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Formatting a second 250 GB harddisk in a WIN2K box
After installing a second 250 GB HD in a new WIN2K box (I have tried both a SATA and a IDE) I cannot partition (or even see) the full size of the second HD. Even though the bios recognizes it as a 250 GB drive, the Disk Management console reports it as a 128 GB HD and will not let me partition or format it any larger. Is there a maximum size limitation to the second HD? I would have no problem with creating more than one partition on the second HD but it just isn't there! Again, I have tried both a IDE and a SATA HD (new drives) with the same result.
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Further Information: This is a NEW HP machine. The BIOS does recognize both of the installed drives as 250 GB drives and when installing the operating system (WIN2K), let me partition AND format the first drive as a 250 GB drive. The problem arose when I tried to partition and format the second drive. I tried this with both an IDE and a SATA drive with exactly the same results.
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I'm surprised the Win2K installer allowed a full 250GB partition. But in any event, as you'll see if you read the Microsoft KB article referenced above, you need to modify the registry UNLESS you've installed Service Pak 4 (which I would recommend you do => you can get it here: http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/downloads/servicepacks/sp4/default.mspx).
The issue, as you're probably aware, is that your system is only using a 28-bit logical block address; so can only address a max of 128mb of space. Your BIOS is fine -- it "sees" the whole drive; but you need to update Windows 2K so it will use 48-bit logical block addressing. This is a VERY common issue :-)
The issue, as you're probably aware, is that your system is only using a 28-bit logical block address; so can only address a max of 128mb of space. Your BIOS is fine -- it "sees" the whole drive; but you need to update Windows 2K so it will use 48-bit logical block addressing. This is a VERY common issue :-)
You also need to install the servicepack for win2k (don't remember after which SP lba48 is supported, but I'd just install the last servicepack on the PC).
rindi --> Win2K requires Service Pack 3 or later to use 48-bit logical block addressing (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/305098/) ==> however, since this system already has a 250GB drive I don't think that's an issue :-)
ASKER
Thank for all the help. Modifying the registry did the trick!!!!
You can also check with the mothrboard manufacturer and the drive manufacturer to see if the MB's support these bigger drives.
Cant just call to mind the requirement bu I thinks its to do with 48 bit addressing.