My 4 year old IBM Aptiva is only used to store data and MP3. But the HD is getting full. I was told by IBM a couple of yrs ago that my PC can only support 3 GB (which I have now). What exactly does that mean? Is there a way to install another hard drive (say 10 GB)? I know there are still slot in the tower. What else do I need beside a new HD?

Hi Steph,

You have two options. One, you can upgrade your BIOS. However, unless you are really comfortable with doing that, the second option would most likely be a better choice for you.

The second option is to just buy a bigger harddrive, whatever size you think you might need. You can buy harddrives that are 10gb, 20gb, 30gb, or even bigger still. All new harddrives nowadays comes with installation software, by varying names depending on which brand you buy. This installation software installs something called Disk Drive Overlay. This enables systems, even older ones, to recognize the full capacity of the harddrive, without worrying about whether you have the latest BIOS upgrade.

So that is what I recommend you do. The installation software is easy to use and is usually a hassle free installation. There is even an option that will allow you to transfer everything from your old harddrive to the new harddrive. This is of course, assuming that you know how to install a harddrive, how to set jumpers to master and slave, and so on.

If you have more questions or problems with installing the new harddrive, then just post back and someone will be able to help you.

Cheers,

Big Blue 66

Read this success story (http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/000294.html) from an upgrader using software that BB66 is referring to.

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reido@my-deja.com

Friends don't let friends install Windows ME

Hi,
I just posted a new topic asking advice on removable HDD enclosures, I think it could also apply in your case. It's another alternative in any case.