Win2k BOOT question

I have two computers, an older IBM Aptiva E24
(really old) and a new(er) Dell Dimension XPS T450.
The IBM has Acer BIOS and the Dell Phoenix BIOS
(as far as I can tell).

I am trying to move two hard drives from the old
box to the new box, but really having a problem.
While everything is detected and boots fine on
the IBM, all I get on the Dell is:
"0x0000007B" and INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE

Early troubleshooting was a waste because I was
using the wrong drive in attempts to boot the Dell
(duh!).
Turns out, by paying better attention, I learned
my Quantum Bigfoot (2 Gb) drive is the Master and
the Maxtor 71260 (1 Gb) is the Slave. But the MAIN
PROBLEM appears to be a boot sector/file detection
issue, and that is where I am stumped!

IBM drive config.:
Bigfoot - Master - Jumper ON
Maxtor - Slave - Jumper OFF

Dell drive config.:
Bigfoot - Master - Jumper ON = Blue screen w/error
above.
Bigfoot - Master - Jumper OFF = Drive not listed
during boot detection sequence.

In either configuration, the Dell is giving "NTLDR
is missing" or "Operating System not found" error
messages. I checked for the file "ntldr" and
located it in C:\WINNT\ServicePackFiles\i386 but
do not know if it needs to be located somewhere
else on the drive as well.

I am spending to much time on this problem AND
could really use some help! I do not have any
manuals for the Dell or the Aptiva, so I have been
relying on Support sites and older postings for
information and trying to approach the issue
methodically (just like the old days in tech. support).

I just noticed the Bigfoot drive is "FAT" and not
"NTFS"! Could the Dell be "to smart" for its own
good? I betcha.

Next I am going to run "chkdsk /f" on the Bigfoot
Master volume and check for the files mentioned in
the following Microsoft Knowledgebase document:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=311073

Any better ideas would be greatly appreciated!!

~ Dennis in Las Vegas, Nevada.
(former InfiNet, LLC of Norfolk, Virginia Sr. Tech.)
* giving a shout out to Brian Bresina, Chris Kepler,
Dave Kidd, Reo Maynard, John Lambert, Dave McKay
Dave Nash and our fearless leader Carl Eichhorn! *

.

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