So, I spent the last few weeks researching and ordering components for a new computer after reading all the success stories of people on this forum. I want to preface this by saying that I'm relatively new to all of this, so if the things I type don't make sense, at least you know why.
Everything got here over the last week. The build went fine and it booted up on the first try. However, the problems started when I tried to install Windows on my new SATA hard drive (Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB). It appeared as if the formatting of the drive worked, but then when I restarted to continue the installation, the computer would either reboot repeatedly if I booted from the HD or would go back into the Windows setup if I booted from the CD again. I went searching and found out that this is likely due to the lack of some drivers for my motherboard (GIGABYTE GA-965P-DS3). I was able to get the drivers onto a floppy and followed the instructions for installing them with Windows Setup. However, the Setup didn't recognize the floppy or never acknowledged that any drivers existed on the floppy. So, I decided I would use my old IDE hard drive just to get the thing up and running.
I was able to get Windows installed with the old drive and had it recognize the SATA drive and format it through Windows. However, I only have a pirated XP Pro with no service packs as far as I know. I think this is the root of my problem. Several of the drivers for my motherboard will not work without the service packs and I can only use 130GB of the 320GB drive due to this. I broke down and have a copy of XP Home with service pack 2 coming to me tomorrow.
I have several questions about how I should proceed. First of all, I have heard that having two hard drives is advantageous. Since one of them is IDE and the other SATA, clearly I won't be running any RAID or what not, but what is the reason behind having two? Is it worth having two hard drives if one of them is very old (6 years or so)? I have no idea the speed of this drive since I got it as a pre-built system and have lost all the information over the years. Secondly, do you think that the service packs will allow me to just use the SATA drive from the get-go like I originally intended? I would prefer to not have to reformat the old HD, then reformat the SATA drive in Windows and then start over and install Windows on the SATA drive if possible. I remember seeing some posts in here that people used similar drives and a similar motherboard without any problems. So I am assuming that my problems stem from my old pirated OP, does this make sense or am I missing something?
Well, that is all I have. Hopefully it made sense and you guys can understand the problem. Thanks in advance for the help.
Windows question
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noel
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You can use the secondary harddrive (IDE) as a backup drive. I'd recommend an external enclosure for convenience.
As far as the Windows install... While the specific motherboard you had might have some issue that requires the drivers to be installed, it's surprising you weren't just able to install the OS, then the drivers immediately afterward.
Many times, your HDD will come with a CD that allows you to format your drive prior to installing the OS. I know Maxtor and Seagate have them available on their websites. I'd recommend using these first, then installing the OS, then installing the drivers for the motherboard. Ideally, just get the drivers for the motherboard and NIC installed, then hit the motherboard manufacturers website and install the latest versions of their drivers. Even better if you're installing SP2 (which supports USB 2.0) get a flash drive and preload it with that stuff.
Once you have all your drivers installed, hit Windows update and go have lunch while all the hotfixes and crap download.
In short:
Configure your MB BIOS to boot from CD first then HDD.
Use the HD utility to prep the drive.
Install the OS.
Install the drivers.
Windows Update.
Lunch/Dinner.
Install apps.
Enjoy.
As far as the Windows install... While the specific motherboard you had might have some issue that requires the drivers to be installed, it's surprising you weren't just able to install the OS, then the drivers immediately afterward.
Many times, your HDD will come with a CD that allows you to format your drive prior to installing the OS. I know Maxtor and Seagate have them available on their websites. I'd recommend using these first, then installing the OS, then installing the drivers for the motherboard. Ideally, just get the drivers for the motherboard and NIC installed, then hit the motherboard manufacturers website and install the latest versions of their drivers. Even better if you're installing SP2 (which supports USB 2.0) get a flash drive and preload it with that stuff.
Once you have all your drivers installed, hit Windows update and go have lunch while all the hotfixes and crap download.
In short:
Configure your MB BIOS to boot from CD first then HDD.
Use the HD utility to prep the drive.
Install the OS.
Install the drivers.
Windows Update.
Lunch/Dinner.
Install apps.
Enjoy.
Oh, my God; I care so little, I almost passed out.