How easy is it to install a second hard drive (or to replace an existing one)? I have been given a pile of old drives from 1992 to 1998 (i don't know the spec), and i was wondering how easily i could make use of them.I just want more space to install programmes and store files on as i only have 500mb at the moment. dave

It's pretty easy and straight forward. First find out the make and model of the drive you intend to use. Look, usually on the makers web site, for the jumper settings.Do the same with the existing drive in the machine.You also will need a Y-type ribbonwire connection(of course) Anyway, set the first dirve's jumpers to "master"(according to the specs from the site)and the other drive's jumpers to slave. Connect the Y-connection(middle/center plug)to the hard drive IDE bus card. Connect the other two plugs to their respected drives.(no special order as long as the jumpers are set accordingly.) Put drives back in computer.Start computer and enter CMOS (usually del at startup but may be function or other key with your particular unit.)Use either "autodetect hard drive" (or the like) to define parameters of drives. If all is well, write to CMOS and exit. If not, retrace the steps again. The main thing is the jumper settings.They will tell the computer if and or where to look for the second drive. Hope this helps and is not too confusing (I tend to rattle on and on as if everyone knows what I exactly I'm talking about:) Good Luck. It's REALLY not hard to do!

That will work if your computer's BIOS has an autodetect feature in it. If it dosent, follow all steps except for running autodetect. You may have to set it up manually to recognise the drive. you woul have to tll it how big it is, how many heads, cylinders, and tracks are on it, and what type of compression to use if any. Hopefully your BIOS does have an autodetect feature, because it will save you about 20 miniuts worth of time.

One more question for the moment - will any hard drive work in my machine? For example, i am presuming that the 98 drive that i have is the best one, but is it compatible with my machine? Is there a drive size limit or is it just a case of one size fits all?

If the shoe fits, wear it.

hey I need another hard drive - could we trade??? I have a 386 motherboard, a 486 motherboard, a mozart soundcard, and a case - all in working order - the 386 motherboard may need a new battery, but other than that everythings fine!

when i am adding the second hard drive , do i have to set the jumbers.