Rather than quoting your whole message I will just answer them with the same numbers you have listed.
1. The drive cage comes completely out of the machine. Once the cage is out you can then go about installing the individual drives in the cage. The link here is for the XPS T's on-line version of the User's Guide and the section detailing how to remove the drive cage.
2. Some ribbon cables have a plastic loop which you can grab onto to remove the cable from the socket. If you are not that fortunate to have them then grasp both sides of the ribbon cable near the socket and gently pull it out. When I pull out the cables I gently pull it with a slight side to side motion to rock it out of the socket. On some cables there is enough of the plastic connector on the cable end sticking out of the socket that you can grasp it instead.
3. Any available PCI slot will do. If you encounter installation problems then you might consider rearranging the cards and put the Promise card near the top. On my XPS T I have the first PCI slot empty under the AGP slot for added air circulation and then the Promise card is next.
4. Any available power connector such as the one leading to the CD drive will work. You can also buy additional "Y" splitters at any computer store or Radio Shack.
Thanks once again for the advice and the link [the Dell site is sop massive, I sometimes have difficulty knowing where to look]. I'll post when I actually do this stuff [probably next wkend]. btw: I numbered my queries to make it easier.
Glad to help and good luck on your project. I'll be out of town on vacation next week so I will be looking forward to an update when I return. Regarding the numbering of your original post.... it was very clear and concise. If more people posted that way it would eliminate a lot of guess work in writing replies. Take care!
I have a similar post in the General Hardware section, but here's an update and a question specific to this board.
XPS T500, 640 Mb RAM, 21 Gb HD, Win98 [not SE or ME--the original].
I have ordered a Powerleap upgrade to 1.4 GHZ Celeron, which will come bundled with XP Home. I also ordered a Promise ATA PCI 133 card, and bought a new HD. I'm hoping I didn't make an error in judgment and won't have to return anything.
Order of Installs:
Upgrade BIOS to A11, swap out old slot 1 processor for Powerleap, install Promise 133 card, install HD, upgrade to XP Home.
The HD is a Maxtor DiamondMax Plus 7200 rpm 8 Mb cache, 250 Gb. I had planned to go with a 120, but found that the larger one was only $10 more after instant rebate. The size of that HD is why I ordered a PCI 133 card rather than a 100 [it's required for HDs over 137 Gb].
1) With the PCI 133 card can I assume the installation of the HD should be OK in Win98?
I'm upgrading the OS from Win98 to XP Home.
2) Does it make sense to install the HD first?
Assuming 2) makes sense, I'll have Win98 on the old drive.
3) Can I install XP Home on the new drive and move over what's needed from the old drive to the new drive?
Related OS upgrade questions:
4) Will I have to reload all of my programs or will I be taking them off the old drive? I am assuming reloading might be smarter, though more work. [I am unsure about the OS upgrade in terms of backing up such thing as my IE bookmarks, but assume it can be done as long as I install the new HD first.]
I've located XP three drivers online that I'll need for my scanner, printer, and graphics tablet.
5) Should I download those before or after I install XP?
XPS T500, 21 Gb HD, 640 Mb RAM, Win98 FE. Upgraded BIOS to A11 and installed Powerleap 1.4 GHz Upgrade.
Installing a second HD in a dual boot setup. Leaving Win98 and everything that's there on the original drive and installing XP Home on a 250 Maxtor DiamondMax HD. Will connect to a Promise ATA PCI 133 card.
When I installed the PL upgrade, the instructions indicated that I should not connect the processor power cord to the power cord for the existing HD.
What about for the new HD? I would also like to reconnect my zip drive, which has been disabled since I installed a burner.
Right now I've got:
Primary IDE:
Master: HD; Slave: Open [on it's own AC connection]
Secondary IDE: Master: CD-ROM; Slave:CD-burner [these share AC with the processor plus there's an open connection on a Y connector]
I'm adding a Promise ATA PCI 133. Plan to put new HD on master. Can move something to the slave [burner?].
But the big question: is it OK to connect the new HD power to old HD power and add yet another line to the open Y connector where I've already got the CDs and the processor?
