Weird slow computer problem - HDD

[TUS 373]

Anyone got a rational explanation for the following problem?

I have 2 hard disks: a SATA disk which is the boot drive, and an IDE (primary master) used for storage/back up. The IDE did used to be the boot disk once upon a time and still has Win XP on it. Unfortunately, it is a bit noisey so I wish to leave it in the case but disconnect it.

With both HDDs attached and recognised by Windows, and the BIOS set to boot Win XP from the SATA, my PC boots up and shuts down nice and quickly. However, as soon as I disconnect the IDE drive (by pulling the power plug, the IDE ribbon, or both) - the machine boots and shuts down painfully slowly - as if it is trying hard to find the missing drive.

I have disabled the drive in Windows, disabled it in the BIOS - and disconnected it, but if it is not physically connected - my machine really isn't happy.

All a bit frustrating because I just want to use the SATA and enjoy a speedy but quieter machine to work on. So, anyone got an ideas what to do next please?

[pdV6]

Can't offer an explanation at the moment, but its best not to leave a drive pluggeed into an IDE cable with no power; PC can get very confused!

Actually, one thought:

What order have you set the boot devices to in the BIOS? Ensure the SATA controller comes first.

[dilbert]

Is the old (disabled) disk still configured as the cable master.

I'd be surprised if it was, because I don't think it should work at all with a slave an no master, but I guess it's worth a shot.

....... Just ignore me, re-reading your post it sounds like you have the drives on different cables.

>> Edited by dilbert on Wednesday 2nd February 22:44

[pdV6]

Another thought - where's the swap file configured to be? Is it still on the old IDE drive, so that when its disconnected, you don't have any virtual memory?

[TUS 373]

Don't see how to check the swap file part?

In answer to other q's - the SATA drive is indeed set to boot first - and does so when both drives are attached.

The IDE drive is set as master, there is a DVD-RW set to slave. I wouldn't have thought it would make any difference if the IDE and power were pulled from the IDE drive and the DVD was still set to slave, but hey, what do I know? If I was such an expert, I wouldn't be asking the question!

[pdV6]

TUS 373 said:

Don't see how to check the swap file part?

My Computer-->Properties-->Advanced-->Performance-->Virtual Memory-->Change
Will show you where it is and allow you to change it.

TUS 373 said:

In answer to other q's - the SATA drive is indeed set to boot first - and does so when both drives are attached. The IDE drive is set as master, there is a DVD-RW set to slave. I wouldn't have thought it would make any difference if the IDE and power were pulled from the IDE drive and the DVD was still set to slave, but hey, what do I know? If I was such an expert, I wouldn't be asking the question!

Try setting the DVD to master. Not much point being a slave if there's no master on the interface. I reckon this is the one.

[malman]

[redacted]

[pdV6]

malman said:

pdV6 said: Try setting the DVD to master. Not much point being a slave if there's no master on the interface. I reckon this is the one. If you do this set your IDE hdd to slave as they will fight next time you fire up the HDD with the DVD

Yeah - I meant "when you've removed the IDE HDD", seeing as that's when he gets the problem