I have to upgrade an old computer's hard drive and I have a few questions.
If anyone could help that would be great! What special hardware will be needed to allow the new hard drive to work with the old computer? Also is there any software or firmware issues that I should be aware of?

Thanks

Need some details. What operating system in on the PC? Is the new drive a secondary drive or primary (with Windows, boot sector and all that)? Is new drive USB connected?

The computer has an AMD K6 processor, it currently has a Western Digital Caviar Hard disk - the AC3100. It is running windows 98, but I have to upgrade it to Windows XP because of the hard drive I want to install (it recommends xp) Is there any hardware or software that I will need to get this thing running?

Thanks
Courtney

Do you want to keep what is on the old hard drive and copy it to the new drive? Do you have a plan for that? I am assuming you have a copy Windows XP. I believe you put in the new drive, then boot from the Win XP CD to install it on the drive. I defer to others here on the board as Ive nevr had to do this.

The computer has an AMD K6 processor, it currently has a Western Digital Caviar Hard disk - the AC3100. It is running windows 98, but I have to upgrade it to Windows XP because of the hard drive I want to install (it recomends xp) Is there any hardware or software that I will need to get this thing running?

Thanks
Courtney

Ok from the specs you have posted it would be a BAD idea to try an XP upgrade.

The K6 really doesn't have enough power to handle it, I was going to write wellie but not sure if you know what I mean.
It will work but will be extremely slow.
You best bet is to find and older IDE hard drive that will work with WIn98, either try a local computer fair or even Ebay.
Here's an Ebay example. (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/IBM-Travell-Star-20-GB-IDE-Hard-drive_W0QQitemZ270004191520QQihZ017QQcategoryZ1617 8QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

BAsically you looking for a lower capacity drive than the one you are probably looking at, up to about 40 Gig would be best.

It's then a relativily simple task of setting the jumpers to "Slave" mode and attaching it to the same cable as your current main Drive. You main drive neds to be jumpered to "Master". (Check manufacturers aite for jumper settings)
This way you get to keep all the data, don't need to mess about with an unneeded upgrade and save yourself a load of money.

The hard drive specs recommend XP?? That would be the first time I have ever seen that. The HD doesn't care what OS you install, as long as you have the proper cabling (EIDE vs SATA) and a recent enough BIOS that will recognize the large size.