How do I Add Hard Drives to a Dell Dimension Series Computer?

Question

I have opened the case on my Dell Desktop Computer. I removed the original Hard Drive (C) and replaced it with another Hard Drive which I am attempting to access. However the system will not boot at startup with any other Hard Drive than the original. I get a message: Plug and Play Configuration Error. There must be some way to add hard drives and access them the way I did from the previous computers.

fireberd · Answer

Without the PC Model Number and OS we can't say for sure.  Some Dimensions use PATA (IDE) interface drives and some use SATA.  However, on the PATA models, set the device type to Cable Select for proper operation.

ieee488 · Answer

Also, if you are expecting the new hard drive to just work - Windows to start - when you plug it in it won't. You need to re-install Windows and the drivers.

Mary G · Answer

Just to add a crucial point--you must boot to the windows installation disk to format the new drive and install windows before it will boot to the new hard drive.

Storage, Drives & Media

How do I Add Hard Drives to a Dell Dimension Series Computer?