Lesser question: Are there other "outlets" from the power supply? I received an add'l power cord with one smaller end that I believe goes to the power supply itself, but cannot tell where that is.
"When I installed the PL upgrade, the instructions indicated that I should not connect the processor power cord to the power cord for the existing HD."
Sounds like the folks at PowerLeap were concerned about their processor's power supply cord sharing the same power cord with a device this is constantly on like a hard drive. If that is their concern then sharing a power cord that runs to a CD drive will work as you have done otherwise tap into the power cord for the floppy drive.
"What about for the new HD? I would also like to reconnect my zip drive, which has been disabled since I installed a burner."
For the new hard drive and Zip drive just use some "Y" splitters on the existing power cords to your other hard drive and CD drive if you don't have enough plug-ins available. The XPS T's power supply can handle it.
"I'm adding a Promise ATA PCI 133. Plan to put new HD on master. Can move something to the slave [burner?]."
Why not master and slave both your hard drives on the Primary port of the controller card. Put the Zip drive on the Secondary port of the controller card and split any CD drives between the Primary and Secondary ports on the motherboard.
"But the big question: is it OK to connect the new HD power to old HD power and add yet another line to the open Y connector where I've already got the CDs and the processor?"
Yes, your power supply can handle it. Otherwise as I previously mentioned have the PowerLeap share the power connection with the floppy drive and leave the existing power cords for your hard drives, CDs and Zip drive.
"Lesser question: Are there other "outlets" from the power supply? I received an add'l power cord with one smaller end that I believe goes to the power supply itself, but cannot tell where that is."
From what I recall being inside my XPS T there are no additional plug-ins directly to the power supply. The only power cords available are those coming out of the power supply itself.
"I'm adding a Promise ATA PCI 133. Plan to put new HD on master. Can move something to the slave [burner?]."
Why not master and slave both your hard drives on the Primary port of the controller card. Put the Zip drive on the Secondary port of the controller card and split any CD drives between the Primary and Secondary ports on the motherboard.
Didn't think I could put both HDs on the Promise card.
One thing: Although I've seen the info for removing the metal drive cage, I can't find the instrux for removing the plastic cage where the existing HD is. I had wanted to replace the IDE cable [but can't get it out w/o removing because it's right up against the front of the plastic cage].
Was also worried about the port end of that ribbon, which just doesn't seem to want to come out--will try again.
"Didn't think I could put both HDs on the Promise card."
Yes, both hard drives will work nicely on the new card and you can take advantage of the extra performance the card has to offer in regards to transfer speeds. On my card I have 3 hard drives with an open slave port for future expansion.
"One thing: Although I've seen the info for removing the metal drive cage, I can't find the instrux for removing the plastic cage where the existing HD is. I had wanted to replace the IDE cable [but can't get it out w/o removing because it's right up against the front of the plastic cage]."
The original hard drive in the lower bay is held in place by screws which have to be removed from the front of the computer. This link here will explain how. The lower bay also has a spot for adding a second hard drive and it would be an ideal location if you have these two drives connected with the same ribbon cable.
"Was also worried about the port end of that ribbon, which just doesn't seem to want to come out--will try again."
I found that when pulling if you pull it with a end to end rocking motion the cable comes out easier and doesn't require as much force.
Thanks. I'll give a shot when I open the machine up again later today.
>>The lower bay also has a spot for adding a second hard drive and it would be an ideal location if you have these two drives connected with the same ribbon cable.
I had envisioned putting the HDs on separate ribbons. Thanks for pointing this out.
Majestic
9.4K Posts
0
June 26th, 2004 20:00
Rather than quoting your whole message I will just answer them with the same numbers you have listed.
1. The drive cage comes completely out of the machine. Once the cage is out you can then go about installing the individual drives in the cage. The link here is for the XPS T's on-line version of the User's Guide and the section detailing how to remove the drive cage.
