CAUTION: If you remove the hard drive from the computer when the drive is hot, do not touch the metal housing of the hard drive.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To prevent data loss, turn off your computer (see Turning Off Your Computer) before removing the hard drive. Do not remove the hard drive while the computer is on, in standby mode, or in hibernate mode.
NOTICE: Hard drives are extremely fragile. Exercise care when handling the hard drive.
NOTE: Dell does not guarantee compatibility or provide support for hard drives from sources other than Dell.
NOTE: If you are installing a hard drive from a source other than Dell, you need to install an operating system, drivers, and utilities on the new hard drive (see "Restoring Your Operating System" and "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" in your Owner's Manual).
Your computer can accommodate up to two hard drives. The hard drives are installed in trays labeled 0 and 1 in the hard drive cage and the cage is installed in the hard drive bay. To replace a hard drive or install a second one, you must first remove the hard drive cage from the hard drive bay.
Turn the computer over, loosen the two captive screws on the hard drive
cover, and then remove the cover.
1
captive screws (2)
Loosen the four captive screws on the hard drive cage and then lift the
pull-tab to flip the cage towards the center of the computer so that the
SATA cables and connectors are accessible.
1
captive screws (4)
Carefully remove the SATA cables from the hard drive or drives that are
installed in the cage.
Replacing a Hard Drive in the Hard Drive Cage
Remove two screws on each side of the hard drive cage to free the hard
drive, then lift the drive out of its tray in the cage.
NOTICE: When a hard drive is not in the computer, store it in protective antistatic packaging. See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the Product Information Guide.
1
screws
2
hard drive cage
Remove the new hard drive from its packaging.
Save the original packaging for storing or shipping the hard drive.
Place the new hard drive into the drive cage tray and secure it with two
screws on each side.
Install the hard drive so that the manufacturer's label faces the
bottom of the drive cage and the SATA connectors are at the open
end of the cage.
Install the primary hard drive in the tray labeled 0. You can install a
secondary hard drive in the tray labeled 1.
Replacing the Hard Drive Cage
Place the hard drive cage upside down on the bottom of the computer
with the SATA connectors and cables aligned, and then firmly press the
cables onto the hard drives' connectors.
NOTE: Ensure that the power connector cable is firmly secured to the mother board.
Flip the hard drive cage over and into the hard drive bay.
Tighten the screws on the drive cage.
Replace the hard drive cover and tighten the screws.
If you have replaced the primary hard drive with a new hard drive that is
not already pre-imaged, install the operating system and drivers for your
computer. See "Restoring Your Operating System" and "Reinstalling
Drivers and Utilities" in your Owner's manual.
