External Hard Drive

[den86]

HELP!!!!
Ive just bought a 250gb external hard drive, as my perthetic 10gb internal hard drive is full, is there anyway of using the external hd as my main drive? can i change the letter C: to use as my external so when i install games, programs etc to my copumter they are installed on the external, therefore tricking the computer into thinking that im installing the program to the internal, but infact im installing it on the external. If that makes any sense??
My friend told my to use BIOS but i cant access BIOS on my computer as it old, ive got Compaq 6350 with XP 10gb internal, 512mb ram and pent 3 1999 version.
Cheers

[glc]

Without getting real involved in explanations, the simple answer is no, you can't. You need a larger internal drive. If it's too large for the bios, you can get a PCI controller card to get a large internal working. External drives are strictly for file storage, and in your case, it will be very slow unless you put a USB 2.0 PCI card in the machine.

Admin note - please don't multiple post. I closed the other 2.

[TallTravel]

glc got it.

I will add, however, that properly purchased, a new internal HD can be incredibly inexpensive. I have a 120 GB Seagate HD, 7200 RPM, which I purchased from the local Best Buy for $20.00 after rebate.

[Mr N8]

You'll need to use an internal drive for the OS. Once you have the system up, you can install applications to the external drive, but you will have to make sure that the you have the drive connected any time that you want to use it.

You can get a 250GB IDE drive in the $50 range, now, if you watch the ads. I'd probably do that and just use the external for storing or backing up all your documents and larger files.

[den86]

ok thanks, can i get a web adress for cheap hard drives please? and any web addresses for cheap memory rams for compaq computers please. Thanks guys

[Xyphus]

A good place to look for OEM hard drives would be someplace like www.newegg.com...

You may also be able to find deals at local stores such as Staples, OfficeMax, Office Depot, or even Best Buy on some occasions.

[glc]

Please confirm the exact model number of that Compaq - is it a Presario or what? A Presario 6350US comes up as a considerably newer machine than you have there.