how do I switch hard drives from one pc to another

[weasel420]

Hi all,
Just wondering if it would be possible to put an AMD athlon 1.1 ghz hard drive into a compaq pc that was running with an AMD Duron processor with an under 800mghz hard drive (like 740 or so mghz drive) If so what steps do I need to go through?
Also would it be plausible to just add the 1.1gig hard drive in with the smaller drive and use both on this one pc? ( the Compaq )
Let me know what specs and imforation about the systems are needed to figure out what I can do and I will post them on this thread.
Any help is appreciated...one pc is crashing and getting worse for it...that is my reason for wanting to add the bigger hard drive to the Compaq system.
The Compaq runs smooth but it's hard drive is just not big enough to do much of anything with...
thanks everyone.

[Arkad]

Switch off PC and disconnect from the mains. Remove HDD interface connector. This is the black plastic cover thingy that fits over the connecting pins of the HDD. There should little edge flanges for you to get a grip with to pull at to slide it out. Fingernails help. Do it gently, don't force anything otherwise you might snap the plastic or something and then you are buggered. The HDD is secured to its bracket by four side screws (2 on each side). I assume this is universal for all laptops, since the 2.5" HDDs are all made that way. Connect PC to mains, switch it on and when prompted save the new hardware configuration changes. I think nowadays most BIOS will autodetect the new HDD, as in my case. You can enter Setup during POST (press F2 usually) and select it to autodetect as appropriate, or to verify that the BIOS has recognised the new HDD (the name should come up).

[timon]

Make sure you have proper and capable power supply and good connecting cables because adding hard drive is increasing capacity so power supply must be in good condition to avoid errors.