A stupid question

if your second one with the copied files on it has an operating system installed on it, then unplug it. if not, install the operating system, then unplug it.

Message Edited by CJC_Gizmo on 07-16-200601:00 AM

Message Edited by CJC_Gizmo on 07-16-200601:00 AM

nope, that about covers it. just make sure you have an operating system on the hard drive you aren't reformatting, and unplug it just to be safe.

Message Edited by CJC_Gizmo on 07-16-200606:18 PM

I don't think you understand my question. I have the OS on DVD, and drivers on CD. the only thing on the second HDD,  is pics. and a bunch of other things I don't want to lose. I can use any advice out there. I'm not even sure which one I should put in first, the OS, or the drivers.

PS  Please reply in Laymens words, I have read a lot of post on this site,where I could understand the question, but not the anser. I think I'm a computer retard.

Message Edited by ziptie on 07-16-200606:47 PM

Any more advice.

You have 2 choices

1) install a new copy of XP on your 2nd hard drive

2) reformat completely and install XP on your original drive

Since you want to reformat, the simplest way, assuming you have not reformatted the drive previously, is to use the Dell System restore (CTRL F11 during boot). It is much faster than installing from the CD's. To do this, you shoudl remove disconnect all new hardware (you 2nd harddrive, printer, scanner, etc) before doing it.

If you want to install XP from CDs, then it is not necessary to remove any hardware. Just be carefull when you select the partition where you want to install the OS.

Regardless which way you go, I would back up everything I wanted to keep, beforehand. That is always the safest way.

Ziptie

To be safe, unplug your data drive before you reformat the the original boot drive. Bad things can happen sometimes. You should consider backing up the data disk in case of a mistake or a disk crash. Depending on how much you have, you may be able to do it to CDs or DVDs.

Thanks for the replies, they were very helpful.