Quick backup hard drive question..

[Salvador]

Hi,

I'm installing a backup hard drive. Do I need to format this drive even though it will be used just for storage or can I just plug and play (setting the jumper to slave of course).

I've done this before, but can't remember if I had to format the new drive first though even if it's just going to be used for storage.

TIA,

Sal

 

[dakata24]

of course you need to format the drive 🙂

 

[InsaneMorphius]

Definetly need to format it, you just will not be able to use it to boot from 🙂

 

[Budman]

If it's just a backup drive you can format from inside windows.

 

[Salvador]

So.. I can hook it up as a slave and then format it from the main drive with the OS within Windows? Do I just right click on it and select format much like I do with a floppy?

I'd like to avoid installing it as a master first to have to format it and then have to move it to slave. I guess that's not the end of the world, but I'd rather make it as simple as possible.

Thanks for the replies.

Sal

 

[Farfrael]

"I can hook it up as a slave and then format it from the main drive with the OS within Windows? Do I just right click on it and select format much like I do with a floppy? "

If installed as slave it shoud be ok.

 

[ledzepp98]

as others have said it should be fine to format it in windows as a slave drive.

quick note... since you jumped right to formating the drive i assume there is already a partition created? if not, you need to fdisk it as well and create a partition (which i believe you can also do within windows...but not 100% sure)

 

[Auric]

Idjit proof method is to get the Ontrack disk management software (DOS version) or similar from the manufacturer's site. Just say no to command line nonsense.