How Do I Add A Second HDD?

[JackSpadesSI]

I've already got one WD 1TB Caviar Black HDD in my main computer (see signature for other specs). I've got a WD 1TB Caviar Green HDD lying around that I don't really have any use for (my server already has 4x 1TB drives in it). I don't like the idea of letting it go unused, so I'm thinking of adding it to my main computer.

How do I properly add this second drive to my system? I understand how to physically screw it in, and I understand how to connect power and SATA cables. What I don't know is how to have my computer recognize it as a secondary (non-booting) HDD. Do I have to do anything weird with jumpers, or are there any complicated steps in the BIOS that need to be done for this to work?

Thanks, in advance, for your help!

 

[DaveSimmons]

No jumpers with SATA.

Turn on the computer, go into the BIOS to check that it is recognized there.

In Windows, Control panel > Administrative tools > computer management > disk management.

You should see a new "Disk 1" there, just right-click and set up as a basic disk, primary partition, formatted as NTFS.

It will probably give the disk a drive letter higher than your DVD drive, if that annoys you then you can move the DVD to letter F or above, move the HD to letter D then move the DVD to letter E.

 

[JackSpadesSI]

I have two DVD-RW drives (D & E), and you're right - that would annoy me. Where do I do that drive re-naming (BIOS, Windows, etc.)?

Is there ANY chance that adding the second hard drive will cause my current (C ) drive to be formatted? I don't want that to happen!

 

[strep3241]

You would rename the drives under Disk Management in Windows. Right click on the computer icon and click manage, then click on disk management on the left.

Your data will not be affected on the C: drive by adding a second drive. Unless you accidentally format the wrong drive.

 

[JackSpadesSI]

You would rename the drives under Disk Management in Windows. Right click on the computer icon and click manage, then click on disk management on the left.

Ever done this and had unexpected errors because drives on your system were renamed and files got "confused"?

Your data will not be affected on the C: drive by adding a second drive. Unless you accidentally format the wrong drive.

Isn't it impossible to format the boot drive from within Windows?