Jumper settings for two devices using the same IDE controller.

Question

I tried to install a Philips CD-ROM into a Dell Optiplex 466/L, which made it impossible to communicate with the hard drive. Appearently the CD-ROM is connected to the same IDE-cable as the hard drive. Are these older computers not prepared for CD-ROMS?

Answer

This question was answered on July 27, 1999. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

If your system meets the minimum requirements for the CD-ROM the fact that your system cannot see the hard drive may be just a matter of jumper settings. In your case the hard drive and the CD-ROM share the same IDE controller (on the same ribbon cable). In this situation the hard drive jumpers must be set to "master" and the CD-ROM jumpers must be set to "slave". Usually, when the hard drive is alone on the IDE cable the jumper is in the neutral position (neither master or slave). The jumpers are normally located on the same end of the device as the cable connection. The jumper settings are also normally labled, but if not the jumper settings can be found in the user manual or at the manufacturers web site.

Let us know if the problem continues.

Author

Posted by Ken of Data Doctors on July 27, 1999