Adding second hard drive

[wvkeith]

I'm running xp pro on my computer and want to install a second hard drive for more storage. I want to be able to put songs, pictures, games, etc. on the second hard drive. Does the second hard drive need the OS installed or do I just need to format it?

 

[Nitestick]

no, no OS is necessary. you will need to correctly install the HDD and then format it. i need to know if you have any cd drives etc and how they are setup, also how many.

edit: sorry i'm assuming you don't know about jumper settings and ide channels

 

[wvkeith]

You're right, I don't know about jumper settings and ide channels. Right now the computer has one 80 GB hard drive, one floppy drive and one dvd drive. Each drive has it's own cable.

 

[Nitestick]

ok that makes things simple. when you get your new hdd put it on the same cable as your current hdd. jumpers are a little plastic thing that goes over pins at the back of the drive. on the drive label there will be a picture detailing where to position it to designate it as a master or slave. set it as a slave, plug in the power and IDE cables, turn the computer on and hopefully it will autodetect and your done. if you need help formatting post back again

 

[wvkeith]

Thanks, I'll let you know how things work out.