Please explain this...

Just to be clear: When you say the pc would not start with the drive disconnected, did you just disconnect the power to the drive, or did you disconnect the ribbon cable from the drive as well? Most boards will not start up if there is a drive connected via the ribbon cable but not powered.
 
oldhat said:
Just to be clear: When you say the pc would not start with the drive disconnected, did you just disconnect the power to the drive, or did you disconnect the ribbon cable from the drive as well? Most boards will not start up if there is a drive connected via the ribbon cable but not powered.
Click to expand...

If the IDE HDD is connected and powered, it won't start.

If the IDE HDD is connected but not powered, it won't start.

If the ribbon cable is connected, but not the IDE HDD, it won't start.

If I disconnect the ribbon cable, the PC starts. ;)
 
The only other thing I can think of checking is the pins on the IDE connector;

ide.jpg


Inspect them for any bent / missing / touching pins. It sounds as if there is a short somewhere at the cable level, and even without a HDD connected... bent, missing or touching pins might do this when only a cable is inserted.

You can also get cheap IDE to USB connector, will be easier and less expensive than an IDE external enclosure.
 
Merlin said:
Thanks, kilobits.

The pins are perfect.

I'll look into the IDE>USB converter. I wasn't aware such a thing existed. :)
Click to expand...

Here... a quick adapter;

baobab-bi-directional-sata-to-ide-convertor.jpg


This one will allow you to plug the IDE drive into a SATA port... http://www.zapsonline.com/others/58779-baobab-bi-directional-sata-to-ide-convertor.html

You will then be able to use the drive in Windows, but the IDE drive will not be a bootable OS drive.

What size IDE drive is it (he asks too lazy to read the whole thread again) ??
 
I have an IDE external USB enclosure in a box somewhere here... I will see if I can find it, it should still work, well it did before the move to Cape Town... if you want it you can have it. I will dig and scratch tomorrow.
 
Wow! You guys are all racking up serious karma here. :D Thank you.

The drive is, Um, very small. I'll say that much, to save my own face. :P It's enough for me to store all of my personal documents and photos on, thus freeing up much needed space elsewhere.

kilobits, you rock! Thank you. That would be greatly appreciated.
 
Hey Hey

Okay... I found the enclosure... I must just find the power adapter and then test it...

dsc00120.jpg
dsc00121.jpg


The adapter is somewhere here. It has not been used for a few years, but it was working when it was boxed.
 
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I finks its time you rectified that stupidity then isn't it kilo? :p
 
kilobits said:
It is a 4 pin adapter... it is in a packet in a box here (somewhere)... I will find it and test it tomorrow or this weekend. For the life of me I do not know why I did not pack them together... I have a box of adapters and another box of things that need adapters.

/slaps forehead

doh.

Here is a product page link for it... http://www.comx-computers.co.za/computer-store-specifications.php?products=12437
Click to expand...

4-pin? Interesting...

We've got a stack of adapters here to suit a multitude of requirements, all thanks to lightning and ESKOM.

Whenever we've actually needed an adaptor, what chance do you think we have of finding one that works? A few dozen ***olies. *sigh*
 
I think I have found it... well, one of 3 actually.

Will see on the morrow... must go lala now.

/remembers not to put them back in box
 
Okay... gottit !

I have no IDE HDD, but have tested it with an IDE DVD-ROM and it works hundreds.
 
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