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Drives
Dell™ Dimension™ 8300 Series Service Manual
Replacing the Hard Drive
Adding a Second Hard Drive
Adding or Replacing a Floppy Drive
Adding or Replacing a CD/DVD Drive
Your computer supports one floppy drive and a maximum combination of up to four of any of the following drives.
NOTE: Install only IDE hard drives or serial ATA hard drives in your computer. You cannot install both types of drives.
•Two hard drives (IDE, Serial ATA)
•Two CD or DVD drives
•One Zip drive
Replacing the Hard Drive
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual.
NOTICE: To avoid damage to the drive, do not set it on a hard surface. Instead, set the drive on a surface, such as a foam pad, that will sufficiently cushion it.
1.If you are replacing a hard drive that contains data you want to keep, back up your files before you begin this procedure.
2.Shut down the computer through the Start menu.
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer, and then unplug it from the network wall jack.
3.Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.
4.Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
5.Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
6.Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the chassis, such as the metal around the
While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal components.
NOTICE: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
7.Open the computer cover.
Removing a Hard Drive
1.Disconnect the power and
