Problems. I got my machine a few days ago and got Windows XP from some crappy compaq windoes xp professional disk on it. It runs okay, despite the bickering it wants from me to "retype the product key" which should work and for some reason doesn't, keeps sending me back to the same screen (even though the Retry button highlights its self.) Yes, I do legally own it.

I have a 30gb drive with all my stuff on it I want to run with (or just transfer my information) to the SATAII drive. I have to go to the boot menu to boot from the 250gb drive instead (as the 30gb one has priority somehow), because the 30gb one always sends me to a "Windows sux bad and u have a problem lol k reb00t now newb" screen.

Windows detects the drive, but does not display it in My Computer (when booted from the other 250gb drive)

What I want is at least all of my stuff transfered to the 250gb one, but the 30gb one won't boot up, and isn't located in the drive network. All I have done to it is connect a ribbon thing to the motherboard and plugged in a power source to it.

Keep in mind I am a n00vice, and this is my first technical "from the ground up" build. I appreciate the help in advance. >.>

You did install windows on the 250 gigger right?

Are both hard drives using the same format. Correct me if I'm wrong but if Windows is installed on a HDD formatted in NTFS and the other drive is FAT32, they won't be able to read each other, hense preventing the HDD from showing up in WinXP.

do you have the Master/Slave setup correctly


there should be a diagram on the drives telling you where to put certain jumpers

master should be first on the cable and slave second

Windows XP Prof. is on the SATAII 250gb one.
Windows XP is on the 30gb one.

I don't know about this master/slave thing, as the SATAII doesn't have a plugin for a ribbin cord. Right now it's like this:

The 30gb one has a single ribbon connecting to the mobo and the hdd. There is a 4 white-headed pin power supply connecting to the hdd.

The SATAII has a weird looking power supply head thing connecting into the HDD (looks almost like the SATAII cord that connects from the mobo to the hdd.) And that's it on that one too.

I don't know anything about jumpers, but I do know that all of mine are covered with plastic protection thingies.

bump

You don't have your jumpers set right, I can tell by the message you sent me the other day. However, it's not something I feel like taking an hour to explain. I'd suggest googling your respective drive brands' settings for jumpers, and letting that explain it to you.