Hard drives...

[sinkinswimmer]

Ok, so I just assembled my parents a new computer, but I haven't run any installs yet. Before I do, I have a question about hard drives. What is the maximum hard disk size supported by Windows XP SP2? They have a 160gb HDD, and if that's above the default handled amount... then what do I do? Curious, cause I've never installed a base system with a HDD that large before. So many thanks to anyone who can help me.

[DragonBlade]

Windows XP SP2 should have no limits at all. Its more like SP1 or SP2, I forgot, is required to use a 137 GB or higher HD

[sinkinswimmer]

So I shouldn't need a controller card or drivers, etc?

EDIT: Er... just check my manufacturer's site... SP1 + should be ok for HDD over 137gb. Thanks.

[Digital Dreamer]

What you need to do is repartition your hard drive.

Now how you go about that....
- with out formating and loosing your data.
- with out using Partition Magic
it beyond me.


Windows Xp needs at least Service Pack 1a to recognise drives bigger that 137Gb.
I normally use partition magic to reclaim my extra gigs with out having to format and start again.

[sinkinswimmer]

well, i installed Win XP SP2, so that wasn't an issue. and when you do the install setup you can partition and format the drives right then and there. to do it without losing data means you'd have to backup your info to an external before reformatting.

[Sahiden]

There is a second way for everyone who can't install SP1A or SP2.

http://rapidshare.de/files/6662133/20041207074952109_EnableBigLba.exe.html
(Very limited offer. You can always ask me to rehost after this month though.)

[Mr_Jingles]

Ok, so I just assembled my parents a new computer, but I haven't run any installs yet. Before I do, I have a question about hard drives. What is the maximum hard disk size supported by Windows XP SP2? They have a 160gb HDD, and if that's above the default handled amount... then what do I do? Curious, cause I've never installed a base system with a HDD that large before. So many thanks to anyone who can help me.
By default, Windows xp on its own will only see upto 137Gb of any drive that is bigger than that... then u would need to install SP1 (or 1A now as there is no SP1 anymore) and that will show the true size of your drive. But im assuming its a clean drive coz windows will only format it to 137Gb tops - then the only thing i can think of is the way i did mine:

I have a 200Gb Western Digital drive and thus downloaded a Wetern Digital Hard drive prog that allowed me to format the drive to its full size as a slave drive (using SP1 on the current system and my old 80gb as the master drive) and it copied the entire windows installion over to the new formatted 200gb drive from my old 80gb drive. When i say copies the windows installation - it copies EVERYTHING from the old drive to the new... perfect timing to put the kettle on :P