how do I replace an old empty HDD with a new?

DanaS

Reputable
Dec 8, 2015
7
0
4,510
I need to take out an existing internal HDD and replace it with a bigger storage 4TB HDD. (no data in the old one, and it's only for storage, not O/S)
I have never done this myself.

Do I need to do anything with the Disk Management before removing the old one?
Can I install the new one in the same port as the old?
And what steps do I need after installing the new one? Or is there anything else I may need to do?

Thanks
 
Solution
Hello DanaS,

1) You don't need to do anything with the old drive except disconnect it

2) Yes, you can install the new drive in the exact same port using the same SATA data cable

3) After installing the new drive go into Disk Management, initialize the drive if it needs it (right click and choose initialize) then right click the drive again and format it in GPT so you have access to all 4TB.

After that the new drive should show up in the 'My Computer' section and be good to go!

Luminary

Admirable
Hello DanaS,

1) You don't need to do anything with the old drive except disconnect it

2) Yes, you can install the new drive in the exact same port using the same SATA data cable

3) After installing the new drive go into Disk Management, initialize the drive if it needs it (right click and choose initialize) then right click the drive again and format it in GPT so you have access to all 4TB.

After that the new drive should show up in the 'My Computer' section and be good to go!
 
Solution

DanaS

Reputable
Dec 8, 2015
7
0
4,510


Thank you