When it comes to working with previously used hard drives, I would suggest
downloading the diagnostic utilities made availableby that drive's
manufacturer and running them, first.  Not only will this let you know
whether the drive is in working order, but you can use the feature that
writes zeros to the entire drive to do a much better job of removing old
data than reformating does.  These diaganostic programs are typically run
from bootable floppies, so no pre-installed operating system is necessary.

John Sproule

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dave Moore" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2005 9:37 PM
Subject: [PCBUILD] Trying to install OS on reformated HD


I have acquired several used HDs.  From what I was told, they have all been
wiped clean by doing a complete format.  I installed one in a used Dell
Dimension L600r but without an OS on the HD, I cannot get to recognize a
disk drive.  I am going to install Win98SE since that is the only legal OS
that is not being used.  How can I install the OS.  Thanks for your help.

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