Second HD switch

[Oldtimer]

I would like to use a second HD for complete backup by Ghost Software or Image Drive. Both Hard drives identical size etc. I want to switch off the second hard drive following the backup. Some one recently mentioned working on a method to accomplish the disconnect or switch off. On occasion I have found that WIN98 2, will place recycled files on the second drive and even on one occasion temporary files, beats me why?? OLDTIMER.

[SDT]

If you have an extra bay in the front of your computer you should consider getting a removable disk tray. As I understand it you just affix your disk to the tray and then slide it into the tray and clamp it closed... boot the machine and then ghost the drive... power it down and remove the disk tray. Unfortunately you can't hot swap (the machine has to be off) and I don't have the name of a manufacturer.

[shadow]

Yeah, go with the removable tray. I'd love to have a few drives each with different OS's and some for backup, if only I could afford it http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/frown.gif

[howste]

Here's a couple of removable HD racks one of my local suppliers offers: http://www.marketingtouch.com/specs/rh17.htm

Cost is $18 to $32. Probably someone in your area has something similar, or you could find one to order online.

Steve

[Sample]

See below, accidentally pressed a hotkey!!!

[This message has been edited by Sample (edited 06-12-2000).]

[Sample]

Cheap mans solution, disable the second drive using BIOS Setup. No inserting/removing, and the drive is in a safe location. If you plan on transferring files, however, the removeable shelves look interesting for that...

BTW, you'd have to enable the drive prior to Ghosting. (you probably figured that out!!)

[Glynn R Harris]

oldtimer,
Win98SE says, in its little config menu under MyComputer /Properties /Performance/ Virtual Memory, "Let Windows handle Virtual Memory Settings (Recommended)".

Windows will write a temp file to any hard drive it sees has free space, depending on it's "need".

Specifying a permanent VM Swap file on a drive you give it will not allow Win98 the option of writing to your other drive.

I don't have an opinion on whether Win98 really does a better job of VM management than a permanent swap file would provide, but if you are willing to possibly trade a hit in performance when working with something very large for the security of knowing where Windows is writing something, then just specify a permanent setting.

I have heard somewhere that 10 percent of your working drive is not an unreasonable permanent file size. Opinions, anyone? http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif

[BluesMan]

I've read that VM manual settings should run about 1.5 to 2 times your RAM capacity, but I found that wasn't really enough. However, I also have two drives and have NEVER experienced Windows putting "anything" on the secondary drive (back-up) unless specifically instructed. ???? So this is news to me..... very interesting!

[Oldtimer]

Thanks for all of the good ideas, unfortunately I do not have extra 5 inch drive slot, have three and they are filled . I think I will go with suggestion of a assigned swap file etc or check the BIOS. This is and ABIT MB with soft CPU- so it has a mind of it own.. Oldtimer.