Sata hard drive how to install

Method 2. Back up your laptop's information. If you're replacing a laptop's hard drive, you'll want to back up the information that's on the hard drive so that you can restore it onto the new hard drive later. Make sure you can add or replace the hard drive in your laptop. Before you purchase a new hard drive for your laptop, check the user's manual or open your laptop to make sure you can replace or install a second hard drive. The majority of laptops do not have an expansion slot to install a second hard drive.

Buy a hard drive that matches your model of laptop. Most modern computers and laptops use SATA drives. Search for a hard drive that works with your model of computer, then purchase your preferred option. Most laptops use a 2. Some newer laptops use M. Turn off your laptop.

Disconnect your laptop from its charger, then press and hold the Power button until the laptop turns off. You can also use the laptop's Power settings to turn it off: Windows - Click the Windows Start menu, click the power icon, and click Shut down. Mac - Click the Apple icon in the menu bar, click Shut Down Turn over your laptop.

Shut your laptop's lid, then flip it over so that the bottom of the laptop is facing up. Remove the bottom of the laptop. This will vary from laptop to laptop, but you'll usually need a screwdriver to remove the case.

Use a plastic pry tool to carefully go around the edges of where the bottom panel is attached to the keyboard and carefully pry it loose. Many laptops require special screwdrivers, such as Pentalobe models, or tri-wing screwdriver, to unlock the case. Some laptops, such as Mac laptops, will require you to unscrew several screws around the border of the case.

Be careful of any ribbons or cables attached to the motherboard from the bottom panel. If you find any cables or ribbons attached, make a note of where they are attached, and carefully remove them. This will prevent you from accidentally harming your computer's delicate internals with static electricity. You can ground yourself by touching something metal or by purchasing static wrist bands that you wear while you work on your computer.

Remove the battery if possible. Most laptops will allow you to remove the battery, which will prevent you from inadvertently shocking yourself during the hard drive installation. Open the hard disk panel if present.

On some laptops, the hard drive may be housed inside a special panel. The panel can usually be identified by the hard drive logo printed next to it. You will usually need a small Phillip's head screwdriver in order to remove the screws and the panel. Unscrew the hard drive. Depending on the laptop, the hard drive may be secured in place with screws. Remove all screws holding the laptop in place. Remove the existing hard drive if necessary. Slide it out from the connection port that it is attached to.

There may be a release latch or ribbon you pull to disconnect the hard drive. The hard drive will pop back about half an inch, allowing you to remove it from its housing.

You may also need to disconnect your hard drive from a wire or cable. It's best to place your old hard drive somewhere safe in case you need to retrieve data off of it. Insert your new hard drive. Ensure that you insert it with the correct side facing out, then press it firmly into the connectors.

Do not force the hard drive, or you may damage the connectors. If you had to remove screws to remove the original hard drive, screw them back in as well.

Use a screw to secure the SSD to the motherboard. Connect any wires that you unplugged. If you had to detach any wires or cables from the original hard drive, reattach them to the new hard drive.

Close back up your laptop. Replace the bottom of the case and any screws holding it in place. If you needed to disconnect any ribbons or cables to remove the bottom panel, be sure to reconnect them before closing the laptop. Do hard drives come with the needed cables or will I need to purchase them separately? The two different types together look like this:. You can then secure it in place using screws installed through the outside of the mounting rack into the side of the hard drive.

Time to close up your case, power on, and get to configuring your new SATA hard drive for use. Refer to our next guide in this series for a walk through of configuring your new hard drive. You now know how to plug a SATA hard drive into both your motherboard and power supply so that it is ready to be used. The next step is to configure the new hard drive in your operating system so that you can actually use it. This involves powering your computer on, and clicking a few buttons in software.

Have you replaced or installed a SATA hard drive before? If you found this guide helpful, or have any questions, feel free to drop us a comment below. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

I accept the Privacy Policy. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Disconnect each from the drive by pulling gently on the connectors. Remove the old hard drive. The method for securing the HDD into the drive bay will vary somewhat from system to system, but it typically requires two small screws on each side of the drive that hold it in the bay.

Remove the screws and slide the old HDD out from the drive bay. The old drive has now been removed. Insert the new hard drive into an empty bay. If your case permits, try to maintain some space between the new drive and any existing drives to help promote airflow and cooling. Be sure that the metal side faces up and the black, plastic side faces down.

Also verify that the two SATA connection ports in back of the drive are accessible. Secure the drive. Secure the drive into the drive bay by inserting two screws into each side of the hard drive through the corresponding holes in the drive bay. Make sure to only use short screws designed for hard drives; if the screws are too long they could seriously damage the hard drive when it is running.

Connect the SATA cables to the hard drive. Connect the insulated power cable with the wider tip into the larger connection port situated on the left-rear of the HDD. If the power cable does not fit easily, check to make sure that it is not upside down. Connect the data cable to the smaller SATA port on the hard drive.

If the power supply is older, it may not have any SATA power connectors. Molex plugs have four pins, and may be white or black. Connect the data cable to the motherboard. If you are adding a new drive, you will need to connect the data cable to a SATA port on the motherboard if you are replacing and old drive, the data cable should already be connected. SATA ports are usually grouped together and labeled. Your primary boot drive should be connected to the lowest SATA port on your motherboard, unless otherwise specified in your motherboard documentation.

You will need to install a motherboard that supports the SATA format. Finish the installation. Once the hard drive is secured and connected, close up your computer and power it back on.

Before you can use your new drive, you will need to format it. If you are replacing the primary drive or building a new computer, you will need to install your operating system. Follow one of the guides below for more detailed instructions: Install Windows 7. Install Windows 8. Install Linux. Format your new storage drive. Method 2. Turn off the power switch on the back of the power supply, but leave the cable plugged in if possible. This will help keep you grounded. If you have to unplug everything, be sure to follow Step 2 closely.

If you need to transfer your data sometimes called data migration or clone you can use the Seagate utility DiscWizard. A great first step is to download SeaTools diagnostic software. Seagate Partner Program Portal Provides access to product training, sales and marketing resources, deal registration, and more to our VARs, Integrators, Resellers and other channel partners. Seagate Supplier Portal Provides Suppliers with self-service tools targeted to the needs of their business.

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Detailed instructions for installing Serial ATA drives in your computer, including cabling, jumper, and operating system information, and troubleshooting problems that may arise. A Serial ATA interface cable sold separately, unless drive purchased as part of retail kit. Maximum length is 39 inches 1 meter.

A Serial ATA-compatible power cable or adapter sold separately, unless drive purchased as part of retail kit. Handling Precautions Disc drives are fragile. Do not drop or jar the drive.

Handle the drive only by the edges or frame. Keep the drive in the protective anti-static container until you are ready to install it to minimize handling damage.