I Need Help with DVD RW & Hard Drive Install

[ucblogger]

Rather than buying a new computer I would like to upgrade my existing computer with a DVD R/W Drive and Bigger Internal (possibly external) Hard Drive. (I have already upgraded it to the maximum amount of RAM it will take - which is 2GB- cause it only has 2 slots).

I have a Dell Dimension 3000 Desktop (bought new in 12/2004- 6 years old). I have the DVD drive already purchased, but I am having a hard time installing it - I do not know where the SATA Data Connector gets plugged into on the mother board. I have not purchased a new hard drive yet, I need assistance choosing the right kind. I can do the install myself - I just need to be advised as to the correct hardware I will need.

Here is a breakdown of the help I need: (Tell me what I need to get/use to do the install myself)

DVD-R/W (I have already bought this - is this the right one?) : LG Electronics 24X SATA DVD+/-RW Internal Drive GH24NS50 (Cannot figure out where to connect the last cable - the SATA Data Connector).

HARD DRIVE: Not Purchased yet, need help choosing one. One of my questions is will all of the Programs be transfered to my new hard drive - or will I need the original install CD/Product Key to reinstall on new drive? OR can I get a 2nd external or internal HD so that I don't have to reinstall any software? I just want a new HD for more space - this oldie is only like 34GB, I would be happy with a least 160 GB. How do I know what type of drive I need to buy?

I am NOT computer illiterate, but I am also not a PC Tech. I am a DIY - er (Do-It-Yourself-er) so I have installed new hardware upgrades on my PC before (Plug-in play = RAM & WS Antenna) , but the problem I have run into now is I don't know if my system is too old for the SATA connections that I have - or what.

This should be a simple thing for someone a few steps up in PC Hardware knowledge than me, please help! Thank you!

 

[cube_]

Big mistake buddy. Looking over here at your motherboards specs, i couldn't find a SATA connection. Your motherboard only supplies IDE connections. You'll need to return that DVD drive and replace it with one that has an IDE connector.
The same goes for your Hard drive: you'll need to buy a drive that has an IDE connector.

Now, you can keep your current hard drive and use the new one you buy as an expansion drive. Alternatively, if you want to transfer your data to the new drive and then dump the old one, you'll have to connect both drives and boot into your old drive (as you would normally do), and then copy paste all your files to the new drive.

You cannot transfer your operating system to the new drive: the only way to do this is to use a program like Migrate Easy. I've used it before and its a great program to have, but i personally wouldn't go through the hassle. I recommend a clean O/S install.

If keeping your serial number is the issue, use Jelly Bean Keyfinder to find your serial number(s) and put it(them) down on a piece of paper.

Hope i was of some help. Check out Newegg.com or TigerDirect.com for all your PC shipping needs. You'll find sweet deals on the drives you're looking for.