My elderly father has just got a new pc (Dell with XP Pro). At the weekend, I will go to set it up for him and move all the files that he wants from his old (still working) pc to the new one.
As there is not much wrong with the old HD it occured to me to move it to the new Dell pc. I believe that I can install it either

• in the slave postion on the same ribbon cable as the primary hard drive and set the jumpers to cs

• or put it on cable 2 and set the jumpers to Slave.

Assuming I can then boot the pc from the C Drive and it recognises the second drive (D:?), how do I get rid of Windows XP home from the D: drive?

There are a couple things here.

Not all new motherboards support two IDE connectors - there may only be one. If there are two, and no drives attached, the drive will go on the Master end, configured as Master (or CS).

Assuming I can then boot the pc from the C Drive and it recognises the second drive (D:?), how do I get rid of Windows XP home from the D: drive?

Well you can't completely, but you can simply delete many of the folders. As long as the BIOS Setup Menu is not changed to boot to D, it will not cause any problems, other than taking up disk space.

Do note that any programs currently installed on his old drive will have to be reinstalled in order for the new Windows to learn about it (and set up the registry).

Check out Using the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard in Windows XP.

Check with your owner's manual but I believe that performing any hardware changes yourself [which would include adding a hard drive] would violate the manufacturer's warranty. At least that would apply here but I don't know about doing so over there as I don't know your laws. An alternative would be to buy an external hard drive.

I will just add my thoughts:

First off there should be nothing in the warranty to prevent you from upgrading your computer such as adding RAM; cards; or hard drives.

Next it is important to know the particular model of Dell. Many new Dell boards have no IDE at all. They have gone totally SATA in many models for both hard and optical drives.

As to the old drive if it does work with this configuration then after you move the data you want I don't see why you can not wipe the drive and start over with a blank drive.

You would do this outside of windows with an application such as GParted. You can also use KillDisk prior to GParted for a total wipe and then reformat.

..................
GParted

---------------------------------------------------------------

Anyway if you use GParted: Save this download:

SourceForge.net: GParted: Downloading ...

This is an ISO file. You will need an ISO burning program to burn it. It cannot be burnt as data as it is an image.

If you use Nero there is an option called "Create Disk Image".

If you do not have Nero you can use this free program:

ISO Recorder v 2

This will add the burning option to your right click options or shell.

With Nero just point it to the downloaded ISO. With the other recorder just right click the ISO and choose Burn Disk Image.

A new blank CD is required.

After the burn this CD will be a boot disk and will boot GParted.

Verify that your CD drive is set to boot prior to the hard drive and boot the CD.

There are some basic tutorials on the functions and use of GParted here:

GParted -- Documentation



Active@ Kill Disk Hard Drive Eraser. Low Level Format.

First off there should be nothing in the warranty to prevent you from upgrading your computer such as adding RAM; cards; or hard drives.

100% true!

Originally Posted by jephree

First off there should be nothing in the warranty to prevent you from upgrading your computer such as adding RAM; cards; or hard drives.

I agree that there shouldn't be but does that mean that there isn't? My mom's system could only be upgraded by a professional in order to keep the warranty. He should still check.

I agree that there shouldn't be but does that mean that there isn't?

Yes. The manuals can manufacturer can say whatever they want - there are universal consumer protection laws that protect the consumer's rights against such unfair practices

My mom's system could only be upgraded by a professional in order to keep the warranty

That is not true! As long as it is done correctly, using parts that meet compatible specifications, the user can do it all. In fact, makers can even put one of those stickers over the case cover that says, Void if Broken! It does not matter. Manufacturers do not make the law. Every user has the right to add RAM or another drive - or just look around inside. Now if you spill your Coca Cola inside the case while doing it, then your warranty is void.

I have been through this discussion many times with many people all over the world. It is like changing the oil on your new car - the book says only authorized mechanics can do it. Not true - as long as you use the right oil and filter, you can do it yourself. And guess what? It is a user responsibility to open the case periodically (I recommend monthly) and clean out the interior of heat trapping dust and dirt. This is necessary because for sure, if something overheats because you failed to keep it clean, the warranty will not cover repairs.

Next it is important to know the particular model of Dell. Many new Dell boards have no IDE at all. They have gone totally SATA in many models for both hard and optical drives.

Just to add my 2 cents...I purchased the following from a local store for $25.00 cdn and it has paid for itself many times over.
Vantec USB 2.0 to SATA (Serial ATA)IDE Adapter CB-ISATAU2 in Canada at TigerDirect.ca

THis unit allows you to hook up the HDD as an external USB device...no need to pul the case apart...

...no need to pul the case apart...

And miss an opportunity to clean out all the dust bunnies and rats nests???

Originally Posted by Digerati

And miss an opportunity to clean out all the dust bunnies and rats nests???

What do you live in a dungeon?