Gateway Computer Drive - Manual (Page 21)

17
Configuring the new IDE drive
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Master drives
If the drive you are installing is on the end of the cable, it is the master drive.
Master drives are typically bootable, meaning they are used to boot, or start,
your computer.
Your IDE drive should be configured as a master if it will be the only drive
connected to the IDE data cable or if there will be two drives connected to the
cable and the other drive is configured as a slave.
Slave drives
If the drive you are installing is in the middle of the cable, it is the slave drive.
Slave drives are typically used for storing files and installing programs. You
cannot start your computer from the slave drive.
A slave drive is the secondary drive on either the primary or secondary IDE
controller. Configure your IDE drive as a slave drive if the drive will be one of
two drives connected to the IDE data cable and the other drive is configured
as a master drive.
If there is already one drive connected to the cable before the new IDE drive
is installed, it is probably configured as a master. However, some IDE drives
require a different master/slave setting when two drives are connected. If you
have any problems, see the documentation that came with the existing IDE
drive for additional master/slave configuration information.
Important If you have only one drive it must be connected to the end
connector on the IDE cable.
Important If you are adding a drive and making the new drive the
master (boot) drive, the existing drive must be reconfigured
as a slave drive.