Slave Hard Drive

[HRMaddie]

I built a new computer, new mobo, etc. I installed a new XP on a new hard drive. I then made sure everything was up and running properly on the new machine. I pulled the old hard drive out of the old computer and slaved it on the new computer. XP detected the new drive, no problems, called it F:. So I then click on it and it asks me if I want to format it. XP is not finding any of my files, it acts as if it blank. So I then go into the computer mgmt and the hard drive is showing as a blank 31.5 gb drive, when it actually is an 80 gb. What gives? Any ideas. I just want to transfer a bunch of files and then wipe it clean. Everything was working properly on both computers before I did this. The slave drive does have a version of XP on it, I wouldn't think that would matter.

[redwudz]

Having an OS on a slave drive shouldn't cause any problems. Assuming you set the old drive jumpers to slave, it sounds like a corrupted or damaged drive.

All I can suggest is to put it in place of your new drive, set to master and see if you can read it.

I would also check my IDE cables, maybe even substitute them.

If you have files on it you really don't want to lose, you could look into some diagnostic or repair software, if not, reformat.

[HRMaddie]

Thanks - I double checked the jumper settings and geez I thought they were set to slave, but they were set to a limit jumper. Corrected the jumper and works now, thanks.

[redwudz]

Great! Sometimes the simple solution is what you need. Never overlook the obvious.