Typical Hard Disk Drive with top cover removed to display data platter

Your hard disk drive works similar to an old record player; the disks spin and the heads read the digital information from the formatted tracks, transferring it into the system memory.  Since all the information processed by your computer CPU is data stored in the memory after it is read and transferred from your disk drive, a slow or overloaded hard disk drive will degrade your system operating speed quicker than most any other problem!  For a computer to operate efficiently, the data on your drive must be stored in an orderly manner and the drive must be capable of locating, reading and transferring the data at a very high rate of speed.  You should always have no less then 300 megabytes of empty space on your boot drive for Windows to work properly (I try to keep no less than 500 on all my PC's).  This is due to the need for Windows to store data in the temporary swap file it configures on your drive.  I often have people tell me they think they need more memory when they actually mean disk space.  Click here to read information about memory.

There are several ways to solve the problem of low disk space, including replacing your drive with a larger one or adding a "slave" drive to increase existing storage capacity overall.  If your system is working well and you simply need more storage space, adding a slave drive is the easiest and least expensive.  However, if you are having any type of system problems, now would probably be a good time to install a new larger, high speed drive and reinstall your Windows operating system.  This method is more expensive, but it will provide you with a system that operates the same way it did when it was new (assuming there are no hardware problems).  You can do this yourself if you have a PC that came with a system restore disk (i.e., Compaq, Dell, Gateway, HP, eMachine, etc.)  If you decide to attempt it on you own (which I DO NOT recommend), you should note the following very important points:

• Using a system restore disk will usually erase ALL the data on your computer!  Some manufacturers will give you an option to not erase your data, but don't trust it!  BACK UP YOUR DATA FIRST, NO MATTER WHAT!  If you only have a small amount of data to backup, you can copy it to removable media (floppy disk or CD), but if you have more than 500mb or so, you might need to backup through a network connection or a temporary slave drive.  Of course, your easiest method is to call me at 214-773-7377!

• Any programs that you use that did not come with the PC when it was new will need to be re-installed.  You cannot copy Windows 98, Windows ME, NT or XP programs from one computer to another like you could with DOS programs and Windows 3.1 or 95.  Each program must be installed using an install routine built specifically for each program so it will be registered properly on the new system.  You will need the original setup disk(s) for this to be done.  If you don't have the disk(s), I can make the transfer using special utility programs, but it must be done in my shop.

• Some older computers will not accept the new large hard disk drives with special "overlay" programs.  If you have a PC with a processor that is less than 300mhz, you are probably in this category.  Overlay installation can be a little tricky, so contact me if you need help.

• The data cables used to connect the drives to the motherboard MUST be connected and oriented properly or your system will not boot at all.

Hard disk drive installed with cables connected

• If your PC is more that 3 or 4 years old, you might want to consider installing a high speed controller card to allow you to take full advantage of the new drive's capabilities.  These cards cost approximately $50 and will enable your older PC to access and transfer data from your new drive at near its maximum capacity.  Remember, data flows through your computer only as fast as the slowest component.

If you need more information or would like to schedule a drive upgrade, call 214-773-7377 or click here to send me an email.