2. Some ribbon cables have a plastic loop which you can grab onto to remove the cable from the socket. If you are not that fortunate to have them then grasp both sides of the ribbon cable near the socket and gently pull it out. When I pull out the cables I gently pull it with a slight side to side motion to rock it out of the socket. On some cables there is enough of the plastic connector on the cable end sticking out of the socket that you can grasp it instead.
3. Any available PCI slot will do. If you encounter installation problems then you might consider rearranging the cards and put the Promise card near the top. On my XPS T I have the first PCI slot empty under the AGP slot for added air circulation and then the Promise card is next.
4. Any available power connector such as the one leading to the CD drive will work. You can also buy additional "Y" splitters at any computer store or Radio Shack.
dg27
675 Posts
0
June 26th, 2004 21:00
Majestic:
Thanks once again for the advice and the link [the Dell site is sop massive, I sometimes have difficulty knowing where to look]. I'll post when I actually do this stuff [probably next wkend]. btw: I numbered my queries to make it easier.
dg
Majestic
9.4K Posts
0
June 27th, 2004 11:00
Glad to help and good luck on your project. I'll be out of town on vacation next week so I will be looking forward to an update when I return. Regarding the numbering of your original post.... it was very clear and concise. If more people posted that way it would eliminate a lot of guess work in writing replies. Take care!
dg27
675 Posts
0
June 27th, 2004 18:00
Majestic:
I'll certainly post an update. Thanks helping make this a much less scary proposition [I used to be terrified to go under the hood].
Enjoy your vacation.
dg
dg27
675 Posts
0
July 10th, 2004 10:00
I have a similar post in the General Hardware section, but here's an update and a question specific to this board.
XPS T500, 640 Mb RAM, 21 Gb HD, Win98 [not SE or ME--the original].
I have ordered a Powerleap upgrade to 1.4 GHZ Celeron, which will come bundled with XP Home. I also ordered a Promise ATA PCI 133 card, and bought a new HD. I'm hoping I didn't make an error in judgment and won't have to return anything.
Order of Installs:
Upgrade BIOS to A11, swap out old slot 1 processor for Powerleap, install Promise 133 card, install HD, upgrade to XP Home.
The HD is a Maxtor DiamondMax Plus 7200 rpm 8 Mb cache, 250 Gb. I had planned to go with a 120, but found that the larger one was only $10 more after instant rebate. The size of that HD is why I ordered a PCI 133 card rather than a 100 [it's required for HDs over 137 Gb].
1) With the PCI 133 card can I assume the installation of the HD should be OK in Win98?
I'm upgrading the OS from Win98 to XP Home.
2) Does it make sense to install the HD first?
Assuming 2) makes sense, I'll have Win98 on the old drive.
3) Can I install XP Home on the new drive and move over what's needed from the old drive to the new drive?
Related OS upgrade questions:
4) Will I have to reload all of my programs or will I be taking them off the old drive? I am assuming reloading might be smarter, though more work. [I am unsure about the OS upgrade in terms of backing up such thing as my IE bookmarks, but assume it can be done as long as I install the new HD first.]
I've located XP three drivers online that I'll need for my scanner, printer, and graphics tablet.
5) Should I download those before or after I install XP?
Any advice would be appreciated.
David
dg27
675 Posts
0
July 17th, 2004 10:00
XPS T500, 21 Gb HD, 640 Mb RAM, Win98 FE. Upgraded BIOS to A11 and installed Powerleap 1.4 GHz Upgrade.
Installing a second HD in a dual boot setup. Leaving Win98 and everything that's there on the original drive and installing XP Home on a 250 Maxtor DiamondMax HD. Will connect to a Promise ATA PCI 133 card.
When I installed the PL upgrade, the instructions indicated that I should not connect the processor power cord to the power cord for the existing HD.
What about for the new HD? I would also like to reconnect my zip drive, which has been disabled since I installed a burner.
Right now I've got:
Primary IDE:
Master: HD; Slave: Open [on it's own AC connection]
Secondary IDE: Master: CD-ROM; Slave:CD-burner [these share AC with the processor plus there's an open connection on a Y connector]
I'm adding a Promise ATA PCI 133. Plan to put new HD on master. Can move something to the slave [burner?].
