[tbomkamp]

My parents old computer is out of drive space but they don't want to invest the money in a new computer for the next few years. Its a 500MHz eMachines from 5 or 6 years ago. I installed 128Mb more RAM - now up to 160Mb - but they only have about 400Mb of disk space left out of 4.3Gb. They have a new digital camera full of pictures they would like to put on the computer to manipulate/e-mail/store, so it's time for a bigger/second hard drive. My computer upgrading experience is limited to new OS and more RAM so I am completely ignorant on HD terminology and compatability.

http://www.seagate.c...a/st34313a.html

That's what's in there now. I'm looking for a refubished HD to add but don't know what's compatable with the system.

Do I just need to buy the drive and plug it in?
Is there a size limitation?

I'm looking for a cheap fix to hold them over for a year or two. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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http://www.geeks.com...20011AR&cat=HDD

Will something like this work?
What else do I need to buy to install it?

They are out of available USB ports, but have 3 open slots. Can I install a USB 2.0 card on this machine to use an external drive?

Sorry for all the questions. If it'll be easier to get in touch with eMachines, let me know. I just try to use computer tech support as a last resort.

Thanks for all your help.

[tbomkamp]

http://www.geeks.com...20011AR&cat=HDD

Will something like this work?
What else do I need to buy to install it?

They are out of available USB ports, but have 3 open slots. Can I install a USB 2.0 card on this machine to use an external drive?

Sorry for all the questions. If it'll be easier to get in touch with eMachines, let me know. I just try to use computer tech support as a last resort.

Thanks for all your help.

[Ojoshiro]

eMachines?
It's just a normal desktop machine? Do you run DOS or
something else? ( DOS may not be able to address huge
disks without tweaking )
If it is you can use basically every harddisk on the market.
( Well, every IDE, for SCSI's you need a controller
somewhere in your machine )
Yes, you could probably do it externally via USB. But that
would mean buying more than just the bare essentials, the
disk. ( if it's USB 1, it's going to be slow )
If you open the computer, that big flat cable leading to your
harddisk, does it have an extra connector on it?
If you have, you can connect your extra (new) drive without
difficulties.

I don't know if "faster" harddisks will pose a problem.
Maybe stick with the 5400RPM ones like you already have.
Though that may be getting tough nowadays.

I'm a bit careful in advising you, you present your computer
like it was put together in the Permian by T-rex hardware
enterprises inc. ( really old ) So just to make sure, ask
in the store before you fork over your money, and ask
what to do if it doesn't work (money back)

Anyway, success
Ojo

[tbomkamp]

BOM for : eTower 500is
Part Category Description Part Number
Modem: Modem 56K V.90 Conexant 232
MB: M/B Florida-TG 1017
Audio: CS4280 3D PCI Built-In
CPU: CPU Intel Cel-500 PPGA CPEMIN110798
Memory: RAM Samsung SD-32M PC100 MEEM521032MB
HDD: HDD 4.3GB EIDE 3.5" HDEM534IDE4G
Prim CD Model: CDD Samsung SC-140 (40x) CDEM550SS40X
FDD Model: FDD Samsung SFD-321B 559-LANTRA
Keyboard Model: KB BTC 5000A (6-Key/Internet) KBEM568BT500
Bezel: Chassis 633ids Lantra CAEM95300000
Video: eVid ATI Rage Pro Turbo 2x AGP w/4MB (Built-in)
Mouse: Mouse Logitech M-SAS51 MSEM571LOG51
Speaker: Speaker 2.5Wx2 Samsung SP-12 570
Power Supply: PS ILSAN ISP-120S, 120Watts 944
CPU Fan Type: pga 370 - cpu fan 947
FDD Button: 110598 for FDD SFD-321-B/K, ivory, Lantra bezel

This is the current hardware from the eMachines site. It is running XP Pro with no problems except the low disk space. So the refurbished 20Gb from my previous post should be ok? I am unsure of the cable. I'm at work right now, I'll check on that later. If I can't add a second, are there any difficulties in replacing with a larger drive and reinstalling windows?

[azreal]

yah that HDD would be fine, just remember that it is refurbished so you dont know how long it can last. i gatta ask why not go for a new one the 20gigs are fairly cheep.

[azreal]

http://www.tigerdire...ategory_hdd.asp

this place has good prices and they have new parts.

[tbomkamp]

At lunch I stopped over and opened it up. It doesn't have an extra connector on the drive cable, so I guess I need to replace the drive entirely. Will there be instructions for installing XP on the new drive, or is some searching in my future? Is it a difficult task? There isn't anything especially important on their computer, so it won't hurt to pull the existing HD out and make it an external removable drive.

[audioboy]

you can pick up an IDE cable with two connectors very cheaply.
also check that you have a free power connector to power up the new drive. if not, you can get a splitter connector for that as well, which turns 1 power plug into 2.
when you are ready to actually install the drive, you will need to check the jumpers. the current drive will need to be set as master (should be already). connect that to one of the plugs on the ribbon cable. set the new drive to slave, connect it to the other plug on the ribbon cable, plug in power, and your set.

all this is much easier that reinstalling windows, or spending money to try and ghost the current drive onto a new one.

[tbomkamp]

I'll do that then. Thanks for your help.