Remove Hard Drive From Casing

• 1). Begin by bringing your external hard drive and tools to a table or other hard surface. Do not open up computer components on carpet--the static electricity can destroy your hard drive or computer.
  
  
• 2). Disconnect all wires and disassemble the external hard drive casing. Some drive casings can be removed without tools, while others will require a screwdriver. Do not force anything, as it can damage the case or drive.
  
  
• 3). Remove all wiring. Once the external casing is removed, you will see wires connecting the hard drive to the case. Gently unplug those wires to free the hard drive from the casing. You will be left with a small, metal drive by itself.
  
  

Install the Drive

• 1). Unplug your computer and bring it to a table or hard surface. Again, do not do this near carpet. If you do not unplug the computer, you risk electric shock.
  
  
• 2). Remove the computer's external cover. You will likely need a screwdriver to do this. Computers are made with a removable shell or side that will give you access to the inside of the computer.
  
  
• 3). Once inside the computer, locate the current hard drive. The drive is mounted to a hard drive bay and connected to a data cable and a power supply cable.
  
  
• 4). Mount the hard drive. Put the hard drive in the empty bay and screw it into the bay so it sits like the existing hard drive. It should not move around freely if the computer moves.
  
  
• 5). Connect the hard drive to the IDE hard drive cable, the one that looks like a ribbon. Next connect the power supply to the drive--that is a multicolored set of wires that leads to a white connector.
  
  

Set Up Hard Drive

• 1). Put your computer back together by reconnecting any wires you removed and placing the case back on. Once it is back together, connect the monitor, peripherals and power.
  
  
• 2). Turn the computer on. If you have a computer built in the last several years, it should install the hard drive automatically for use.
  
  
• 3). If you wish, format the hard drive to start with a fresh drive in your computer.