XP-HOME-SP2 sees 160GB. BIOS sees 137GB. Can I use 160GB?

[Jeff W]

I'm running XP HOME SP2. My 160GB hard disk has only the first 120GB
formatted. My BIOS sees only 137GB of the disk, but both XP Disk
Management and PartitionMagic see 160GB. There are no BIOS upgrades
available (even from esupport.com). I don't want to use an ATA card
because I may have to reformat the disk.

Since the OS sees 160GB, what is the risk if I extend the partition to
use it?

has anyone done this successfully?

Thanks
/j

 

[Guest]

I'm running XP HOME SP2. My 160GB hard disk has only the first 120GB
formatted. My BIOS sees only 137GB of the disk, but both XP Disk
Management and PartitionMagic see 160GB. There are no BIOS upgrades
available (even from esupport.com). I don't want to use an ATA card
because I may have to reformat the disk.

Since the OS sees 160GB, what is the risk if I extend the partition to
use it?

has anyone done this successfully?

Thanks
/j

A 32 bit processor cannot address that much. Your disk should have come with
a program that resolves the problem. If not, ask! No problem with an AMD 64
bit processor.

 

[Jeff W]

Sorry Chuck - if I could upgrade my bios I'd be fine
/j

 

[Guest]

Let me see if I understand your your problem: you have an existing XP
installation on a 160 Gb HD and you want to extend that partition to the full
160 Gb?

To answer the "what are the risks" question, it's simple--you risk losing
your installation of XP. I've successfully extended the partition that has
the OS on it, but it's pretty risky and I'd probably not attempt it without
some good backups.

If the question is whether you can get your system to see and use a 160 Mb
hard drive, the answer is "yes". Most hard drive vendors supply dynamic
drive overlays that help the BIOS handle those large drives.

 

[Andy]

The only risk is that Partition Magic might screw up somehow.

 

[Jeff W]

Actually, the question is - WITHOUT a DDO. Can I use the entire 160GB
that I see in XP, even with a 137GB BIOS limitation

 

[Sky King]

Actually, the question is - WITHOUT a DDO. Can I use the entire 160GB
that I see in XP, even with a 137GB BIOS limitation

No.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

Actually, the question is - WITHOUT a DDO. Can I use the entire
160GB that I see in XP, even with a 137GB BIOS limitation

No.

Without using a third party application or a new piece of hardware to make
up for the lack of functionality in your current hardware - no, it cannot be
done.

Think of it like dropping a Chevrolet big block engine in an old (60s) VW
Beetle.
It isn't going to fit without some modifications that won't be included at
the manufacturer.

 

[Jeff W]

the scary thing is that it works - XP HOME SP2 sees all 160GB

I just don't like trusting it. Some app some where will have some
problem with it
/j

 

[Sky King]

the scary thing is that it works - XP HOME SP2 sees all 160GB

Jeff, your question was "can I use it" not if some parts of the system could
see it.