New HD install

[Steve T]

Running XP Home Edition with all SP's and updates current. My current HD is
a WD 250GB unit, interface is SATA-II; that has started to "squeak" on
startup or awakening. Just a quick squeak like an automobile's fan belt that
is slipping somewhat. Is this something to worry about? Looking at a new HD
that says SATA-300. Is this a compatible interface to the old above? Thank
you, Steve T.

 

[DL]

Generally it is something to worry about, if you havent backed up do so
*now*
If you visit WD site there is a download for their disk checking utility
Sata 3 should be backward compatible with sata 2

 

[Steve T]

Thank you. I just want to clone my original HD and not re-install
everything. Will that be a problem with the two different interfaces? Thank
again, Steve T.

 

[Richard Urban]

Running XP Home Edition with all SP's and updates current. My current HD
is a WD 250GB unit, interface is SATA-II; that has started to "squeak" on
startup or awakening. Just a quick squeak like an automobile's fan belt
that is slipping somewhat. Is this something to worry about? Looking at a
new HD that says SATA-300. Is this a compatible interface to the old
above? Thank you, Steve T.

The product box should indicate it is SATA-II. I doubt if you will find any
SATA-1 drives in any big box store. A small store may have them and push
them out to unaware customers. They are slower but can be used with a SATA-2
interface.

 

[smlunatick]

Thank you. I just want to clone my original HD and not re-install
everything. Will that be a problem with the two different interfaces? Thank

SATA-II specification appears to indicate that the hard drive access
speed can be 300.

As long as the SATA "data" cable appears to attach to the drive, it
would work. Sata-3 will / should understand Sata-II, just like Sata-
II can handle Sata-I.

 

[Steve T]

Thank you all! One last question: will XP recognize the full 500GB new HD or
will I have to partition? Thanks, Steve T.

 

[Jim]

XP SP3 managed to recognize all of a 1 TB drive without any special
partitioning.
Jim

 

[bigjim]

never heard of a squeaky hard drive it might be the fan in the power supply/

 

[M.I.5¾]

Running XP Home Edition with all SP's and updates current. My current HD
is a WD 250GB unit, interface is SATA-II; that has started to "squeak" on
startup or awakening. Just a quick squeak like an automobile's fan belt
that is slipping somewhat. Is this something to worry about? Looking at a
new HD that says SATA-300. Is this a compatible interface to the old
above? Thank you, Steve T.

SATA-II and SATA-300 are the same thing. The first is the generation
number, the second is the interface speed.

 

[smlunatick]

Thank you all! One last question: will XP recognize the full 500GB new HDor

Starting with XP SP1, XP will see these larger drive. If you have a
version of XP that came without any service pack, look at adding at
least SP1 to your install CD (aka. slipstreaming.)

 

[Steve T]

It's definitely the HD as I listened with a stethoscope with the case opened
up. The power supply is OK.

 

[Steve T]

Everything is updated. Running SP3 currently. Thanks, Steve T.

Thank you all! One last question: will XP recognize the full 500GB new HD
or
will I have to partition? Thanks, Steve T."Richard Urban"

Starting with XP SP1, XP will see these larger drive. If you have a
version of XP that came without any service pack, look at adding at
least SP1 to your install CD (aka. slipstreaming.)

 

[smlunatick]

It's definitely the HD as I listened with a stethoscope with the case opened

Yes, some drives can make a "squealing" noise, although it is not
common.