Tyba1982

 

The D-8400 supports SATA.   You will find it easier to install a second SATA hard drive.

 

Dell's instructions for installing a second SATA hard drive in the D-8400, connect the data cable to SATA 1 and then enter the setup and check that the drive is set to "Auto" [Enabled]  Next, the hard drive needs to be partitioned and formatted.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim8400/SM/parts.htm#wp1054037

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim8400/SM/techov.htm#wp1052739

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim8400/SM/syssetup.htm#wp1052309

Ignore the "Remove the first hard drive from the upper bay and install it in the lower bay" procedures, because they refer to IDE hard drives, not SATA.

These are generic instructions for installing an additional hard drive using Windows XP Disk Management, they are by Seagate, but apply to all brands.

http://www.seagate.com/support/kb/disc/howto/install_xp_disk_mgmt.html

Any brand of SATA hard drive, except Maxtor, should fine, check the warranty, there's one to five years on hard drives.

If you buy an OEM hard drive, then you will need to buy an 18" SATA data cable, if the hard drive is the boxed retail version, then the cable is included.

Bev.

Thanks so much for the quick replies.

 

I have two DVD drives, does that mean the hard drive I have now is a SATA drive?  If that doesn't settle it how can I be certain about the HD my PC has now?

Tyba1982

 

Yes, Dell only installs SATA hard drives in the D-8400.

 

Bev.

Tyba1982

 

The SATA hard drive, shown in your should be fine, as it's an OEM drive, remember to buy an 18" SATA data cable. There should be a spare power connector already inside the case.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822136014

 

Bev.