How do i replace the Hard Drive in my computer

[Lao Tzu]

I currently have a 20 GB, i just bought an 80 GB.

I don't need most of the shit on my computer. I only intend to save my 'my documents' folder, my MP3s, and my favorites folder.

1. is there anything else i should save
2. what is the exact mechanical process i have to go through to replace hard drives? do i just take the old one out, put the new one in, and put the windows XP disk in?

 

[AustinTX]

If it's a desktop, you may just be able to plug the extra drive in. There may be a jumper pin you put on it to make it a "slave". Saves you from having to reinstall windows, etc.
The drive will come with instructions for this.

 

[AAP]

 

[supersizeme]

First off you need to make sure that the new drive you just bought is completely clean and sterile. Sometimes they come dirty from the factory, and it's more susceptible to getting bad sectors.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Find a high powered magnet and rub it all over the drive for about 5-10 minutes. This will get rid of any and all viruses that may already be on the disk waiting to infect your BIOS. Then boil the drive for 12 minutes in some water with a bit of salt added to it in order to ensure that it's completely sterile. Immediately after taking the drive out of the water, place it on a cookie sheet and pit it in the oven for 45 minutes. After this just connect up the drive, and you should be good to go. Install Windows.

 

[Paulos]

He's just joking about the boiling in water thing.