hello, I have a new toshiba 2.5 hard drive...when i install it in my laptop the bios doesn't recognize it, but when i put it into a case and hook it up via usb xp doesn't have a problem detecting it...i can add files to it with no problems...does anyone have any ideas? i've been scouring the internet with no avail...please help.

Not sure about toshiba's but many laptops have a small adaptor on the hard drive. If this is the case, did you remove the adaptor from the old hard drive and put it on the new one?

Not enough information from you. "...but when i put it into a case and hook it up via usb xp doesn't have a problem detecting it." Hooked up to the same computer or to another one? That size is the hard drive? Is there another hard drive as well on the laptop? Are you sure you connected the drive to the laptop properly, set the drive's master/slave/cable select jumper properly? What brand and model of laptop? What operating system on the laptop? If XP, do you have SP1 or later installed?

there are no adaptors... hooked up to the same computer via usb. My exsiting hard drive in the laptop is about to give out that's why I'm replacing it. It's a 20 gig hard drive. yes, i connected it properly. checked toshiba's site for jumper settings. it's a toshiba satellite m35, xp2 installed. updated to the latest bios which is 1.60 and it still doesn't detect it. i'm stumped...any help would be gratefully appreciated.

From the users guide - http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/su/su_sc_dtlViewDL.jsp?soid=538866&moid=556040&BV_SessionID=@@@@1354447631.1145151267@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccdaddhidkmjegcgfkceghdgngdgmm.0&ct=DL "The computer system is not accessing the hard disk or external diskette drive Your computer normally loads the operating system from the hard disk. If you have a hard disk problem, you will not be able to start the computer. Insert a system diskette into the external diskette drive and press F12 when the machine starts - ......select the boot up device." Sounds like the drive must already have the operating system on it. If your computer still boots with the old drive, you don't need to insert a system diskette - just press F12. If your present drive is still capable enough, you can also use the Toshiba HWSetup utility in Windows to do the same thing. ...... You may need to access the bios Setup. If you don't know how to do that, BIOS Setup / BIOS settings -- access instructions http://askiris.toshiba.com/ToshibaSupportSite/search.do?cmd=displayKC&docType=kc&externalId=627009xml&sliceId=&dialogID=8504443&stateId=1%200%208508089 For Toshiba notebook PCs manufactured since the introduction of Windows XP, one or more of the following methods will be effective: Toshiba Hardware utility method: Run the Toshiba Hardware utility from the Toshiba Console. It is also accessible (as 'HWSetup') from the Windows Control Panel. This utility provides a relatively user-friendly way to change the CMOS settings. Changes to some of the settings will require re-starting the PC (along with re-starting Windows). This method is the only way to access the CMOS settings on some of the newer notebook PCs (Satellite 5000 series, for example). (For these machines, pressing and holding the F12 key immediately after powering-on the notebook will allow you to alter the notebook's boot priority.) If the notebook is fully off, and/or to avoid having to re-start it (and Windows), use one or the other of the following two methods. The PC will have to be truly off (not suspended, or in standby mode, or in hibernation mode). If an external keyboard is attached to the notebook (either directly or via a docking station or a port-replicator), disconnect it until you have completed this procedure. F2 key method: Turn the notebook on. If you see an invitation to press the F2 key to enter Setup, do so. The Setup screen will appear. Esc key method: Turn the notebook on. If you do not see a prompt to press the F2 key, then immediately press and hold the Esc key. When prompted to, press the F1 key. The Setup screen will appear.