How to connect an old disk drive to a computer. Connecting a disk drive: step-by-step instructions

Many users are faced with the problem of buying new drives, be it external hard drives or optical drives. It would seem that I connected them and that was the end of it. But for some reason the system categorically refuses to recognize them automatically. What to do? Here knowledge of how to enable any type of disk drive in the BIOS will come to the rescue. In most cases this is the most relevant solution.

BIOS does not see the drive: what should you do initially?

Although it is customary to write about the problems of why this or that proposed solution does not work at the end of the topic, it is better to immediately see what problems may appear initially.

As many experts believe, the very problem that the newly connected drive is not displayed in the devices section is that it is not supplied with power or there is simply not enough voltage. Therefore, you should check these parameters initially.

Rules for connecting any drives

On the other hand, the problem may also be that the drive is not connected correctly. As a rule, most computer systems have a Master/Slave connection rule.

In this case, the cable connector, designated Master, is connected to the main hard drive, and the Slave is connected to any other. In the same way, you cannot connect the Master to the Slave connector and vice versa. At best, you can only achieve that the drive will be detected, but loading the operating system will become impossible.

How to enable optical drive in BIOS

So, first, let's look at optical drives. The simplest solution to the question of how to enable a disk drive in the BIOS is to go into the BIOS using a standard key or key combination (usually Del, F2, F12, Esc, their combinations or dedicated keys on laptop panels) and find there relevant section.

Depending on the BIOS version and manufacturer, this may be the main page (Main), the standard settings section (Standard CMOS Setup), the additional settings menu (Advanced or Advanced BIOS Features), etc. Here you should make sure that the drive is in the list, call up the menu by pressing the Enter key on it, and then set the value to Enabled.

If for some reason the user does not find his drive in the list, it is worth turning to the boot section (Boot Sequence, Boot Setup or simply Boot), where in the boot devices you can scroll through the available devices (for example, use the primary boot device 1-st Boot Device) . This is usually done using the PageUp and PageDown keys. If the device is detected, then everything is in order and the user simply did not find it.

How to turn on an external hard drive?

Now let's see how to open the drive in the BIOS settings in the form of a connected external hard drive. There are subtleties here - it all depends on what standard it has.

So, to begin with, as usual, we enter the settings of the primary I/O system, after which we look for the tab corresponding to the drive parameters. Now you need to be very careful. Depending on the type of drive, you should find the lines either SATA, IDE, or USB. As a rule, if the connection is made correctly, at least one of them will display this device, even if you do not know its standard. Next, we look at what is opposite the drive. If the Disabled parameter is set there, go to the additional menu and change it to Enabled.

Do not forget that without saving the changes the drive will not work. We use the appropriate BIOS commands. In the standard version, in order not to rummage through sections of the main menu, just press the F10 key, which corresponds to the Save & Exit Setup command, that is, save and exit the settings. After this, a confirmation window will appear with the choice of using the keys (Y - yes, N - no). Press Y and wait for the system to reboot.

Priority start of system boot

How to open the drive in BIOS is already clear. Let's look at one more important point. Let's say you need to change the boot order and install an optical drive or external hard drive as the first device. This approach can be used when installing a system, troubleshooting problems, or simply to boot the OS from an external HDD.

As is already clear, we go to the boot section and install the required drive (disk drive) as the first boot device, and then save the changes.

Instead of a total

As can be seen from all of the above, the problem of how to enable any type of disk drive in the BIOS can be solved quite simply. However, this technique may sometimes require additional steps. So, for example, in some cases you need to check the device in the appropriate manager, which can be called from the “Control Panel” or by command devmgmt.msc from the “Run” console. Perhaps it will need to be turned on (enabled) here. For some non-standard devices that are not automatically detected by the system, you may need to install the hardware manufacturer's native driver. However, it is also worth paying attention to the physical condition of the drive or hard drive. If the microcontroller fails, there is nothing you can do - no matter how hard you try, the device will not work.

Hi all! Previously, I already wrote an article about how to connect an ide hard drive to the motherboard using a controller. Today I will share with you another great solution to connect an ide device to a new motherboard. In addition, this solution is inexpensive and quite universal.

While upgrading the hardware of one computer, I was faced with a choice: should I buy a new optical drive, or can I use an old one that has an IDE connector. Naturally, the new motherboard does not have this connector, and in response to my proposal not to install a drive at all, the computer owner firmly stated that he uses the drives often and with pleasure.

The cost of a new optical drive with a modern SATA connector is not so high - about 600-700 rubles, but then it is not clear what to do with the old device, because it works great. And the money saved is better spent on improving the performance of a new computer.

After surfing the Internet a little, I came across this wonderful thing:

Similar adapters can be ordered from China at ridiculous prices here: aliexpress.com is a proven, reliable store with a guarantee, the services of which I use quite often.

