Connect CD/DVD drives to the connector labeled "IDE" on the system board. Serial ATA hard drives should be connected to the connector labeled
"SATA0" on the system board.
Connecting Drive Cables
When you install a drive, you connect two cables—a DC power cable and a data cable—to the back of the drive and to the system board.
Drive Interface Connectors
IDE Drive Connector
Serial ATA Connector
1
interface connector
2
interface cable
3
colored stripe on IDE cable
Most interface connectors are keyed for correct insertion; that is, a notch or a missing pin on one connector matches a tab or a filled-in hole on the other connector. Keyed connectors ensure that the pin-1 wire in the cable (indicated by the colored stripe along one edge of the IDE cable—serial ATA cables do not use a colored stripe) goes to the pin-1 end of the connector. The pin-1 end of a connector on a board or a card is usually indicated by a silk-screened "1" printed directly on the board or card.
NOTICE: When you connect an IDE interface cable, do not place the colored stripe away from pin 1 of
the connector. Reversing the cable prevents the drive from operating and could damage the controller,
the drive, or both.
Power Cable Connector
1
power cable
2
power input connector
Connecting and Disconnecting Drive Cables
When removing an IDE drive data cable, grasp the colored pull tab and pull until the connector detaches.
When connecting and disconnecting a serial ATA data cable, hold the cable by the black connector at each end.
Like IDE connectors, the serial ATA interface connectors are keyed for correct insertion; that is, a notch or a missing pin on one connector matches a tab or a filled-in hole on the other connector.
Hard Drive
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
NOTICE: To avoid damage to the drive, do not set it on a hard surface. Instead, set the drive on a
surface, such as a foam pad, that will sufficiently cushion it.
If you are replacing a hard drive that contains data you want to keep, back up your files before
you begin this procedure.
Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer.
Disconnect the power and hard-drive cables from the drive.
1
hard-drive cable
2
power cable
Press in on the tabs on each side of the drive and slide the drive up and remove the drive from
the drive bay.
1
tabs (2)
2
hard drive
Installing a Hard Drive
Check the documentation for the drive to verify that it is configured for your computer.
NOTICE: When you unpack the replacement drive, do not set it on a hard surface, which may damage
the drive. Instead, set the drive on a soft surface, such as a foam pad, that will sufficiently cushion it.
Unpack the replacement hard drive.
If your replacement hard drive does not have the bracket rails attached, remove the rails from
the old drive by removing the two screws that secure each rail to the drive. Attach the bracket
rails to the new drive by aligning the screw holes on the drive with the screw holes on the
bracket rails and then inserting and tightening all four screws (two screws on each rail).
1
drive
2
bracket rails (2)
3
screws (4)
Gently slide the drive into place until you hear a click or feel the drive securely installed.
Connect the power and hard-drive cables to the drive.
1
hard-drive cable
2
power cable
Check all connectors to be certain that they are properly cabled and firmly seated.
Close the computer cover.
Attach the computer stand (optional).
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into
the computer.
Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets and turn them on.
See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.
If the drive you just installed is the primary drive, insert a bootable medium into your boot
drive.
Enter system setup and update the appropriate Primary Drive option (0 or 1).
Exit system setup, and reboot the computer.
Partition and logically format your drive before you proceed to the next step.
For instructions, see the documentation that came with your operating system.
Disconnect the power and CD/DVD drive cables from the back of the drive.
Disconnect the other end of the CD/DVD drive cable from the IDE connector on the system
board.
1
power cable
2
CD/DVD drive cable
3
IDE connector
Press in on the tabs on each side of the drive, and slide the drive up and remove the drive from
the drive bay.
Installing a CD/DVD Drive
Unpack the drive and prepare it for installation.
Check the documentation that accompanied the drive to verify that the drive is configured for your computer. If you are installing an IDE drive, configure the drive for the cable select setting.
If the replacement drive does not have the bracket rails attached, remove the rails from the
old drive by removing the two screws that secure each rail to the drive. Attach the bracket to
the new drive by aligning the screw holes on the drive with the screw holes on the bracket rails
and then inserting and tightening all four screws (two screws on each rail).
1
drive
2
bracket rails (2)
3
screws (4)
Gently slide the drive into place until you hear a click or feel the drive securely installed.
Connect the power and CD/DVD drive cables to the drive.
Connect the other end of the CD/DVD drive cable to the IDE connector on the system
board.
1
power cable
2
CD/DVD drive cable
3
IDE connector
If you are installing a drive that has its own controller card, install the controller card in a card
slot.
Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to provide airflow for the fan and
cooling vents.
Close the computer cover.
Attach the computer stand (optional).
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into
the computer.
Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.
See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.
Update your configuration information by setting the appropriate Drive option (0 or 1) under
Drives. See "System Setup Options" for more information.
Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics.
Floppy Drive
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
If the replacement drive does not have the bracket rails attached, remove the rails from the
old drive by removing the two screws that secure each rail to the drive. Attach the bracket rails
to the new drive by aligning the screw holes on the drive with the screw holes on the bracket
rails and then inserting and tightening all four screws (two screws on each rail).
1
drive
2
bracket rails (2)
3
screws (4)
Gently slide the drive into place until you hear a click or feel the drive securely installed.
Attach the power and floppy-drive cables to the floppy drive.
Connect the other end of the floppy-drive cable to the connector labeled DSKT on the
system board.
1
power cable
2
floppy-drive cable
3
floppy-drive connector (DSKT)
Reconnect the data cable to the back of the drive installed in the CD/DVD drive bay located
above the floppy drive.
Check all cable connections, and fold cables out of the way to provide airflow for the fan and
cooling vents.
Close the computer cover.
Attach the computer stand (optional).
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into
the computer.
Connect your computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.
See the documentation that came with the drive for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.
Enter system setup and use the Diskette Drive option to enable your new floppy drive.
Verify that your computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics.
