New
#1
trouble installing a 2nd IDE HDD
I bought a Gateway DX4822-01 with Windows 7 preinstalled. The motherboard lacks any IDE ports so I had to buy an IDE-SATA adapter for my old 250 GB Western Digital drive from my old PC.
After plugging everything in, I powered up. With the device plugged in, Windows 7 takes longer to boot and when it does, it does not detect the IDE HDD at all.
I believe I may have to format the drive. The old drive still has XP installed plus some remaining files. Unfortunately, I can not do this with the Windows 7 disc as Gateway didn't include one. There's an option to burn backup and boot discs to DVD but I do not know if that will be what I need.
Formatting in the old PC is no longer an option. It's been stripped for parts and some of it already sold off.
Is there any chance to use this drive or should I write it off?