I hope this is the correct group for this question. If not, I apologize. I
have a second computer that I want to use for storing files only. I plan to
delete all the programs and data on it and reformat etc. first. My
questions are:
1. I assume I need to re-install Windows XP back onto it after reformatting
in order to use it? Yes or no?
2. As it's only for storage, when I connect it to the other computer, does
it need a graphics adapter on-board?
3. Do I need a router or hub to connect the two computers together? I'm not
sure how to connect them without one as I sold the router I was using when I
had them connected via a home network.
4. If there is a web site explaining how to do this correctly, or another
group, please point me in the right direction.
If you only need to use the hard drive for storage, install it into the
primary computer as a slave drive.. that way, you will not need to load an
OS, or worry about using a graphics adapter, hub, router, KVM
switch.........
"J Roberts" <zilleye@shaw.ca> wrote in message
news:uWthc.183366$Pk3.87254@pd7tw1no...
> Hi People:
>
> I hope this is the correct group for this question. If not, I apologize. I
> have a second computer that I want to use for storing files only. I plan
to
> delete all the programs and data on it and reformat etc. first. My
> questions are:
>
> 1. I assume I need to re-install Windows XP back onto it after
reformatting
> in order to use it? Yes or no?
> 2. As it's only for storage, when I connect it to the other computer, does
> it need a graphics adapter on-board?
> 3. Do I need a router or hub to connect the two computers together? I'm
not
> sure how to connect them without one as I sold the router I was using when
I
> had them connected via a home network.
> 4. If there is a web site explaining how to do this correctly, or another
> group, please point me in the right direction.
>
> TIA for all help.
> --
> J Roberts
>
>
I suppose this is the right newsgroup for your question,
since you're asking about networking two computers.
Since it sounds like you want to use the other hard drive
purely for storage, it sounds to me like your best course
of action would be to simply remove it from the other
computer and install it on your primary computer. This
will save you the hassle of having to install Windows on
it. Also, you'll be able to partition the drive to your
liking for better organization and security. If something
becomes corrupted or a file gets damaged on one of the
partitions, then the other will stay intact (unless it's
a hardware failure, in which case you'd be ******* in any
case). For more info on how to do this, check out
the "Performance and Maintenace" board
(microsoft.public.windowsxp.perform_maintain).
To answer your questions (assuming you keep the hard
drive in the other computer):
>1. I assume I need to re-install Windows XP back onto it
after reformatting
>in order to use it? Yes or no?
You will need to reinstall some form of Windows onto the
computer after you've formatted. Otherwise, there is no
way of having the two computers communicating. If your
primary computer is WinXP, then you'll have the least
amount of headaches if you put WinXP on your storage
computer. Win95 would be a nightmare.
>2. As it's only for storage, when I connect it to the
other computer, does
>it need a graphics adapter on-board?
In order to set up that computer for networking and
troubleshooting (chances are you'll run into some
complications, that's life), you'll need a video card on
the other computer to connect it to a monitor.
>3. Do I need a router or hub to connect the two
computers together? I'm not
>sure how to connect them without one as I sold the
router I was using when I
>had them connected via a home network.
Not necessarily. Depending on how you connect to the
internet, you might. If you connect to the internet
through a USB modem, then you can directly connect the
two computers using an ethernet crossover cable. This is
different than your standard ethernet cable, since some
of the wires are switched (i.e. crossed over) so that you
get a proper connection. If you use your ethernet card to
connect to the internet, then you'll either need to get a
router or a hub. I'd suggest a router, since they are
typically easier to install and more secure for browsing
the internet. Another option is to get a second ethernet
card and install that on your primary computer and use
that to connect to the other computer via the crossover
cable.
>4. If there is a web site explaining how to do this
correctly, or another
>group, please point me in the right direction.
Thanks for all the information! Excellent and I will consider my options
now, including calling in a professional to do this. Sounds like it's above
my level of competency in this area. Thanks again. Jill Roberts
"nkjg" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:224e01c427a3$7dcf0bd0$a501280a@phx.gbl...
> Hi there,
>
> I suppose this is the right newsgroup for your question,
> since you're asking about networking two computers.
>
> Since it sounds like you want to use the other hard drive
> purely for storage, it sounds to me like your best course
> of action would be to simply remove it from the other
> computer and install it on your primary computer. This
> will save you the hassle of having to install Windows on
> it. Also, you'll be able to partition the drive to your
> liking for better organization and security. If something
> becomes corrupted or a file gets damaged on one of the
> partitions, then the other will stay intact (unless it's
> a hardware failure, in which case you'd be ******* in any
> case). For more info on how to do this, check out
> the "Performance and Maintenace" board
> (microsoft.public.windowsxp.perform_maintain).
>
> To answer your questions (assuming you keep the hard
> drive in the other computer):
>
> >1. I assume I need to re-install Windows XP back onto it
> after reformatting
> >in order to use it? Yes or no?
