Hi DCw,

It seems that Dell will default the setting to off in the BIOS when only one device on the Secondary channel, why I have no idea. However it did seem to detect it correctly when you replaced the original drive and "added" the second. I do not know what steps you performed but usually it is a good habit when "removing" a drive to first enter Device Manager, select the drive and click Uninstall or Remove (Depends on OS installed), then shutdown. Your issue tend to give me the impression that the BIOS was sort of hanging on the original drive and not clearing it properly. Clearing the NVRAM may have helped. I have information on this in Section 11, article 2 of the CD/RW link in my post. I do believe though that Dell does have updates for the 2400 BIOS if you wish to review them.

Best Regards

Edit:

Good morning Dale, no problem my friend, I did the same thing to Tom yesterday, got a phone call. My thoughts were the same on the NVRAM.
Take care & have a good week !!



God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway,
the good fortune to run into the ones I do and the eyesight to tell the
difference.

---

CD/RW Link

Message Edited by Predator on 08-15-2004 11:20 AM

Have you tried clearing the NVRAM (CMOS) to resolve the problem? The procedure is useful in resolving boot up problems where the computer fails to detect new hardware. By clearing the NVRAM (CMOS) the BIOS will take a fresh inventory of all the installed hardware. With the new drive installed and jumpered for Cable Select, clear the NVRAM (CMOS) by unplugging the machine from the wall and removing the CMOS jumper on the motherboard for several minutes.  Then re-install the jumper, plug the machine back into the wall and boot it up.  The NVRAM (CMOS) will then redetect all the installed hardware.  This link here is for the on-line version of your model's User guide and the motherboard diagram showing the location of the CMOS jumper.

As for the quality of the 2400, keep in mind that the 2400 is a basic entry level type of system with limited upgrade options and is priced accordingly.  Comparing it to a 4600 is like comparing a Chev Cavalier to a Cadillac.

Sorry for the delay in posting Jeff.  I stopped in the middle of typing and took a short break.

Message Edited by Majestic on 08-15-2004 08:26 AM

Thanks for the quick response. "NVRAM" does resurrect the memory of the old cmos. So I gave a quick try. Indeed, it was the rogue memory of NVRAM. The only thing differs from your description is that the 2400 MB does not come with a jumper. You have to find a jumper to short it for few minutes and then remove it. Thanks again.

Anyway this is my first 2400 and it's also going to be my last 2400.

Glad to hear you got it resolved! 

Thanks for a little insight into the procedure for clearing the CMOS on the 2400.  I had questioned a Dell Moderator about using the jumper to clear the CMOS since the documentation for clearing the NVRAM (CMOS) for this model is currently lacking. I don't own a 2400, but was curious in order to assist others.  Although he confirmed the jumper could be used, he didn't stated that it was a set of bare prongs that had to be jumpered to short out.  Thanks again!