I have only rarely seen (master) drive swapping work by just plugging them in, and then it was with WIN 98se in a somewhat similar pc.  The drives contain software unique to the motherboard and other components used as part of the system startup.  However, installing the drives as slaves usually can be done by just plugging them in.
Paul Hachmeyer 
________________________________________
From: Personal Computer Hardware discussion List [[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of John [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Saturday, December 27, 2008 6:32 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [PCBUILD] DELL 8200 does not recognize new HDDs

I am attempting to cannabalize an old machine and move a 200GB master and a 200GB slave from it to this DELL and am experiencing challenges. Upon attempted boot up, the 8200 flashes a blue screen error for only a sec (too brief to read) & then moves to the screen of boot up choices - recommending the "Last Known Good Configuration". When I try that, it will not boot up but cycles back through in a loop. IDE cable works fine with old 124GB HDD I am removing. Jumpers on new drives are set correctly. New drives are in correct position (master at end, slave in 2nd) on cable. Flashed BIOS to A09 (no other upgrades available). BIOS recognizes them by name and capacity (shows both at 200GB). Running XP Pro svc pack 3. What am I missing? Any input is very welcome. Thanks to all!

              
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