Replace hard drive

[jayjacobus]

I have an HP Desktop [6249f.  An Avast agent told me to replace the har drive.  I seem to have many options on how to proceed.

I have a number of questions :

#1.  Can I install a new drive next to the old drive in the drive cage?

#2.  Should I do that?

#3.  What do I need to buy other than a new hard drive (to complete the transfer)?

#4.  Can I reasonably do this my self?

#5.  Is Amazons installation service worth $100 and will it likely work?

#6  Does anyone have a definition of computer terms I will need to know to get this done?

[wb2001]

@jayjacobus,

I will try to allay your doubts. Your unit is circa 2009, has a 750GB Sata2  drive. I would only suggest a 750GB or 1TB (1000 GB) drive.  Seagate and WD both offer free disk cloning software. All you need do is download the program and read the guide.  As far as cables, you can temporarily use the cables from the DVD drive.

[jayjacobus]

I do appreciate your answer but how can I tranfer the clone unless the 2 drives are connected?

And, if I am right how do I connect them?

Someone mentioned bootable media.  Do I need to understand that term?

[wb2001]

@jayjacobus,

You would unplug the cabling from the DVD drive, and use those 2 cables for the new drive, only as a temporary measure. Then you clone the original drive to the new drive. It would create a drive that will boot.  After that, you remove the original drive, and swap the new drive into that position and cabling.  Reattach the DVD cabling. Test the system.

What is a clone:  Exact copy of hard drive. Everything gets copied (programs, documents, pictures, music, etc.)