Want to replace hard drive but am new and a bit scared

Hi, my windows 98 computer has started making some very strange noises, kinda like a car engine is in there. A friend of mine showed me a few links to some sites explaining how I could replace my old hard drive without reinstalling windows (they think it's the hard drive making the noise) this would be helpful as I don't have an original windows disk just a 'bak-up' one that came from the manufacturer. The thing is that although I feel confident enough to open up my PC and go through all the neccessary steps, I've never actually done that before. I have two major problems, the first is a bit silly but I have no idea how to shut down a computer when you're in BIOS-I don't want to damage it by pressing the wrong buttons.

Secondly I don't know if I can get hold of the neccessary hardware. I know I'd probably have to do a complete upgrade of motherboard and all components, this PC is very old now, but could I connect the old hard drive to the new mothrboard and if not do they sell any adaptors or something. Please help

I know I'm a bit of a newbie with this but I really want to keep my old programs and files so I can't just move them to a newer system(a couple of the programs are only compatible with win 98). I'd appreciate any help, I want to become more proficient with computer building but don't want to damage a computer in the process

First off if you just want a new drive there is no need to change the motherboard. In fact doing so would be going to the point of starting from scratch.

You can get the manufacturers diagnostic for your present drive to test it but if it is noisy and you are sure the drive itself is the source of the noise then you should replace it.

It is most likely an IDE ATA drive.

If you were to get a new Seagate or Maxtor drive (same company now) they have a cloning tool with which you can simple clone your old drive to the new and then replace.

Thank you for replying, I actually went inside the computer for the first time. Actually although I'd like to replace the hard drive anyway as it's not got much room left the noise seems to be coming from the PSU. I've read that they can go with a bang-is this true?

You're right about it being an ATA hard drive I can see the connectors. NOw the question is is it possible for me to put in a new PSU or do I need to upgrade the motherboard for that and if so can I still copy or clone the hard drive to a newer one? I don't mind upgrading, this PC's not got high specs so it wouldn't cost that much but is it possible to still upgrade while keeping all my programs on the hard drive, or am I simply too late?

If you ever go to the point of upgrading the motherboard you are basically talking about building a new computer. A new board will require a new CPU and new RAM at least.

Old power supplies can and do fail. But it might just be fan noise. You could try a careful quick shot of WD40 on the fan shaft. If you replace the PSU you do not need to change the motherboard.

MaxBlast is a setup program for Seagate and Maxtor drives that will allow you to clone your old drive to a new one.

Seagate Technology - MaxBlast 5

The new drive should come out exactly like your old one but with more space.

After cloning you can then physically replace the drives.

Thank you again for replying Is this cloning program something I have to download because my win 98 PC is now an offline PC and I don't want to risk putting it online without any antivirus software. I'm glad I don't have to change the motherboard for the new PSU!
On the subject of upgrade though, is there anywhere that sells old versions of RAM. I'm not actually sure what type of RAM I have but this computer was built about 8 or 9 years ago so I'm guessing it's old. I wanted to update RAM a few years ago but back then didn't have the confidence...actually back then I didn't know what a RAM module even looked like! Oh, and the reason I'm mentioning RAM is a couple of programs are running at the max RAM on my computer therefore they run pretty slow. Sorry for all these questions I must sound like such a noob!

MaxBlast 5 is a download but may also be included if you buy a full package Seagate or Maxtor drive.

You can download it on any computer. Not necessarily the one you use it on. You will make a floppy or CD out of the download.

I know they used to ship their drives with a copy of MaxBlast but it's been a while since I've purchased one.

The main problem with "old" RAM as well as "old" hardware in general is that it is more expensive than new stuff.

There are many RAM scans on-line but again you need to go on-line.

We also have a hardware scan posted on the top of this forum that would be useful but again you need to be online.

Avast makes a free anti-virus that works with '98:

Download FREE antivirus software - avast! Home Edition

Here are some RAM scans you can try:

These popular RAM makers have auto-scanning and/or manual entry RAM wizards to help you determine compatible RAM. For manual entry, enter/select the PC or motherboard make and model number and the wizard will list compatible RAM.

Crucial - Memory Advisor
Corsair - Memory Configurator (manual data entry only)
GeIL - Memory Configurator (manual data entry only)
Kingston - Memory Search (manual data entry only)
Mushkin - Advisor
OCZ - Memory Configurator (manual data entry only)
Patriot - Memory Search (manual data entry only)
PNY - Memory Configurator (manual data entry only)
SuperTalent - Memory Finder (manual data entry only)

The following retailers have auto-scanners and manual wizards. They sell brand name and/or "house" brand (re-branded) RAM.

Newegg - Memory Configurator System Tool
MemoryStock - Upgrade Configurator
18004Memory - Configurator

Hi. I've just been reading a PC upgrading book a friend handed me this evening. I've just looked at the pictures of RAM and according to the pics I've got sdr sdram if that makes any sense? It's got two cut outs rather than one...does that make any sense, anyway I've tried searching for this online but I don't know if you can buy this kind of ram anywhere, I jsut see ddr or ddr2 which doesn't look like the module in my PC. Thank you for hte sites I'll take a look at them now, but does that sdr sdram mean anything or am I speaking gobbledygook?

See if this helps:

Google Image Result for http://www.canadaram.com/images/RAMtypes.jpg

Yes that does help, I'll double check my computer again but the only picture that seems to match is the 168 pin SDRAM. Is this ram still available to buy? Thanks for all your help again

168 pin SDRAM - Google Search