Quantcast
PCWorld.com is upgrading some back-end systems. Some site features, such as user registration, may be temporarily unavailable.

Upgrade Guide: Install a Bigger, Faster Hard Drive

One of the most popular upgrade projects, step-by-step.

Stan Miastkowski

  • 0 Yes
  • 0 No

1. Prepare Your PC's Existing Hard Drive

To prevent future problems, make sure the current drive in your PC is trouble-free. Run ScanDisk (Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Scan Disk) and check the Thorough test option. Then run Disk Defragmenter (Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Defragmenter). These tests sometimes take hours to complete if you haven't run them before, but you'll save time and headaches later in the installation process by ensuring that you will be copying error-free data.

Next, make a full backup of your hard drive if you're able to, or at least back up your vital data and configuration files from your favorite programs. Don't forget files like normal.dot from Microsoft Word and Bookmarks or Favorites from your Web browser.

  • Recommend this story?
  • 0 Yes
    0 No

Featured APC Accessories

  • APC Back-UPS ES Safeguards your equipment from damaging surges and spikes that travel along your utility & data lines.
  • APC SurgeArrest Performance Highest level of protection for your professional computers, electronics and connected devices, as well as provides surge protection.

Deal Breakers

Special Offers for PC World Users

Focus on Personal Productivitysponsored by Microsoft

  • Personal Finance 2.0 These free and fee-based Web services not only aggregate data from your online bank accounts, they give you tools for managing your money.
  • High-Tech Travel Tips Plenty of stories provide advice for elite mobile professionals. But what about you, the unproductive traveler?

People who read this also read:

  • Lenovo Laptop Showcase Find out how Lenovo IdeaPads and Thinkpads balance performance and portability. Visit the Lenovo Resource Center for more info...

Sponsored Links