Reassign drive D:

Discussion in 'Windows XP Help and Support' started by Johnnydg, May 17, 2020.

  1. Johnnydg

    Johnnydg

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    Hello:
    I’m trying to execute a Microsoft Basic program I compiled in 1995 or so. The program comes up and correctly displays the GUI on the Compaq Presario X1000 described below. However, the input/output files used are hard coded in the program as residing on drive D. The Presario I’m using has an unreliable CD drive defined as drive D.

    The Presario does have a USB port that can read and write to a thumb drive. How can I reassign the thumb drive, or another drive, to behave as device D in place of the CD drive?

    Any information you can provide is appreciated.

    Thanks,

    John


    Compaq Presario X1000

    OS Name Microsoft Windows XP Professional

    Version 5.1.2600 Service Pack 1 Build 2600

    OS Manufacturer Microsoft Corporation

    System Manufacturer Hewlett-Packard

    System Model Compaq Presario X1000 DM774A#ABA

    System Type X86-based PC

    Processor x86 Family 6 Model 9 Stepping 5 GenuineIntel ~1495 Mhz

    BIOS Version/Date Hewlett-Packard 68BAL Ver. F.09, 8/15/2003

    SMBIOS Version 2.3
     
    Johnnydg, May 17, 2020
    #1
  2. Johnnydg

    flavallee Guest

    Load the Disk Management window.

    What drives are listed there and what are their assigned letters?

    If there is only the hard drive and the disc drive and they are assigned the letters C: and D:, change the assigned letter for the disc drive to E:

    After you're done, restart the computer.

    When you insert the USB thumb drive, it should (but no guarantee it will) assign itself the drive letter D:
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 17, 2020
    flavallee, May 17, 2020
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  3. Johnnydg

    Elizabeth23

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    it might be better if you go into the bios and disable the cd drive, then reboot, this will give the next drive the letter d but as long as the cd drive is active, then windows will give it the d letter.
     
    Elizabeth23, May 17, 2020
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  4. Johnnydg

    Johnnydg

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    Thanks. I'll try those ideas. Appreciate the chat. John
     
    Johnnydg, May 17, 2020
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  5. Johnnydg

    Johnnydg

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    Bad news. Since this PC hasn't been used for years, I updated the date/time the last time I started it. After that, I received multiple requests to activate the OS but replied "no" to all of them. Now, I'm being forced to activate, but I'm not able to activate even if I call the 888 number provided by Microsoft. This PC was never connected to my current network.

    Is there a way to get this OS activated? I am the original owner and beyond the product key noted on the back, all other documentation is long gone.
    Thanks,
    John
     
    Johnnydg, May 18, 2020
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  6. Johnnydg

    Elizabeth23

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    Elizabeth23, May 18, 2020
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  7. Johnnydg

    Johnnydg

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    I'm up and running with a new D drive. My thanks to you both for your help.

    How do I formally acknowledge you on this site?

    John
     
    Johnnydg, May 20, 2020
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  8. Johnnydg

    flavallee Guest

    You're welcome.
    How did you resolve the D: drive issue?
     
    flavallee, May 20, 2020
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  9. Johnnydg

    Elizabeth23

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    ditto for flavallee's answer, :)
     
    Elizabeth23, May 20, 2020
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  10. Johnnydg

    Johnnydg

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    I actually used both suggestions. I first disabled the CD drive then restarted with the jump drive attached. The jump drive was still assigned as drive E so I loaded the Disk Management window and renamed it to D. Easy peasy!
    John
    I do have another question but I'll put it in a new tnread..
     
    Johnnydg, May 21, 2020
    #10
  11. Johnnydg

    Elizabeth23

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    thanks for clarifying, :)
     
    Elizabeth23, May 21, 2020
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