How to Add More Hard Drive to a Dell 4600

When you first get your Dell Dimension 4600, you have plenty of free hard drive space to play with. However, that space will be whittled away as you install programs and store files on your computer. Should you find yourself in this predicament, which is common whether you are on a business computer or your personal computer, you can add a second hard drive to the computer rather than replacing the first.

Step 1

Shut down your computer and remove any cables that are connected to it. Once the power cord is removed, press the computer's "Power" button to release any energy stored anywhere in the system.

Step 2

Lay your computer on its side with the side cover facing up. If you look on the back of the Dell 4600, the power outlet and expansion cards are aligned on the system board side of the machine, which is opposite from the side with the cover.

Step 3

Slide the cover latch on the back of the Dell 4600, just beneath the cover, to the right. Slide the cover toward the back of the machine and lift it up to remove it.

Step 4

Return your computer to its upright position.

Step 5

Locate your existing hard drive, which is situated near the front panel. Remove the power and ribbon cables from the existing hard drive.

Step 6

Remove the two screws securing the bracket. One is near the front of the bracket and the other is under the bracket. You will have to tilt the system over, or lay it on its side, to reach the second screw. Lift the bracket and hard drive out of the computer. Repeat this process for the second hard drive bracket, which becomes accessible once you remove the first bracket.

Step 7

Remove the three screws in the second bracket. You don't have to remove these all the way, just unscrew them enough so that the new hard drive can slide into place.

Step 8

Unpack the second hard drive and ensure that the jumpers on the back are set to "cable select." Check your hard drive's documentation for instructions on how to set the jumpers and what position they need to be in.

Step 9

Slide the new hard drive into the second bracket and secure it with the three screws.

Step 10

Insert the two tabs on the end of the bracket into the two slots inside the Dell 4600's front panel. Swing the bracket into place inside the computer and secure it with the two screws. Replace the first hard drive and bracket using the same process.

Step 11

Insert the power and ribbon cables back into the first hard drive.

Step 12

Insert a spare power and ribbon cable, which is connected with the other, into the second drive.

Step 13

Place the Dell 4600 on its side and slide the cover back into place. Return the system to its upright position and replace the cables that you previously removed.

Warnings

• The warranty on your Dell Dimension 4600 will not cover any damage you cause when working on your computer.
• Before touching the computer's components, touch something metal that is also touching the ground to ground yourself. Do this occasionally throughout the process to ensure you don't build up any static electricity.

References

• Dell: Removing and Installing Parts

About the Author

Shawn McClain has spent over 15 years as a journalist covering technology, business, culture and the arts. He has published numerous articles in both national and local publications, and online at various websites. He is currently pursuing his master's degree in journalism at Clarion University.

Photo Credits

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