[ArmyOfOne]

I had a Dell with Windows XP installed, and I added a HD from a previous Dell so I could easily transfer files. (It had Windows XP too) After the second HD had been in the computer for about 6 months, I tried to take it out, but the computer won't boot without it!

I tried fixing the first HD by changing it to all of the master and cable select options, but it still won't work! I am positive the computer boots off the first drive even with the second drive present, so why won't it work without it?

Additional info:

In the bios the first HD is set as primary master, and the second is primary slave. I tried turning off primary slave, no go.

What happens without the second drive, it shows system details after the initial dell loading screen (before windows loads), and it hangs there. After a minute, the screen goes black, but not like power-saving mode black. It's an LCD, so I can tell the monitor is displaying black instead of being off.

Thanks in advance!
-AO1

[usualsuspect]

Very strange. If it were the incorrect drive you were removing, it would would tell that no loader was found.

[elvla2]

did you try doing boot priority to your desired hard drive

[ArmyOfOne]

According to the computer management utility, my C drive is Active (System) and the E drive is Active (healthy). Does this help? Also, how would I go about setting priorities?

Thanks!
-AO1

[bigbear]

Go into bios and make sure the first boot priority is the correct drive you want to boot from.
Remember to save the settings when you exit

[Elvandil]

As usualsuspect has suggested, try removing the other drive, just for fun.

[ArmyOfOne]

Ok guys, I'll try those things.

Thanks!