BIOS and CDR

[Mntsnow]

Best option is to

Primary Master = Booting Harddrive
Secondary Slave = regular CD player

Secondary Master = CDR/W burner
Secondary Slave = data harddrive

Just make sure you have the Jumpers set correctly for ALL the drives http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif and set the IDE to AUTO in the bios http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif They should then be detected and work properly when in windows http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

Mntsnow

[rmanet]

Thanks for the reply - I also saw that configuration on another site. I had planned to sell my old system, but I'll pull the other HD and give it a shot - if it works, maybe I'll just scavenge the old system for parts for my boys' other computers.

If it doesn't work I'll let you know and thanks again.

[rmanet]

Just bought a new M571 7.0 MB (board is stickered 4/8/99) this week and installed an IBM PR300 cpu, hard drive, etc. Loaded Win98 and numerous other programs and everything works fine. Also bought a JVC CDR-RW and my problems are with BIOS and detecting the new CD drive.

My problem - the MB accepts two HDs in first and second IDE slots, and BIOS detects both as masters (used this to copy over some zip files, etc.)

However, if I attach my new JVC CDR-RW drive in either IDE slot, the BIOS finds the HD and runs fine, but can't find the CD drive.

I then hooked up HD as primary master, and changed jumper for CD drive and hooked up as a primary slave. The MB recognized the CDR and this works fine about half the time; they don't recommend installing the CDR-RW as a slave, and I have problems with access, etc. I then flashed the MB w/ latest BIOS - didn't fix the problem.

I then disconnected CDR drive, jumpered as master, and reinstalled on the second IDE as master, with another cd drive as a secondary. This caused the MB to finally recognize both cd drives ( it also recognizes the regular CD drive fine), but putting both CD drives on the same IDE cable appears to be causing problems with recording, etc.

Would really appreciate any help on what's up - or suggestions anyone??

[rmanet]

Did as you suggested, and the BIOS didn't detect the CDR - tried all the options (set the jumpers) and the only way it detects the CDR is w/ the CD behind it. Is this a problem with the MB? Any other thoughts? Should I give up and buy an IDE card?

[ram]

First before you buy a new card did you
Go into windows in safe mode in devices and delete any
ghost listings ? Also delete ALL listinings for your cd and cdr then reboot and see if it recognizes the cdr. Ohh yea also clear your bios and set it to default settings.

[This message has been edited by ram (edited 02-09-2000).]

[Mntsnow]

Try a different data cable. even a ATA66 cable. You might even check with the Motherboard manufacture to see if they have a compatablity problem with your brand of cd/cdr drives.

Mntsnow