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Upgrade Guide

Installing a new hard drive, step by step.

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1. Optimize Your Existing Drive

First, make sure your current hard drive is trouble-free. Run ScanDisk (select Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, ScanDisk ), and then optimize the drive (Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Defragmenter). Then do a full backup of the drive's contents.

If the disk preparation software included with your new hard drive comes on a bootable floppy disk, put the disk into your A: drive and reboot your PC. If the software does not come on a bootable floppy disk, you'll have to reboot with one on hand or create one. To create a bootable floppy, put a blank floppy in the A: drive, double-click My Computer, select the drive, and then select File, Format. Choose "Full format," and be sure to put a check in the box next to "Copy system files." After you've rebooted to the A> prompt, insert your disk preparation software's floppy disk and follow the accompanying manual's instructions for launching the software.

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