>
> You will need to reinstall some form of Windows onto the
> computer after you've formatted. Otherwise, there is no
> way of having the two computers communicating. If your
> primary computer is WinXP, then you'll have the least
> amount of headaches if you put WinXP on your storage
> computer. Win95 would be a nightmare.
>
> >2. As it's only for storage, when I connect it to the
> other computer, does
> >it need a graphics adapter on-board?
>
> In order to set up that computer for networking and
> troubleshooting (chances are you'll run into some
> complications, that's life), you'll need a video card on
> the other computer to connect it to a monitor.
>
> >3. Do I need a router or hub to connect the two
> computers together? I'm not
> >sure how to connect them without one as I sold the
> router I was using when I
> >had them connected via a home network.
>
> Not necessarily. Depending on how you connect to the
> internet, you might. If you connect to the internet
> through a USB modem, then you can directly connect the
> two computers using an ethernet crossover cable. This is
> different than your standard ethernet cable, since some
> of the wires are switched (i.e. crossed over) so that you
> get a proper connection. If you use your ethernet card to
> connect to the internet, then you'll either need to get a
> router or a hub. I'd suggest a router, since they are
> typically easier to install and more secure for browsing
> the internet. Another option is to get a second ethernet
> card and install that on your primary computer and use
> that to connect to the other computer via the crossover
> cable.
>
> >4. If there is a web site explaining how to do this
> correctly, or another
> >group, please point me in the right direction.
>
> This one, I don't really know.
>
> Hope this helps,
>
> Nick
> nkjg/at\interchange/dot\ubc/dot\ca
>
If I may suggest one more thing... don't call the
professional. Search your way on the web, contact your
friends, and post questions to the boards (under
performance and maintenance).
That way, if anything happens, you'll have better know-
how, and chances are you'll be able to fix it yourself
and save yourself a couple of hundred dollars.
Hope this helps,
Nick
nkjg/at\interchange/dot\ubc/dot\ca
>-----Original Message-----
>Thanks for all the information! Excellent and I will
consider my options
>now, including calling in a professional to do this.
Sounds like it's above
>my level of competency in this area. Thanks again. Jill
Roberts
>
>"nkjg" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
message
>news:224e01c427a3$7dcf0bd0$a501280a@phx.gbl...
>> Hi there,
>>
>> I suppose this is the right newsgroup for your
question,
>> since you're asking about networking two computers.
>>
>> Since it sounds like you want to use the other hard
drive
>> purely for storage, it sounds to me like your best
course
>> of action would be to simply remove it from the other
>> computer and install it on your primary computer. This
>> will save you the hassle of having to install Windows
on
>> it. Also, you'll be able to partition the drive to your
>> liking for better organization and security. If
something
>> becomes corrupted or a file gets damaged on one of the
>> partitions, then the other will stay intact (unless
it's
>> a hardware failure, in which case you'd be ******* in
any
>> case). For more info on how to do this, check out
>> the "Performance and Maintenace" board
>> (microsoft.public.windowsxp.perform_maintain).
>>
>> To answer your questions (assuming you keep the hard
>> drive in the other computer):
>>
>> >1. I assume I need to re-install Windows XP back onto
it
>> after reformatting
>> >in order to use it? Yes or no?
>>
>> You will need to reinstall some form of Windows onto
the
>> computer after you've formatted. Otherwise, there is no
>> way of having the two computers communicating. If your
>> primary computer is WinXP, then you'll have the least
>> amount of headaches if you put WinXP on your storage
>> computer. Win95 would be a nightmare.
>>
>> >2. As it's only for storage, when I connect it to the
>> other computer, does
>> >it need a graphics adapter on-board?
>>
>> In order to set up that computer for networking and
>> troubleshooting (chances are you'll run into some
>> complications, that's life), you'll need a video card
on
>> the other computer to connect it to a monitor.
>>
>> >3. Do I need a router or hub to connect the two
>> computers together? I'm not
>> >sure how to connect them without one as I sold the
>> router I was using when I
>> >had them connected via a home network.
>>
>> Not necessarily. Depending on how you connect to the
>> internet, you might. If you connect to the internet
>> through a USB modem, then you can directly connect the
>> two computers using an ethernet crossover cable. This
is
>> different than your standard ethernet cable, since some
>> of the wires are switched (i.e. crossed over) so that
you
>> get a proper connection. If you use your ethernet card
to
>> connect to the internet, then you'll either need to
get a
>> router or a hub. I'd suggest a router, since they are
>> typically easier to install and more secure for
browsing
>> the internet. Another option is to get a second
ethernet
>> card and install that on your primary computer and use
>> that to connect to the other computer via the crossover
>> cable.
>>
>> >4. If there is a web site explaining how to do this
>> correctly, or another
>> >group, please point me in the right direction.
