well i have 2 older computers. one, and HP vectra, generally freaks out when i update its 10Gb drive to a 40GB . Linux has no issue seeing and useing the drive, but the BIOS does. kinda of strange considering the fact it is a PIII 700 and my PIII 450 can take a 40GB drive with no issues, but that's HP for you. Have had similar issues at work with changing the drive size.

the other computer is a dell XPS T750r, i added a 40Gb drive to it and it is just extreamly slow booting. meaning it takes a good 3 or more minutes to get past BIOS to booting off something. however seems to be detecting the drive just fine. I am not sure if it is the system or the fact i added a bigger drive, it was also useing a 10GB drive.
I am sure i have to update the BIOS, but have no idea how to see what, if any, updates are out.

anyways just wanted to check, is it just me or is this a BIOS issue.

I had problems installing ram in my hp omnibook until i read the book - it told me to find the reset switch and press it!! Have you tried resetting it?

yea tried resetting CMOS. i am starting to think that the main board may be damaged or dying. linux is installed on the HD. however windows fdisk, and other tools, cannot see the hard disk at all. however it will boot from the hard drive.

i am gonna try one more time, other wise i am gonna tell my firend the mainboard is shot and to sell the parts. i would like the 750Mhz PIII.


well solved the mystery. seems that the computer prefered to have drives set as cable select. everything seems fine now. except the dead floppy.

weird!