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Upgrade Guide: Install a Bigger, Faster Hard Drive

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

Stan Miastkowski

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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.

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