Several basic concepts to installing an IDE internal hard disk drive (HDD) include:
1. Setting the jumper pin,
2. Using the correct Master/Slave connection on the ribbon, and
3. Using the correct motherboard channel.

All IDE hard drives have Jumper Pins. The jumper pin configuration differs with varying models of hard drives. The drive itself will usually have a configuration chart label attached to the drive. Three basic jumper pin configurations are: MA (Master), SL (Slave), and CS (Cable Select). The hard drive containing your Operating System should always be used as the Master. Your second hard drive will be the Slave. Always follow the manufacture instructions for your hard drive's jumper pin settings.

Here's a jumper pin configuration diagram sample:



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There are two common types of IDE hard drive cables: 40-pin and 80-pin.
Which ever type you use, the configuration is the same for both: Master channel and Slave channel.
The cable (also called a Ribbon) will have channel connector ports on each end, and one in the middle. The ribbon should have one connector that's black and the other blue. The blue end will be used to connect to the motherboard IDE-1 channel, while the black end will connect to the hard drive itself. The channel in the middle is for the Slave (or secondary) drive and its color is usually gray.

Here's a hard drive ribbon sample:



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As mentioned above, the blue channel connector on the Ribbon always connects to the motherboard. On your motherboard, this channel should be marked as IDE 1. This is where you connect the blue end to.
The other channel is called IDE 2, and this is the channel where you connect the ribbon that attaches your CD-ROM.

Here's a motherboard IDE Channel sample:



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If you already have a hard drive and want to add another internal drive for more storage space (or to dual-boot), you will use the existing ribbon in your PC and connect the NEW hard drive as a Slave.
Be sure to check your existing hard drive jumper pin configuration (the Master) so that it is set up to be read as "Master With A Secondary (or Slave)" drive.
If your Master drive jumper pin is set as CS (Cable Select), change its jumper setting to MA (Master) and your new hard drive (the second drive) to SL (Slave) setting. Once again, read the manufacture Instructions that came with your new hard drive.

For SATA hard drives, there are no jumper pin or Master/Slave configurations.

I hope you have found this useful. Its been a pleasure ...

Thread stickied, another great post!

If you want help with installing a hard drive, DO NOT reply to this thread. Instead, please create your own thread. All replies requesting help to this one will be ignored and deleted.

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