UPGRADE TO A NEW SATA SSD

1 Back everything up at least once, preferably using a reliable system image tool, such as Windows’ built-in one (Control Panel | System and Security | Backup and Restore (Windows 7)) or EaseUS Todo Backup Free ( todo-backup.com). If everything goes pear-shaped, then at least you can get things back the way they were.

2 Buy an SSD with enough space for the current contents of your C: drive (or move some files off the drive). You’ll also need a SATA-to-USB adapter ( above) and cloning software – some SSD kits come with these, but cables cost about £5 and you can use Macrium Reflect Free ( macrium.com/reflectfree) instead.

3 Connect your SSD using the USB adapter and run the cloning software. Select your system drive as the source and your SSD as the target – in Macrium Reflect Free, for example, click “Clone this disk”, select the partitions you want under Source, then select your SSD under Destination and click Next.

4 Once cloning is complete, turn off your PC and open it up so you can access the drive bays – refer to your manufacturer’s instructions for specific advice. Unplug the SATA and power cables from your current system drive and remove the drive itself from the drive bay (you may need to unscrew it).

5 Attach the SATA and power connections to the SSD and fix it into the now empty drive bay. Note that most SSDs are laptop sized (2.5in). If you’re installing your SSD into a desktop box, you may need a 3.5in adapter – these cost less than £5 online if your SSD wasn’t supplied with one.

6 Close up your PC’s case and boot it up. If everything has gone to plan, Windows will start up as normal – except much faster. Most SSDs these days come with tools for optimising performance. It’s well worth installing and running this to maximise your new drive’s potential.