use second hard drive for storage-how

[J Roberts]

Hi People:

I hope this is the correct group for this question. If not, I apologize. I
have a second computer that I want to use for storing files only. I plan to
delete all the programs and data on it and reformat etc. first. My
questions are:

1. I assume I need to re-install Windows XP back onto it after reformatting
in order to use it? Yes or no?
2. As it's only for storage, when I connect it to the other computer, does
it need a graphics adapter on-board?
3. Do I need a router or hub to connect the two computers together? I'm not
sure how to connect them without one as I sold the router I was using when I
had them connected via a home network.
4. If there is a web site explaining how to do this correctly, or another
group, please point me in the right direction.

TIA for all help.

 

[Mike]

If you only need to use the hard drive for storage, install it into the
primary computer as a slave drive.. that way, you will not need to load an
OS, or worry about using a graphics adapter, hub, router, KVM
switch.........

 

[nkjg]

Hi there,

I suppose this is the right newsgroup for your question,
since you're asking about networking two computers.

Since it sounds like you want to use the other hard drive
purely for storage, it sounds to me like your best course
of action would be to simply remove it from the other
computer and install it on your primary computer. This
will save you the hassle of having to install Windows on
it. Also, you'll be able to partition the drive to your
liking for better organization and security. If something
becomes corrupted or a file gets damaged on one of the
partitions, then the other will stay intact (unless it's
a hardware failure, in which case you'd be screwed in any
case). For more info on how to do this, check out
the "Performance and Maintenace" board
(microsoft.public.windowsxp.perform_maintain).

To answer your questions (assuming you keep the hard
drive in the other computer):

1. I assume I need to re-install Windows XP back onto it after reformatting
in order to use it? Yes or no?

You will need to reinstall some form of Windows onto the
computer after you've formatted. Otherwise, there is no
way of having the two computers communicating. If your
primary computer is WinXP, then you'll have the least
amount of headaches if you put WinXP on your storage
computer. Win95 would be a nightmare.

2. As it's only for storage, when I connect it to the other computer, does
it need a graphics adapter on-board?

In order to set up that computer for networking and
troubleshooting (chances are you'll run into some
complications, that's life), you'll need a video card on
the other computer to connect it to a monitor.

3. Do I need a router or hub to connect the two computers together? I'm not
sure how to connect them without one as I sold the router I was using when I
had them connected via a home network.

Not necessarily. Depending on how you connect to the
internet, you might. If you connect to the internet
through a USB modem, then you can directly connect the
two computers using an ethernet crossover cable. This is
different than your standard ethernet cable, since some
of the wires are switched (i.e. crossed over) so that you
get a proper connection. If you use your ethernet card to
connect to the internet, then you'll either need to get a
router or a hub. I'd suggest a router, since they are
typically easier to install and more secure for browsing
the internet. Another option is to get a second ethernet
card and install that on your primary computer and use
that to connect to the other computer via the crossover
cable.

4. If there is a web site explaining how to do this correctly, or another
group, please point me in the right direction.

This one, I don't really know.

Hope this helps,

Nick
nkjg/at\interchange/dot\ubc/dot\ca

 

[J Roberts]

Thanks for all the information! Excellent and I will consider my options
now, including calling in a professional to do this. Sounds like it's above
my level of competency in this area. Thanks again. Jill Roberts

 

[nkjg]

If I may suggest one more thing... don't call the
professional. Search your way on the web, contact your
friends, and post questions to the boards (under
performance and maintenance).

That way, if anything happens, you'll have better know-
how, and chances are you'll be able to fix it yourself
and save yourself a couple of hundred dollars.

Hope this helps,

Nick
nkjg/at\interchange/dot\ubc/dot\ca

 

[J Roberts]

Hello: You are right of course. I like the idea of doing it myself. I'll
research a bit more on the I/N. Your instructions are quite clear as well.
I have sold the video card that was in the second computer but I still have
it until tomorrow when I have to ship it, and sold the router. There is
always the option of plugging the HD from the unused computer directly into
the one I'm using (I have directions on how to do that from Tech TV) but
partitioning etc. isn't all that easy for an amateur. Maybe I can convince
my husband that we really DON'T actually NEED all this extra space.
lol..... Thx again, Jill

 

[nkjg]

If you want an easy way of partitioning a hard drive, you
can invest $40 (or something like that) in Partition
Magic 8.0. It's simple enough that just about anyone can
use it.

Hope this helps,

Nick
nkjg/at\interchange/dot\ubc/dot\ca