? Using 2nd HD as primary

[ciscoman1]

I would like to install and use a 2nd Hard Drive as a backup and as a means of installing an Evaluation Copy of Win2000 Pro and then Server. What I am thinking of doing is to just UNPLUG my current HD from the primary controller and then to plug in the 2nd HD. I have two questions the first being when I plug in the 2nd HD will the bios CHANGE to reflect the difference in HD capacities, number of cylinders, etc and also should I partition the 2nd HD so that I can use the IMAGE FILE of my current HD if I need to and then have another partition for the Win2000 evaluation copies?? Thanks JR

[bonno]

if you are swapping harddisks the BIOS will have to change, the one you are putting in will always become the primary.

you are better off keeping both harddisks in there all the time and setting one up as the secondary - you can configure multiple operating systems to 'dual boot' also.

your query is a little sketchy, go with a set up like this:

both harddisks permanently in the machine, the primary should have a partition for each os installed - for optimum performance.

secondary for data (partitions will keep it organized but is not essential)

bonno

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[ciscoman1]

To bonno
I use 98SE and if I add the other HD to the secondary controller will I automatically boot into 98, and how would I set it up to dual boot?
Thanks JR

[coolsights2000]

I am just throwing in some chew here

I use two drive one at a time when I swap the drives
I turn the puter off LOL unplug all of them then boot up and let the puter clear the bios then I turn it off and plug in the drive that I want to use and boot up...

I do this cause I have found if the drives are different size sometimes the computer gets confused....



Thanks
Mac!!!

This Is just my opinion
So if it stinks wait for another one
Cause I'm no expert

[bonno]

when installing a second os on a harddisk it should detect the other one and give you a choice of configuring for dual boot. (it'll be really obvious)

bonno



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[BertImmenschuh]

I use a product called Mobile Rack that is a chassis that fits a 5.25" bay (same size as a CD-ROM), it has a cartridge that is locked in with a key. The cartridge holds an IDE hard drive. By simply turning off the computer, unlocking the cartridge, removing it, replacing it with another cartridge holding a different drive, locking it and re-booting, I have a choice of Win98, WinME, Win3.xx/DOS6.22, or Win2K almost instantly. MegaHaus and Dirt Cheap Drives carry them, maybe with different names.

Set the hard drive in the BIOS to Auto and the drive/s to Master and go for it.

[ciscoman1]

To coolsight
Are you saying that to clear the bios you will have NO HD connected, then turn off the pc and plugin the 2nd HD??

Thanks JR

[ciscoman1]

To Bert

The rack sounds like the way to go. Is it compatible with most any newer HD out today, and what is the cost?

Thanks JR

[BertImmenschuh]

Yes, just be sure to read the specs to make sure it will work with ATA66 or 100. This is how it should read: ATA/33/66/100.

This is the brand I use:

http://www.caseoutlet.com/Mobile_Rack/Single-default.htm#IDE

Another source:

http://www.coolerexpress.com/cooler-express/mobilerack.html

I use model SNT-102ATA.

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These are a bit more expensive:

http://www.dirtcheapdrives.com/dataport/

http://www.megahaus.com/dataport/

Actually, these two companies are around the corner from each other and I think they have merged.

[ciscoman1]

To Bert
Thanks for the info. I believe I have a good idea now of what I would like. Now I just have to get another HD "LOL", something around 10 Gig is plenty for me thanks again JR

[BertImmenschuh]

Glad to help.

[coolsights2000]

1 turn off computer
2 disconnect all hard drives
3 turn on puter boot it till it says no system found
4 turn puter off
5 connect the other drive
6 turn puter on

I do this so there will be nooooo conflicts
I have two different size drives
*** I have had it conflict so I do this so there will be nooooo conflicts *****

If you get a new drive get a big one so it will be faster than old 10Gb will be slow...

I went with a ATA100 with a adapter card so it would convert 66 to 100



Thanks
Mac!!!

This Is just my opinion
So if it stinks wait for another one
Cause I'm no expert

[ciscoman1]

To coolsights2000
Does the adapter card connect to a pci slot or other and how much would an adapter card like that cost? I think my HD is rated only ATA33/ so would the ATA 66/100 still work? My pc is a 1999 OEM model with 98SE.
Thanks
JR

[BertImmenschuh]

The motherboard and HDD both have to support ATA66 or 100 and a special 80-conductor cable has to be used. It has 40 conductors plus each is shielded to prevent cross-talk to the adjacent one. Sometimes you have to use a PCI add-in controller card or replace the motherboard.

[ciscoman1]

To Bert
I heard about a controller that will change your HD ATA speed so is this what coolsights is talking about? Shouldn't a ATA33 also be the same as ATA 33/66? Thanks again JR

[BertImmenschuh]

I had heard of it too. Haven't had a chance to try one yet. If the board supports ATA66 or 100, I usually download a diagnostic from the maker of the drive to make sure it is enabled on the drive, or disable it if necessary. A lot depends on what state the drive was in when it was shipped.

[ciscoman1]

To Bert
About the diagnostic for the drive, thanks for refreshing me on that as that could help out alot. I will keep that in mind.
JR

[coolsights2000]

I don't know what the output speed has to do with this deal because the board plugs in like the modem does... the only thing is the input pins are a diff size.. if you compare a older modem with a new one you will see the input connections are diff so you would have to find the right ata adpator card to fit in the mother board slot...

Thanks
Mac!!!

This Is just my opinion
So if it stinks wait for another one
Cause I'm no expert

[ciscoman1]

To coolsights2000
Thanks for the info. I will have to check into that
JR