Install SATA drive

  • Thread starter Thread starter PapaJack
  • Start date Start date
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PapaJack

I just ordered an XPS 410 with Vista 32-bit and a single SATA hard drive
from Dell. I wanted two physical hard drives (not RAID) but was told that
they could not install a second drive. The lady told me I could add it
myself. (I can't believe Dell has fallen this far!).



Anyway, I ordered a Seagate SATA drive and will install it when the system
arrives. I have installed IDE drives in the past but this will be my first
experience with SATA. Is the procedure much different from IDE? Are there
any "gotchas" I should be on the lookout for?



If I decide to install Vista 64-bit later, will I need x64 drivers or will
the SATA drives be automatically recognized?



Sorry if this post sounds dumb but SATA is a new animal to me.
 
SATA is nearly the same. Automatically recognized in the BIOS, etc. Just a
dfferent power & interface cable. You may need SATA drivers for Windows,
though.
 
The computer comes with a SATA drive already installed so the drivers will
be there when he opens the box.

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Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
(For email, remove the obvious from my address)

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!
 
Installed Seagate 300 gig 2nd SATA drive here.. Just plugged it in, and it
worked.

I reformatted it in Windows, but otherwise, it seems to be recognized. No
special drivers needed.

Dan
Sudbury
 
It's actually much easier, no more jumpers to worry about, no master slave
drives, one drive per cable, just plug in power and data and go.

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