Well before the OS has any stake in the affair

Offhand that'd have me stumped also. I'd likely be checking what new drive
was like in another pc if is available, else perhaps an external enclosure.

The fact it fails to allow even into bios when just itself attached
indicates to me at least it's likely defective drive. Again checking on a
2nd pc might be best, easiest solution to determine if that's the problem.

"Ron Patterson" wrote in message
m...
I know this may not be the proper place for this question. Perhaps if no
one here can field it, you can refer me to the appropriate newsgroup.

Computer currently dual hard drive - one IDE and one SATA - both running
Win XP. Boots easily into either one. No problem.
Tried to install a new Seagate SATA drive as a third drive to run Win7.
Hooked up new drive and computer will not boot past the Intel Screen
(click F2 to enter BIOS) - freezes here - can not even enter BIOS.

Disconnect all other drives and peripherals and connect new SATA using
same ports and cables as other SATA. Same problem.

Drive must be defective? Returned drive and purchased Western Digital
drive. Same exact problem. Reinstall 2 old drives - no problem - either
will boot.

Apparently for some reason this computer will not boot past the Intel
screen & and can not access BIOS if a hard drive is connected without an
operating system?

Otherwise all is fine.

Any ideas or referrals?

Ron Patterson