Adding a new HDD and memory...

[NegLakay]

I'm using a Compaq 500MHz with 96MB RAM, a 20G HDD, a DVD-ROM drive, a CD-RW drive and I was thinking about adding another 20G HDD on it so I can install Linux and play with it... I was wondering if that's the best solution or should I just get a new PC altogether?


Neg Lakay

[mjc]

It should work ok, just remember that your Compaq is proprietary, so leave the original drive alone, make the new one slave on the same channel and direct the Linux installer to the new drive, and everything should be fine.


Also, you may want to think about the size drive you are looking at, because most 40GB drives are now as cheap (or cheaper) than the 20GB models.

[NegLakay]

OK thanks MJC! I wanted to go with 40 GB but I was afraid it would be too much to put on my "old" PC even if I upgrade my memory... Am I worrying in vain?


Neg Lakay

[mjc]

If the BIOS doesn't see the whole thing, you could make two primary partitions on it (pretty easy to do with the Linux installer) and do it that way. But is should be ok. No need to go into overlay software, etc.

I would definitely increase the RAM.

[NegLakay]

Cool... thanks for the help!

I was wondering though: Why should I not mess up with the original drive on a Compaq? I wanted to reinstall Windows using my own partioning instead of Compaq's standard partitioning... Will this be a problem?

[mjc]

Older Compaqs kept their BIOS setup program on a hidden partition, newer ones keep the restore files there. Some models came with restore disks also, if you have those then you can safely reclaim the space. The ones with the restore partition only had a way of making a set of restore CDs but I can't find it now. (I think Sea69 posted a link on how to do it a while ago....)

So, in other words it si safer to let sleeping dogs lie.....