Operation Manual

Copyright © Acronis, Inc., 2000-2009 131
The BIOS numbers disks according to the order in which they are connected to IDE
controllers (primary master, primary slave, secondary master, secondary slave);
next go the SCSI hard disks.
This order is broken if you change the boot sequence in BIOS setup. If, for
example, you specify that booting has to be done from hard disk E:, numbering
starts with the hard disk that would be the third in usual circumstances (it is usually
the secondary master).
After you have installed the hard disk in your computer and have configured it in
BIOS, one can say that the PC (or the motherboard) "knows" about its existence
and its main parameters. However, it is still not enough for an operating system to
work with the hard disk. In addition, you have to create partitions on the new disk
and format the partitions using Acronis True Image Home. See
Chapter 14. Adding
a new hard disk
.
B.2.4 Hard disk initialization errors
Devices are usually initialized successfully, but sometimes errors can happen.
Typical errors related to hard disks are reported by the following messages:
PRESS A KEY TO REBOOT
This error message is not directly related to errors during hard disk initialization.
However, it appears, for example, when the boot program finds no operating
system on the hard disk, or when the primary partition of the hard disk is not set as
active.
DISK BOOT FAILURE,
INSERT SYSTEM DISK AND
PRESS ENTER
This message appears when the boot program finds no available boot device, be it a
floppy or a hard disk, or a CD-ROM.
C: DRIVE ERROR
C: DRIVE FAILURE
ERROR ENCOUNTERED INITIALIZING HARD DRIVE
This message appears when it is not possible to access the C: disk. If the disk is
known to be functional, the reason for this error message is probably incorrect
settings/connections of:
• hard disk parameters in BIOS setup
• jumpers on the controller (master/slave)
• interface cables
It is also possible that the device is out of order, or the hard disk is not formatted.
B.3 Installing a SATA hard drive
Most recently manufactured PCs use the SATA interface for hard drives. In general,
installing a SATA hard drive is easier than an IDE drive, as it is not necessary to
configure master-slave jumpers. SATA drives use a thin interface cable with seven-
pin keyed connectors. This improves airflow through the PC case. Power is supplied
to SATA drives through 15-pin connectors. Some SATA drives also support legacy
four-pin power connectors (Molex) — you can use a Molex or SATA connector but
do not use both at the same time, because this could damage the hard drive. You'll