New disk for Dell GX1 - What Issues?

[BarryNL]

The disk in a friend's Dell Optiplex GX1 seems to be dying (increasing
bad sector problems) so I'd like to put a new disk in there. However, I
doubt the BIOS in this thing can handle a 40Gb+ disk (currently has an
8.4Gb) - so I assume I will need a controller card too - is that right?

Also, if I fit a controller+disk and remove the current disk will it see
the new disk and boot automatically (once OS is installed), or does this
require BIOS changes. I ask as I can't get into the BIOS config screen
on this machine - it seems to have some wierd BIOS installed that
doesn't give a "press F1 to enter setup" option (it's peculiar to this
machine - other Dells I've used running the same? A07 BIOS allow entry
to the setup screen). However, I'm loathe to try installing a new BIOS
unless absolutely necessary in case there is something wierd with this
machine and I kill it.

Any experience out there?

 

[Roy Smith]

I would suggest you try: forums.us.dell.com. This is a great site with a lot
of Dell experts who shoud be able to help you out.

 

[Ric]

The disk in a friend's Dell Optiplex GX1 seems to be dying (increasing
bad sector problems) so I'd like to put a new disk in there. However,
I doubt the BIOS in this thing can handle a 40Gb+ disk (currently has
an
8.4Gb) - so I assume I will need a controller card too - is that
right?

Also, if I fit a controller+disk and remove the current disk will it
see the new disk and boot automatically (once OS is installed), or
does this require BIOS changes. I ask as I can't get into the BIOS
config screen on this machine - it seems to have some wierd BIOS
installed that doesn't give a "press F1 to enter setup" option (it's
peculiar to this machine - other Dells I've used running the same?
A07 BIOS allow entry to the setup screen). However, I'm loathe to try
installing a new BIOS unless absolutely necessary in case there is
something wierd with this machine and I kill it.

Any experience out there?

flash the bios if you're below A06 and they'll cope just fine with a 40GB
one - i've put 80GB plus in GX1s.
it will say on the screen what to press for the bios: normally F2.
you won't need to even do this if it's currently set to auto though, just
plug and go.

ric h