Adding a second drive to Win98

[LittlefootTook]

I have installed a second HDD into my system for the purpose of backing up files prior to wiping the system and doing a clean XP install. The second/new drive and the boot drive are set to the proper slave/master jumper config. The system/BIOS sees the drive, and it shows up in Device Manager, however, the OS doesnt see the drive. It has not been given a drive letter. Do I need to partition this drive? If so, how? How do I get the OS to see it?

 

[paparazi]

If you connect it as a single drive (master), go into bios and set first boot device to CDrom, restart the PC with XP in the CDrom drive, it will start up and load as if you are going to install XP, F8 accept then create a partition (you could go on and format but this will lead to XP auto installing) so turn off at this point, refit your old drive (reconfigure slave master) now that the drive is partitioned it should be detected in windows.
Right click on the new drive and format (in Windows) the drive is ready to use. Martin

Replying helps further our knowledge, without comment leaves us wondering.

 

[LittlefootTook]

Aye...that is a good idea! However, prior to that I wish to migrate my data onto the spare drive, and back up my files if you will, before I do clean install of XP. That is where the glitch is. I cannot get my current OS (Win98) to "see" the spare drive so that I can do this!

 

[LittlefootTook]

Oh wait! I get what you are saying! Preformat the spare...but will that allow me to transfer my data with the HDD that is the Win98 Master?

 

[wolluf]

You need create a partition (or as many as you want) on the new drive. In win98, you would normally do this by running fdisk in a dos box. Change to second drive, create the partition(s), exit and reboot. It will then be available to format (either from explorer or using format command in dos box again). Martin gave you another way of doing this - but make sure you create a fat32 partition if using XP install CD. Another method would be using a win98 boot floppy & fdisk/reboot/format again.

 

[LittlefootTook]

You guys ROCK!!!! Thank you both so much!! I was able to use fdisk in the manner perscribed..
peace to you!