But the big question: is it OK to connect the new HD power to old HD power and add yet another line to the open Y connector where I've already got the CDs and the processor?
Lesser question: Are there other "outlets" from the power supply? I received an add'l power cord with one smaller end that I believe goes to the power supply itself, but cannot tell where that is.
Majestic
9.4K Posts
0
July 17th, 2004 10:00
"When I installed the PL upgrade, the instructions indicated that I should not connect the processor power cord to the power cord for the existing HD."
Sounds like the folks at PowerLeap were concerned about their processor's power supply cord sharing the same power cord with a device this is constantly on like a hard drive. If that is their concern then sharing a power cord that runs to a CD drive will work as you have done otherwise tap into the power cord for the floppy drive.
"What about for the new HD? I would also like to reconnect my zip drive, which has been disabled since I installed a burner."
For the new hard drive and Zip drive just use some "Y" splitters on the existing power cords to your other hard drive and CD drive if you don't have enough plug-ins available. The XPS T's power supply can handle it.
"I'm adding a Promise ATA PCI 133. Plan to put new HD on master. Can move something to the slave [burner?]."
Why not master and slave both your hard drives on the Primary port of the controller card. Put the Zip drive on the Secondary port of the controller card and split any CD drives between the Primary and Secondary ports on the motherboard.
"But the big question: is it OK to connect the new HD power to old HD power and add yet another line to the open Y connector where I've already got the CDs and the processor?"
Yes, your power supply can handle it. Otherwise as I previously mentioned have the PowerLeap share the power connection with the floppy drive and leave the existing power cords for your hard drives, CDs and Zip drive.
"Lesser question: Are there other "outlets" from the power supply? I received an add'l power cord with one smaller end that I believe goes to the power supply itself, but cannot tell where that is."
From what I recall being inside my XPS T there are no additional plug-ins directly to the power supply. The only power cords available are those coming out of the power supply itself.
dg27
675 Posts
0
July 17th, 2004 11:00
>>>
"I'm adding a Promise ATA PCI 133. Plan to put new HD on master. Can move something to the slave [burner?]."
Why not master and slave both your hard drives on the Primary port of the controller card. Put the Zip drive on the Secondary port of the controller card and split any CD drives between the Primary and Secondary ports on the motherboard.
Didn't think I could put both HDs on the Promise card.
One thing: Although I've seen the info for removing the metal drive cage, I can't find the instrux for removing the plastic cage where the existing HD is. I had wanted to replace the IDE cable [but can't get it out w/o removing because it's right up against the front of the plastic cage].
Was also worried about the port end of that ribbon, which just doesn't seem to want to come out--will try again.
Thanks.
Majestic
9.4K Posts
0
July 17th, 2004 11:00
"Didn't think I could put both HDs on the Promise card."
Yes, both hard drives will work nicely on the new card and you can take advantage of the extra performance the card has to offer in regards to transfer speeds. On my card I have 3 hard drives with an open slave port for future expansion.
"One thing: Although I've seen the info for removing the metal drive cage, I can't find the instrux for removing the plastic cage where the existing HD is. I had wanted to replace the IDE cable [but can't get it out w/o removing because it's right up against the front of the plastic cage]."
The original hard drive in the lower bay is held in place by screws which have to be removed from the front of the computer. This link here will explain how. The lower bay also has a spot for adding a second hard drive and it would be an ideal location if you have these two drives connected with the same ribbon cable.
"Was also worried about the port end of that ribbon, which just doesn't seem to want to come out--will try again."
I found that when pulling if you pull it with a end to end rocking motion the cable comes out easier and doesn't require as much force.
Message Edited by Majestic on 07-17-2004 07:54 AM
dg27
675 Posts
0
July 17th, 2004 12:00
Thanks. I'll give a shot when I open the machine up again later today.
>>The lower bay also has a spot for adding a second hard drive and it would be an ideal location if you have these two drives connected with the same ribbon cable.
I had envisioned putting the HDs on separate ribbons. Thanks for pointing this out.
Message Edited by dg27 on 07-17-2004 08:06 AM