This is a SATA - IDE adapter and vice versa IDE - SATA. It is quite compact in size and costs only 200 rubles! Obviously, buying such an adapter is more profitable than buying a new drive.

The great thing is that it works both ways. That is, we can connect an old IDE device to a new motherboard, or vice versa, we can connect a SATA drive or hard drive to a motherboard that does not have SATA connectors. In both cases, we can save significantly.

In general, connecting a device through such an adapter does not cause difficulties, but you need to be careful here. The adapter has markings for SATA pins (see right photo above). One SATA connector is used when connecting an IDE device to the motherboard, the other, vice versa, if you need to connect a SATA device to an old motherboard.

In addition to various connectors, the controller has a jumper for selecting the mode:

2-3 IDE mainboard to SATA HDD;
1-2 SATA mainboard to IDE HDD.

Accordingly, by bridging the necessary contacts 2-3 or 1-2 , we tell the device exactly what type of connection we need.
In any case, just by experimenting with the wires and jumper, you can achieve the desired result, and you don’t have to be afraid that something will burn out (tested from your own experience?).

Connecting an IDE hard drive or drive will look like this:

Having connected the optical drive through such an adapter, I decided to buy myself exactly the same one. Let it sit, I’m sure it will definitely come in handy for that price.)

Here is a simple and cheap solution for connecting IDE devices. I hope this article will help many people make the right choice)

P.S. For those who are unable to connect a hard drive through an adapter (not detected in the system or in the bios), they can try setting the jumpers on the IDE drive itself to the master or slave position. Try different options. Everything will definitely work out! (Thank you! for the addition to Alexey Shchukin)

A disk drive (also known as an optical drive) is a device for reading and writing optical discs. Now the drive is no longer so necessary for users due to the widespread use of other types of removable media, but it is still too early to abandon it. In any case, users should know how to connect the drive so that they can replace it on their computer if necessary.

Preparation

Before connecting a hard drive, optical drive, or any other equipment, there are a number of preparatory steps you need to take.

Turn off the power to your computer! Don't just shut down the system, but disconnect the wires going to the power supply. This way you are guaranteed to avoid electric shocks.

Remove the side covers. If when connecting a video card it is enough to remove one side panel, then in this case you need to remove two panels to make it more convenient to connect the equipment.

The walls are secured with four bolts that can be easily unscrewed.

If the system unit has an old disk drive, carefully remove it. To do this, you need to disconnect all the wires going to it (there are two in total) and unscrew the fixing screws.
After this, the drive can be removed from the system unit by slightly pushing it from the inside.

Connection

Once the drive bay is free, you can proceed to installing a new drive. Take the drive and insert it into the empty bay.

Important! The optical drive can only be installed externally! Do not try to push it from the inside by, for example, turning off the power supply.

Secure the drive with the mounting screws. It is better to use all four screws - then the drive will hold tighter and operate more quietly, without vibration or other annoying sounds.

You have installed the equipment. Now it is important to connect the wires correctly. Depending on the type of drive, it can operate via a SATA or IDE interface. You won’t be able to confuse them – these two interfaces are too different.

Modern drives are equipped with SATA connectors, so we’ll consider them (IDE is connected in a similar way):

Turn on your computer - the system should automatically detect and install new hardware. You can check the presence of the drive and its functionality through “Device Manager” or “My Computer”.

Since you have disassembled the system unit, do not be lazy to connect USB, adding several free ports. They definitely won’t be superfluous, considering how much the device uses this interface to transfer data.

full-screen video than CD-ROM drives, taking games to a new level of realism. In addition, it becomes possible to burn more entertainment or educational software onto fewer CDs. For example, the electronic version of Complete National Geographic magazine comes on either 30 CD-ROMs or 4 DVD-ROMs.

Third-generation DVD-ROM sets, such as the Creative Labs PC-DVD Encore 6X Dxr3 (shown in the pictures), have state-of-the-art performance and can read regular CD-ROM discs. And with devices that include a PCI MPEG-2 decoder (for example, the Encore kit), you can also watch DVD movies both on your PC monitor and on your TV screen. Here's how to connect a third-generation DVD-ROM kit that includes a drive with the widely used IDE interface.

1 Prepare your system for upgrading. Connecting a DVD drive, MPEG decoder board and all the necessary software will significantly change the configuration of your PC. Therefore, even before starting work, to protect yourself, check whether the PC is working properly and whether the equipment does not conflict. Click the Start button and select Settings?Control Panel, double-click the System icon, or right-click the My Computer icon and select the “Properties” menu item, and then go to the “Device Manager” tab. If you see an exclamation mark next to any device, click the Start button again, point to Help, and look for hardware troubleshooting. In addition, carry out a complete backup of information from your PC hard drive.

2 Install the MPEG decoder board. Turn off your PC and unplug the power cord from the outlet. Ground yourself - best done with a metal bracelet connected to a grounded metal object. Remove the PC case cover and find a free PCI slot. Remove the metal plate located behind it on the back wall of the PC case. Carefully insert the decoder board into the connector and, making sure that it is firmly seated, secure it with screws.

