New SATA HDD setup

[milgo]

I have a new Maxtor SATA 160GB that I want to install as the original Maxtor ATA 40GB is full to the brim. What I have in mind is to install the new 160 as MASTER this will be connected to the MB via a pci card that has a SATA controller on it, partition it something like 10GB (for the XP install) 50GB for programmes & then 2 more 50GB partitions for storage. I’ll then change the settings (jumpers) on the original 40GB to make it the SLAVE.

I’ll then do a clean install of XP home on the 160GB, create the same users as were on the original install and then copy/cut and paste the files from the 40GB drive to the relevant users on the 160GB.
Once this has been done then I’ll format the 40GB to use as further storage.

Does this sound like a good plan or am I missing anything. Thanks

[Stoo]

SATA doesn't have master/slave settings..

Set the SATA drive up and make it bootable, then disable the boot sector on the 40gb drive, boot up using the SATA drive, copy everything you want from the 40gb drive, format it, and bob's your uncle

[floppybootstomp]

Sounds OK to me. But to make life a little easier, I'd disconnect the 40Gb drive whilst you're partitioning/installing on the 160Gb drive.

Otherwise, from my experience and despite Bios boot loading preference settings, it may still boot from the 40Gb drive.

[milgo]

Stoo, disable the boot sector on the 40gb drive? is this in the bios under boot? I remember seeing that you can select the drive and change it to disable, is this what you mean?. Do I set the 40GB to slave as soon as I'm able to boot from the 160GB.

[funnelhead]

you wont have to set the 40 gb as a slave mate as the sata drive is on a dirrerent channel to it. Master / Slave referres to priority of a drive on a channel (ie cable) - it has nothing to do with which drive is bootable.

in the bios make the sata controller card the primary boot device and make the 40gig non bootable.

turn off the computer and unplug the 40 gig for good measure. (computers will do what they want)

turn on and partition / load XP onto the sata drive.

when thats done plug the 40 back in. you should still boot to the sata. Copy ur settings across etc

format the 40gig

hope this helps,

F

[milgo]

Thanks, worked a treat. Swap file! do you have to tell a partition that it is a swap file?