty easy, so there is no bios setting up or anything, also i just have an ide ribbon staright from motherboard to the hdd, so i will need a new 1

 

[floppybootstomp]

sounds pretty easy, so there is no bios setting up or anything, also i just have an ide ribbon staright from motherboard to the hdd, so i will need a new 1

That IDE ribbon cable should have a middle connector, unused, already on it. If it hasn't, order a new cable when you order your disk. And no, no Bios setting, although you could look in the Bios to see if it's recognised there.

 

[floppybootstomp]

Actually, I don't know your setup, your current cable may have an optical drive on it as well.

Which could make things a little more complex. Order another cable just to be on the safe side, they don't cost much, and make sure it's 80 way, although it's doubtful any 40 way cables are still on sale now. You could order a rounded cable if you prefer, but it doesn't make much odds.

Do you know your current setup? Which devices are connected to which IDE ports?

 

[kingnathski88]

Well there are two seperate cbles going from the motherboard, to both the re-writer driver and hdd

 

[kingnathski88]

Ok, in respect to the RAM i have succesfully installed (please dont laugh, my first time at putting in new RAM) 2x 512mb Crucial 512MB 184-PIN DDr PC3200 memory modules. Got from ebuyer, link here. a steal at £63.92


Now i will continue with looking at the hard drives