3 Connect the DVD drive. Modern motherboards have a primary and secondary IDE channel, each with its own connector (A). One cable connects the hard drive to the primary, and the other, usually a CD-ROM drive, connects to the secondary. Each of them can support two devices, and if possible, connect the DVD drive to the same cable as the CD-ROM drive. If this slot is occupied by another device, such as a tape drive or Zip drive, connect the DVD drive to the cable that connects the system board to the hard drive. Of course, this is only possible if one of the IDE cables has three connectors. Otherwise, use the cable that came with your DVD drive. Make sure the jumper located on the back of the DVD drive is set to the “slave” (B) position. If you need a carrier to fit the drive into your PC (for example, if you are installing a 3.5-inch drive in a 5.25-inch bay), install it. Insert the DVD drive into the bay (C) and connect the IDE and power cables (D) to the drive. Check to see if the colored wire (usually red) of the IDE cable is connected to the first pin of the DVD drive connector (note that it is labeled).

4 Connect audio and video cables. From now on, you will have to master the profession of an electrician, that is, connect a lot of cables. The connection process itself depends on the manufacturer of the kit (in this article we are talking about the Creative Labs PC-DVD Encore 6X with a Dxr3 decoder). Carefully read the User's Manual included in the kit and begin work in accordance with the given procedure:

connect the DVD drive and the MPEG card with an audio cable (to the Audio 1 In connector);

if the audio cable goes from the CD-ROM drive to the sound card, then disconnect it from it and connect it to the Audio 2 In connector (second audio input connector) of the MPEG card;

connect the Audio out (audio output) connectors of the MPEG card and the Audio in (audio input) connectors of the sound card with an audio cable;

disconnect the cable going to the monitor from the graphics card and connect it to the lower connector of the MPEG card, intended for an external monitor;

connect the MPEG video feedback cable included with the DVD-ROM kit to the graphics card;

If you want to watch DVD movies on your TV, connect one video cable from the upgrade kit (either an RCA or S-video connector depending on the characteristics of your TV) to the video output of the MPEG card and the video input connector of your TV;

If you have a stereo receiver or PC speaker system that can decode Dolby Digital Surround audio, use a cable not usually included with the DVD-ROM to connect the MPEG card and stereo device.

5 Install DVD drive drivers and software. Connect your PC to the network and turn it on. Windows 9x systems should detect the new drive and board and prompt you to install drivers. Insert the driver disc (floppy or CD) and follow the instructions that appear on the monitor screen. Then install the software included in the DVD Drive Upgrade Kit following the instructions in the User's Guide. You may need to restart your PC after this. Finally, check whether the new drive will read regular CDs and DVD-ROMs. If there are problems, such as the PC not being able to detect the drive or read the disc, turn off the computer and double-check all connections. (With so many cables, it's easy to make mistakes and connect some incorrectly.) If the problem persists, contact the upgrade kit developer's technical support team. If all equipment is working correctly, turn off the PC and put on the case cover.

How to connect CD-ROM?

Installing a CD-ROM will not take much time if done correctly. Next, we will look at how CD-ROM installation occurs using different types of connectors: IDE and SATA.

Connecting CD-ROM using IDE

First, notice that there are three sections on the back of the CD-ROM. To install the CD-ROM, we need the two on the far right. The first one on the far right is for connecting power. The section located in the middle is needed to connect to the motherboard.

Follow these steps to connect the CD-ROM:

Open the system unit and secure it using CD-ROM screws.
Take one of the wires coming from the power supply and connect it to the CD-ROM.
Next, take a flat wire extending from the motherboard and representing a broadband bus. Connect it to the CD-ROM.
Now all you have to do is turn on your computer and it will automatically detect the connected device.

Connection using a SATA connector

If your CD-ROM has a SATA connector, then you will of course need a special SATA cable. Therefore, before purchasing such a CD-ROM, make sure that your motherboard has SATA connectors. In general, the connection process is completely identical to the previous one.

You can check that the CD-ROM is properly connected to your computer without turning it on. To do this you will need to use a paper clip. Straighten the paperclip and insert it into the small hole on the front of the CD-ROM, which is usually located under the disc tray. Use a paper clip to press the button located inside. The CD-ROM should respond and eject the disc tray. Please note that these steps cannot be performed if the device tray is already loaded, as this may cause damage to the rotating disk.

I would like to draw your attention to the fact that these instructions are suitable primarily for those CD-ROMs that were produced after 2000. If you have an old CD-ROM model, we recommend that you seek the help of specialists to connect it to the power supply and motherboard. However, it should be said that such old CD-ROMs should be replaced with newer ones, since their operation may be incorrect and even pose a threat to the media.

If you want to learn more about the various components, then go to the section.