>>
>> This one, I don't really know.
>>
>> Hope this helps,
>>
>> Nick
>> nkjg/at\interchange/dot\ubc/dot\ca
>>
>
>
>.
>
Hello: You are right of course. I like the idea of doing it myself. I'll
research a bit more on the I/N. Your instructions are quite clear as well.
I have sold the video card that was in the second computer but I still have
it until tomorrow when I have to ship it, and sold the router. There is
always the option of plugging the HD from the unused computer directly into
the one I'm using (I have directions on how to do that from Tech TV) but
partitioning etc. isn't all that easy for an amateur. Maybe I can convince
my husband that we really DON'T actually NEED all this extra space.
lol..... :-) Thx again, Jill
"nkjg" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:23b001c427b8$54f7fae0$a101280a@phx.gbl...
> If I may suggest one more thing... don't call the
> professional. Search your way on the web, contact your
> friends, and post questions to the boards (under
> performance and maintenance).
>
> That way, if anything happens, you'll have better know-
> how, and chances are you'll be able to fix it yourself
> and save yourself a couple of hundred dollars.
>
> Hope this helps,
>
> Nick
> nkjg/at\interchange/dot\ubc/dot\ca
>
>
> >-----Original Message-----
> >Thanks for all the information! Excellent and I will
> consider my options
> >now, including calling in a professional to do this.
> Sounds like it's above
> >my level of competency in this area. Thanks again. Jill
> Roberts
> >
> >"nkjg" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
> message
> >news:224e01c427a3$7dcf0bd0$a501280a@phx.gbl...
> >> Hi there,
> >>
> >> I suppose this is the right newsgroup for your
> question,
> >> since you're asking about networking two computers.
> >>
> >> Since it sounds like you want to use the other hard
> drive
> >> purely for storage, it sounds to me like your best
> course
> >> of action would be to simply remove it from the other
> >> computer and install it on your primary computer. This
> >> will save you the hassle of having to install Windows
> on
> >> it. Also, you'll be able to partition the drive to your
> >> liking for better organization and security. If
> something
> >> becomes corrupted or a file gets damaged on one of the
> >> partitions, then the other will stay intact (unless
> it's
> >> a hardware failure, in which case you'd be ******* in
> any
> >> case). For more info on how to do this, check out
> >> the "Performance and Maintenace" board
> >> (microsoft.public.windowsxp.perform_maintain).
> >>
> >> To answer your questions (assuming you keep the hard
> >> drive in the other computer):
> >>
> >> >1. I assume I need to re-install Windows XP back onto
> it
> >> after reformatting
> >> >in order to use it? Yes or no?
> >>
> >> You will need to reinstall some form of Windows onto
> the
> >> computer after you've formatted. Otherwise, there is no
> >> way of having the two computers communicating. If your
> >> primary computer is WinXP, then you'll have the least
> >> amount of headaches if you put WinXP on your storage
> >> computer. Win95 would be a nightmare.
> >>
> >> >2. As it's only for storage, when I connect it to the
> >> other computer, does
> >> >it need a graphics adapter on-board?
> >>
> >> In order to set up that computer for networking and
> >> troubleshooting (chances are you'll run into some
> >> complications, that's life), you'll need a video card
> on
> >> the other computer to connect it to a monitor.
> >>
> >> >3. Do I need a router or hub to connect the two
> >> computers together? I'm not
> >> >sure how to connect them without one as I sold the
> >> router I was using when I
> >> >had them connected via a home network.
> >>
> >> Not necessarily. Depending on how you connect to the
> >> internet, you might. If you connect to the internet
> >> through a USB modem, then you can directly connect the
> >> two computers using an ethernet crossover cable. This
> is
> >> different than your standard ethernet cable, since some
> >> of the wires are switched (i.e. crossed over) so that
> you
> >> get a proper connection. If you use your ethernet card
> to
> >> connect to the internet, then you'll either need to
> get a
> >> router or a hub. I'd suggest a router, since they are
> >> typically easier to install and more secure for
> browsing
> >> the internet. Another option is to get a second
> ethernet
> >> card and install that on your primary computer and use
> >> that to connect to the other computer via the crossover
> >> cable.
> >>
> >> >4. If there is a web site explaining how to do this
> >> correctly, or another
> >> >group, please point me in the right direction.
> >>
> >> This one, I don't really know.
> >>
> >> Hope this helps,
> >>
> >> Nick
> >> nkjg/at\interchange/dot\ubc/dot\ca
> >>
> >
> >
> >.
> >
If you want an easy way of partitioning a hard drive, you
can invest $40 (or something like that) in Partition
Magic 8.0. It's simple enough that just about anyone can
use it.
