Dimension B110 BIOS Issue??

Question

Hi...   I'm trying to set up a 2-3yo Dimension B110 to multi-boot off two physical hard drives.  While trying to figure it out... I ran into a 'curiosity'.  SETUP / IDE Configuration shows 'Primary Master Drive' as 'Hard Drive'... 'Primary Slave Drive' as 'OFF'... and I cannot change that.   As FYIs... more information is:   1.  Drive 0 came with the PC; I've added Drive 1... both set up as 'CS' but had to add a 2-drive cable (tried 2).   2.  I installed XP on Drive 0, then Drive 1 (to set up multi-boot).  Multi-boot works to each drive (different issue tho)... and each drive will boot up if I physical move drive to CS 0 plug   3. On the hand... PC say's 'No HD' if I disconnect Drive 0 and try to boot from HD on CS 1 plug.   So... anyone know WHY the BIOS does not recognize the Slave drive???  And HOW to fix this??  It's really strange that XP will see/work both drives... especially when I boot with two drives, XP sees one as C: and other as 'E:' (haven't re-lettered them yet).   Oh yeah... I'm thought of changing jumpers to Master & Slave but doesn't sound logical that multi-boot would work like that.  Probably try it while seeing if anyone has an idea... but not holding my breath on that.   I'm pretty sure if I can get the SETUP to recognize the 'Primary Slave Drive'... it should solve my other multi-boot issue.   Thanks in advance! Steve

ty_ger · Answer

Try installing the drives with the jumpers not on Cable-Select.  In other words, select which drive you want as Primary Master and Primary Slave with the jumpers manually.  Sometimes Cable-Select has an issue resolving drive hierarchy for whatever reason.

SteveK50 · Answer

Hi...

Probably should have posted that I have resolved my problem... so sorry people might still be thinking of helping. But I do appreciate the comment.

Anyway, turns out that I was scanning these forums and someone commented about mucked up BIOS, actually NVRAM, and the fix was to so a "hard reset". I did it and it solved my problem.

Here's how to do it:

Dimension 1100 / B110 / DE051 models... the easiest way to reset the BIOS is by clearing the NVRAM. All BIOS settings will default back to Factory Settings and system will re-detect all the installed hardware.

* Reboot system and enter the BIOS Setup by pressing F2

* Turn on Caps Lock, Scroll Lock and Num Lock.

* Press ALT/E, then ALT/F (should hear beep), then ALT/B

Sorry but I don't remember who was the original poster of this!

Thanks for your help... Steve

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Dimension B110 BIOS Issue??

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