How do I get it so my computer recognizes my external hard drive... I put it together and plugged it in and Window'* identified it and installed it as a mass storage device... but it will not show up under "My Computer" any Ideas?

If it is a new drive, then you will need to partition it and format it. In windows xp pro right click on the 'my computer' icon and point to 'manage'. you should see a section for storage. Once in the storage section there is a 'disk management' section. This will show you all about the drives on your computer. Find your external drive (probably at the bottom of the list). Right click on the white space and click (i for get exactly) something like assign drive letter or format drive.


If you are in windows ME or earlier, you need to go into dos and use FDISK old school fun


-hope that helps

Exactly.

Partition Magic can make real quick work of that.

damn, was just gonna say that.

i use partition magic, because it can be dos bootable.. so I use it on linux installs and stuff..


-justin

If it'* a new drive, don't bother messing with external programs. FDISK will do it just as easy, just be VERY damn sure you know which drive you are looking at before you let it do anything.....

Ya, don't wanna accidently format the C drive.

Sometimes you'll have to assign it a drive letter manually, even if it is XP. External drive as in USB or Firewire?

Thanks a LOT!! Got the new drive in and it is being partioned/formatted now!! Thanks again!

FDISK wont because you're in an active windows installation.