How to Increase Storage in an Old Laptop
Replacing an unused DVD writer with a second hard drive using a caddy, so an old laptop gains extra storage without touching the primary boot drive.
The options covered
Swapping the unused DVD optical drive for an extra 2.5-inch hard drive in an HDD caddy, letting an older laptop run two storage drives for more capacity while leaving the original boot drive untouched.
Selecting the right caddy and swapping hardware
Check the sticker model on the original DVD writer to pick a caddy of the matching thickness (9.5mm or 12.5mm), use a pin to pop open the optical tray, transfer the outer plastic faceplate and securing bracket onto the new caddy, and fasten the secondary hard drive in place with the side screws.
Setting up the new drive
Slide the assembled caddy into the optical slot, lock it down with the laptop's original rear chassis screw and boot into Windows, where the old DVD drive letter is replaced by the newly mounted storage partition.
Want to upgrade your own laptop?
The guide below covers cloning and swapping the drive, and the downloads page has the video link.