reversing my primary and secondary IDE controls

[tase2]

OS: windows 98se
CPU/Ram: AMD-K6 processor 400mhz 192mg RAM


Just curious.
Lately my cd-rom drive and cd-rw drive have caused my system to lock up. It doesn't happen all the time but sometimes it happens when I install or eject a disk in either drive.

My set up is as follows for VIA Bus Master PCI IDE Controller:
Primary IDE controller(dual fifo)
GENERIC IDE DISK TYPE01
IOMEGA ZIPCD3840INT-E
Secondary IDE controller (dual fifo)
ATAPI-CD ROM-DRIVE-56MAX
COMPAQ LS-120 VER5 AB

About 8 months ago a new hard drive was installed and the primary and secondary IDE controllers were switched. The locking up problem did not happen right away, but I was wondering if that could be the problem now.

If that is the problem, could someone give me instructions on exactly how to change them back or possibly a link to instructions.
I have been under the hood before, but still don't feel real comfortable in there.

My PC is Compaq Presario 5240.

If you don't think that is the problem, any ideas as to what could be causing the lock up??? (I get no error message)

Thanks
Mark

 

[wolluf]

'About 8 months ago a new hard drive was installed and the primary and secondary IDE controllers were switched'

What do you mean by this? They were physically switched on the motherboard? Or your old hard drive was on second and you put new one on first?

Have you tried changing the configuration of IDE devices? (Like putting the Cd and hard drive together). I know LS-120's have a slow interface - don't know about zip drives, but if yours is slower than the CD drive's then CD better with hard drive - I'm talking above whether they are PIO or ATA33-133). btw - why a zip and LS-120 drive?

 

[norty303]

wolluf - I think the ZIP is a CD-RW (look at the model no. ZIPCD3840INT-E)

 

[etarhan]

The configuration you supplied look OK. Are you sure that the lock was caused by CD? Did it happen only once? If yes, do not touch. Remote diagnosing without knowing the specs of each drive is very difficult, so if possible, find someone whon knows these things and have him get a look inside.

 

[wolluf]

norty303 - you're right of course (I actually looked up the model, but the Media type CD-R/CD-RW just didn't reach my brain!)

 

[tase2]

Ok
I have just one hard drive that was physically changed and replaced with a new hd. The one hd is partitioned into a C drive and D drive (8 gigs and 2 gigs respectivly). Prior to the switch the factory installed cd-rom drive was drive E and the Iomega CD Burner drive which I had installed was drive F. After the new HD was installed the configuration was reversed. The Iomega burner is now the E drive and the oem cd rom is now the F drive.

I hope this explains my situation.

The locking up has happened at least 15 times. I realize it may have nothing to do with the above, but that is why I am here asking.