How to : hard drive switch

[imported_cosmokramer]

Hello,

I'd like to select the hard-drive @ booting time.

I understand that I've to opt for 'cable select' for this option. But I'm not clear after that.

Will choosing that option alone solve the problem. If so, when will I get the option to select
the hard-drive.

I've read about using switches( connected to front the rear of the computer ), but what kind
of switches are these, is there any brand that I can buy and fix on my PC. I live in USA.

Thanks,
Kramer.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Usually you need cable select then either a drive bay or slot mounted switch to toggle. I think cyberguys.com has these, and I know TomsHardware reviewed one.

I assume you don't just want to use multiple primary partitions on one drive, plus software like Boot Magic or Acronis' OS Commander (or something like that) ?

 

[imported_cosmokramer]

Oh no no.

At this point, I've 2 separate drives and as such, they both have different OS and
they both have the master slot chosen.

I'm not looking for a removable/detachable bay, but an external switch, to switch
either at the boot-time or choosing the drive and then power up my PC.

Sorry for not being clear.

Thanks.
Kramer.

 

[SKORPI0]

Romtec TRIOS II IDE Switchbox

 

[moonsite]

Why not just do a dual boot since you have different OS on different drive? Win2k, WinXP, Linux allows you to dual boot.

 

[imported_cosmokramer]

I do have dual-boot in one of the hard-drives

I've alienated Fedora Core-2 because of 2.6.x dislike to co-exist with windows.
I'd like to test it out in the 2nd drive.

 

[imported_cosmokramer]

Romtec seems to be dead, I get this, when I type in their address

No web site is configured at this address.

But the functionality is, all I want.

 

[Perplx]

Longshot but if you have an Asus pc800-e (and there are other board im sure). You can select what to boot off by hitting F8 during the bios. Its useful for booting off the slave cdrom, floppy even if there not in the boot order, and of couse every hardrive in your system.

 

[corkyg]

Romtec is dead. But I use their units - have two of them, and they work. Actually all you need is a set of power switches that you route the 4-wire Moelx leads through. Mobile racks work perfectly - they have key switches for on/off. But - you don't like them. Tough beans - they work well.

OK - I found a Romtec Trios II for sale RIGHT NOW at $59.95 on E-Bay - I would snap this up in a hurry.

Trios

 

[imported_cosmokramer]

How about Nicklock hard-drive selector http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/searchdetail.asp?T1=132+0210.
Has anyone tried this before.

Thanks for all the info. guys.

 

[corkyg]

Nicklok is no longer available.