Slave drive jumper settings

[irongutz]

As I mentioned in a earlier post, I want to transfer my old MP3 files (1.5 gig) from my old computer to my new computer. Since my old system doesn't have any backup devices or USB ports it was advised by this board that the easiest way would be to install my old HD to my new computer and make it a slave drive. Now, my first question is does it matter that my old drive has a OS (win95) and my new system (WinME)? Will I still be able to transfer files over? Secondly, is it safe to just plug in my old HD with the extra plugs (ribbon and power wires) that the new computer HD comes with and boot. Oh, I looked on the back of my old HD and the jumper settings are set to Master/Factory settings. Due I change this to another setting? I've got 2 other options, 1st= slave-no jumper required 2nd= cable select for master/slave. Which should I use? I'm thinking of pulling the jumper post off and making it "slave"? Once the new computer is running and has booted off winME, due I enter my computer or win explorer and look for a new drive? How will it look? I have a 16XDVD for CDROM and CDRW drive on new system. Will the computer give the slave drive a new drive letter?
Once again, thanks for the help guys!
I'll let you know how it turned out. :D

[twwabw]

Now, my first question is does it matter that my old drive has a OS (win95) and my new system (WinME)?

No

Secondly, is it safe to just plug in my old HD with the extra plugs (ribbon and power wires) that the new computer HD comes with and boot.

Yes. But, read on....

I looked on the back of my old HD and the jumper settings are set to Master/Factory settings. Due I change this to another setting?

If old HD is going to be on its own IDE channel (its own cable, plugged into motherboard- nothing else on channel) then it stays master.

But, if something else like a CD-ROM is already in the 2nd IDE channel, then add it to the existing drive channel and cable, and set drive as Slave.

If your existing HD is connected to a PCI card, and NOT the motherboard, then you have an ATA controller, and everything changes a bit. In this case, you probably have an empty IDE connector on the motherboard. In this case plug the HD into the empty slot, and leave as master.

Or, plug it into the empty slot on the controller card, and make it a slave

Once the new computer is running and has booted off winME, due I enter my computer or win explorer and look for a new drive? How will it look? I have a 16XDVD for CDROM and CDRW drive on new system. Will the computer give the slave drive a new drive letter?

Yes- it will assign it a new drive letter automatically, and you can access it immediately. You can also change the drive letter if you want.

[irongutz]

Thanks twwabw! You are a great help and will give your suggestion(s) a try. Oh, thanks for the speedy reply--I love this place! ;)