How to Install an Internal Hard Drive in a Dell Dimension 8400
- 1). Turn off the Dimension 8400 and unplug it. Set the computer on its side and press the oval buttons located at the top and bottom of the back of the machine and lift up on the side of the case to open the computer.
- 2). Locate the hard drive enclosure cage. This is positioned at the front of the interior of the computer and has room for two hard drives that slide into the cage on green plastic rails that are screwed to the hard drive.
- 3). Remove the currently installed hard drive (if necessary). To do this, remove the power and data cables from the back of the drive, slide the drive out of the case and unscrew the green rails on the side of the drive. If you are not replacing a drive, the green rails are located on the inside of the computer case and you can remove them in preparation for installing your new drive.
- 4). Screw the green rails onto your new drive and slide it into the hard drive enclosure cage. Plug the drive into the power and and data cables (both of which are in a "Y" configuration, with one pair going to the main drive). If you are replacing your main drive, one of these pairs hangs loose. If you are adding a second drive, plug the loose pair of cables into your new drive.
- 5). Close the side of your computer case and plug in the computer. You can now turn on the computer and begin using it with your new drive.
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