PC hardware forum: Media Drive vs External Hard Drive

"not store in another location like a disc or back up location"

Given that restriction you would get a bigger drive and use the supplied software to copy your old drive to the new drive. You set the spec or rules so this means no media or external drive will do.
Bob

I take it you like your memories of pictures and what have you. Yet, you limit yourself not storing off PC. This just going to lead to heartache should the HD ever fail no matter what the improvement. Ext. HDs tend to fail far sooner than int. media but that's up to you. I strongly suggest you burn your memories to CD/DVD/BD discs in order to save something. Yes, you can add more storage media, but that's NOT PERMANENT, if can possibility fail. Do burn some or all of your important memories and then add the added int. storage to a larger HD. You can replace the current HD or add another one depending on your desktop setup. Understand any backup already done or future plans will be an added safety storage of those memories. if you can't understand that, find out the hard way, even if your improve your current storage media one way or another. HP provides generic help in added or replacement HD, just check your model# for details or find basic info via the HP support website. Beware, that most HP PCs may not always be capable "for long" to support a 2nd HD if so done plus the added heat source and wattage needs(PSU), just a thought to ponder. AND what other posters have suggested makes alot of sense.

tada ------Willy

Burning discs to me is a pain in the ass and storing them becomes even more of a pain. Especially when ur storing terabytes worth of media files. My closet was full of discs of pictures home movies, and all the dvds i had for my favourite tv shows and movies.

I got rid of all of it and bought an hp external hard drives and been happier ever since. This is for two reasons... First, Have you ever tried to easily find things on discs when you have a thousand of them? Very difficult even when u label them. You can buy a 4tb hard drive for under 200 bucks now and that saves you from having a closet full of disc if each one is 4.3gb. All you need to do is buy 2 one to hold the original files and a 2nd as a back up. Second, as they are connected to ur pc u can access them instantly rather than seach for a disc to put in the dvd drive to see your cherished memories.