Hope this helps,
Nick
nkjg/at\interchange/dot\ubc/dot\ca
>-----Original Message-----
>Hello: You are right of course. I like the idea of
doing it myself. I'll
>research a bit more on the I/N. Your instructions are
quite clear as well.
>I have sold the video card that was in the second
computer but I still have
>it until tomorrow when I have to ship it, and sold the
router. There is
>always the option of plugging the HD from the unused
computer directly into
>the one I'm using (I have directions on how to do that
from Tech TV) but
>partitioning etc. isn't all that easy for an amateur.
Maybe I can convince
>my husband that we really DON'T actually NEED all this
extra space.
>lol..... :-) Thx again, Jill
>
>
>"nkjg" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
message
>news:23b001c427b8$54f7fae0$a101280a@phx.gbl...
>> If I may suggest one more thing... don't call the
>> professional. Search your way on the web, contact your
>> friends, and post questions to the boards (under
>> performance and maintenance).
>>
>> That way, if anything happens, you'll have better know-
>> how, and chances are you'll be able to fix it yourself
>> and save yourself a couple of hundred dollars.
>>
>> Hope this helps,
>>
>> Nick
>> nkjg/at\interchange/dot\ubc/dot\ca
>>
>>
>> >-----Original Message-----
>> >Thanks for all the information! Excellent and I will
>> consider my options
>> >now, including calling in a professional to do this.
>> Sounds like it's above
>> >my level of competency in this area. Thanks again.
Jill
>> Roberts
>> >
>> >"nkjg" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
>> message
>> >news:224e01c427a3$7dcf0bd0$a501280a@phx.gbl...
>> >> Hi there,
>> >>
>> >> I suppose this is the right newsgroup for your
>> question,
>> >> since you're asking about networking two computers.
>> >>
>> >> Since it sounds like you want to use the other hard
>> drive
>> >> purely for storage, it sounds to me like your best
>> course
>> >> of action would be to simply remove it from the
other
>> >> computer and install it on your primary computer.
This
>> >> will save you the hassle of having to install
Windows
>> on
>> >> it. Also, you'll be able to partition the drive to
your
>> >> liking for better organization and security. If
>> something
>> >> becomes corrupted or a file gets damaged on one of
the
>> >> partitions, then the other will stay intact (unless
>> it's
>> >> a hardware failure, in which case you'd be *******
in
>> any
>> >> case). For more info on how to do this, check out
>> >> the "Performance and Maintenace" board
>> >> (microsoft.public.windowsxp.perform_maintain).
>> >>
>> >> To answer your questions (assuming you keep the hard
>> >> drive in the other computer):
>> >>
>> >> >1. I assume I need to re-install Windows XP back
onto
>> it
>> >> after reformatting
>> >> >in order to use it? Yes or no?
>> >>
>> >> You will need to reinstall some form of Windows onto
>> the
>> >> computer after you've formatted. Otherwise, there
is no
>> >> way of having the two computers communicating. If
your
>> >> primary computer is WinXP, then you'll have the
least
>> >> amount of headaches if you put WinXP on your storage
>> >> computer. Win95 would be a nightmare.
>> >>
>> >> >2. As it's only for storage, when I connect it to
the
>> >> other computer, does
>> >> >it need a graphics adapter on-board?
>> >>
>> >> In order to set up that computer for networking and
>> >> troubleshooting (chances are you'll run into some
>> >> complications, that's life), you'll need a video
card
>> on
>> >> the other computer to connect it to a monitor.
>> >>
>> >> >3. Do I need a router or hub to connect the two
>> >> computers together? I'm not
>> >> >sure how to connect them without one as I sold the
>> >> router I was using when I
>> >> >had them connected via a home network.
>> >>
>> >> Not necessarily. Depending on how you connect to the
>> >> internet, you might. If you connect to the internet
>> >> through a USB modem, then you can directly connect
the
>> >> two computers using an ethernet crossover cable.
This
>> is
>> >> different than your standard ethernet cable, since
some
>> >> of the wires are switched (i.e. crossed over) so
that
>> you
>> >> get a proper connection. If you use your ethernet
card
>> to
>> >> connect to the internet, then you'll either need to
>> get a
>> >> router or a hub. I'd suggest a router, since they
are
>> >> typically easier to install and more secure for
>> browsing
>> >> the internet. Another option is to get a second
>> ethernet
>> >> card and install that on your primary computer and
use
>> >> that to connect to the other computer via the
crossover
>> >> cable.
>> >>
>> >> >4. If there is a web site explaining how to do this
>> >> correctly, or another
>> >> >group, please point me in the right direction.
>> >>
>> >> This one, I don't really know.
>> >>
>> >> Hope this helps,
>> >>
>> >> Nick
>> >> nkjg/at\interchange/dot\ubc/dot\ca
>> >>
>> >
>> >
>> >.
>> >
>
>
>.
>
use second hard drive for storage-how 
Linear Mode
