Computer Help

Kania2k1 · August 22, 2008

Okay, so I've got an older system that my dad and I build about 5 years ago. Pretty simple setup, 2 hard drives, couple burners, 2GB of RAM, decent graphics card, etc. The hard drives that I have in there are a 40 gig (C:\) and a 160 gig (F:\). I purchased a 320gig drive several months ago on sale, and wanted to put it in. When we first built the system, I only had the 40 gig in it, and later added the 160. My initial thought process is as follows:

1. Pull out the 160 gig drive

2. Format 320 gig

3. Copy 160 to 320

4. Copy 40 to 160

5. Reinstall 160 as C:\ drive

6. Leave 40 out and enjoy more space.

It's kinda like the "Towers of Hanoi", if anyone gets that reference. So this process seems pretty straight forward, but I wanted to know if I need to modify any of the CMOS or BIOS settings in order to pull the 160 and add the 320. This is the only computer we have in the house, and the GF uses it to do some of her school work. Anyone have any thoughts on the subject?

omegafiler · August 22, 2008

Even a 5 year old BIOS should automatically recognize IDE hard drives, as long as the jumpers are correct. What kinda system is it?

Also, are you planning on reloading the OS when you replace the 40gb HD (C:)? You'll sorta need to do that unless you have some disk utilities, such as Ghost, to image drive to drive and copy the boot sector.

I mean, you have a lot of options here depending mostly on personal preferences. And there isn't exactly a right or wrong way to do it. I'd probably just ghost the 40gb to the 320gb and leave the 160gb as a secondary drive. Or if Ghost wasn't available, just replace the 160gb with the 320gb - depending on how much space I needed.

Or... just throw the 320gb in an external enclosure and use it as a data backup solution. Then you don't have to mess with anything in the box.

Zembonez · August 22, 2008

Even a 5 year old BIOS should automatically recognize IDE hard drives, as long as the jumpers are correct. What kinda system is it?

Also, are you planning on reloading the OS when you replace the 40gb HD (C:)? You'll sorta need to do that unless you have some disk utilities, such as Ghost, to image drive to drive and copy the boot sector.

I mean, you have a lot of options here depending mostly on personal preferences. And there isn't exactly a right or wrong way to do it. I'd probably just ghost the 40gb to the 320gb and leave the 160gb as a secondary drive. Or if Ghost wasn't available, just replace the 160gb with the 320gb - depending on how much space I needed.

Or... just throw the 320gb in an external enclosure and use it as a data backup solution. Then you don't have to mess with anything in the box.

I like the idea of using the new 320 as a backup external drive... especially on a 5 year old system. Cloning your current C drive onto one of the other drives is pointless. You don't end up with any more space and an external drive is a much safer way to store data. I say leave the 40 gig as your primary.

I have several Vantec enclosures with external drives and they are great. I have almost 2 terabytes of space now! Using SATA or USB 2.0 interfaces if plenty fast. Newegg.com has them and the prices are good. I've bought tens of thousands of dollars worth of equipment from them and highly recommend them. Tigerdirect.com and Zipzoomfly.com are OK but not nearly as reliable IMO.

You asked!

svensk · August 22, 2008

Yeah it's just plug and play the BIOS will recognize the new drive if the jumpers are correct.

Like Omega said, I agree just quick format and install the OS on the 320 and then transfer the stuff you want over. Always the best idea to run the OS on the newest drive since it will be working the hardest. Then the leave the 160 as your junk drive.

Kania2k1 · August 22, 2008

I think the easiest way, and less invasive is to just get an external case for the thing and run it as an external back-up.

The system is custom parts and pieces, mostly from Computergeeks.com. Little things here and there have been added, but it's a fairly stable system, for a PC, and I really cannot afford a new Mac Pro, which I'd like, but can't justify plunking down $2800 for one now. Thanks for the tips, I'll check out the sites for an external case. Thanks for the help.

Zembonez · August 22, 2008

Nice thing about external drives is that the data is portable between computers plus it's already there if you decide to build a new box.

Good luck.

pennzoil29 · August 22, 2008

It looks like we have our very own "Geek Squad" in GM-Trucks. That is nice to know.

svensk · August 22, 2008

It looks like we have our very own "Geek Squad" in GM-Trucks. That is nice to know.

that's an idea for a sub forum. I'd participate in that.

VMax2007 · August 22, 2008

svensk · August 22, 2008

how did you get my HS chess club photo!

pennzoil29 · August 22, 2008

VMax2007 · August 22, 2008

how did you get my HS chess club photo!

From daddy. It's part of his "collection".

svensk · August 22, 2008

funny music vid

wierd al "white and nerdy"

DofD · August 22, 2008

I think the easiest way, and less invasive is to just get an external case for the thing and run it as an external back-up.

The system is custom parts and pieces, mostly from Computergeeks.com. Little things here and there have been added, but it's a fairly stable system, for a PC, and I really cannot afford a new Mac Pro, which I'd like, but can't justify plunking down $2800 for one now. Thanks for the tips, I'll check out the sites for an external case. Thanks for the help.

There's lots of good options from the folks here and all will work just fine. Though one thing not mentioned is what are your intentions for the new drive? Just general storage? I ask since if you're planning on streaming movies for a HTPC then the external drive solution using USB2.0 won't work very well as the performance over USB2.0 isn't there, espeically if you already have things on the USB bus. Otherwise the external enclosure solution will work well.