Barracuda XT, Barracuda, Barracuda Green, DiamondMax and other desktop SATA and IDE drives

[tbertnic]

This may be a simple issue. I would like to install a second hard drive that I can choose between my first hard

drive and second HD and make them either bootable at startup. Can this be done with Vista 32 bit? thanks

[everrest]

It is a simple issue. Boot Article Search the internet and  you'll find more than you want to know.

[Cantbecanit]

I hope you don't mind everrest if I add this as well because the link you showed although very good can still give the inexperienced trouble.

Go into bios setup and and set the order as HDD 1 XP? and HDD 2 Vista? and CD as the 3rd choice, floppy if you still use one, this should ensure XP boots and Vista should be visible inside it, however if you want Vista and load up and it doesn't show an option to boot to it hold either the F2 or F8 key down or press one repeatedly and it should bring the boot order screen up, pretty certain it's F8, sorry but it's a while since I last ran duals, you then chose the one you want, hth.

[tbertnic]

Thanks for both replies. I actually want to install vista 32 bit as the OS on both internal hard drives. This

may sound unusual but I have a use for it. I have a disc made from the computer that is supposed to contain

the vista OS. Is there any particular problem with this idea. I still am not sure how to make the computer see

the second drive first on startup or reboot in order to use the second drive. Thanks.

[Cantbecanit]

That's not a problem, do what I said above, when you hit the F key on booting the O/S's should be listed, they will have the same name obviously, you just have to remember which one is which when selecting, they should list the same everytime as they will have a queue order from your board connections.