drive size not accurate

[Gord Stephan]

I have a 160 GB USB external HD. When I connect to XP HOME it only
recognizes 149 GB of available space.

How can I fix this?

Gord

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I have a 160 GB USB external HD. When I connect to XP HOME it only
recognizes 149 GB of available space.

How can I fix this?

There's nothing to fix.What you have is a 149GB drive that was misleadingly
sold to you as a 160GB drive.

All hard drive manufacturers define 1GB as 1,000,000,000 bytes, while the
rest of the computer world, including Windows, defines it as 2 to the 30th
power (1,073,741,824) bytes. So a 160 billion byte drive is actually a
little under 149GB.

Some people point out that the official international standard defines the
"G" of GB as one billion, not 1,073,741,824. Correct though they are, using
the binary value of GB is so well established in the computer world that I
consider using the decimal value of a billion to be deceptive marketing.

 

[Gord Stephan]

thank you

Gord

There's nothing to fix.What you have is a 149GB drive that was misleadingly
sold to you as a 160GB drive.

All hard drive manufacturers define 1GB as 1,000,000,000 bytes, while the
rest of the computer world, including Windows, defines it as 2 to the 30th
power (1,073,741,824) bytes. So a 160 billion byte drive is actually a
little under 149GB.

Some people point out that the official international standard defines the
"G" of GB as one billion, not 1,073,741,824. Correct though they are, using
the binary value of GB is so well established in the computer world that I
consider using the decimal value of a billion to be deceptive marketing.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

thank you

You're welcome. Glad to help.

 

[Talahasee]

thank you

Gord

What you have to do, Gord, is to buy a bigger HDD than you
want.

If you want a 100 Gb, buy a 160.

If you want a 200 Gb, buy a 260 or whatever is LARGER than
you need.

I recently got a 200 and ended up with less than 150 of
usable space.

My next purchase will be a 300 Gb because I'm a gamer and I
actually need 200 Gb + of space.

You have to allow for system stuff that eats a HUGE chunk of
available space.


Good luck!


Tallahassee

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

What you have to do, Gord, is to buy a bigger HDD than you
want.

If you want a 100 Gb, buy a 160.

Because the difference between the manufacture's definition of a billion and
Windows's definition causes you to end up with 7% less than you thought you
were getting, you should buy an extra 60%?

That makes no sense at all.

You should assess your *needs* (not your wants) realistically, with a view
toward your future needs. and buy what you need..Arbitrary statements like
"If you want a 100 Gb, buy a 160" are very poor advice.

If you want a 200 Gb, buy a 260 or whatever is LARGER than
you need.

I recently got a 200 and ended up with less than 150 of
usable space.

My next purchase will be a 300 Gb because I'm a gamer and I
actually need 200 Gb + of space.

If *you* need 200+GB, then fine, that's what you need. But that doesn't mean
that everyone does. I have a friend who has had a 40GB drive for years and
hasn't come close to filling up half of it.

You have to allow for system stuff that eats a HUGE chunk of
available space.

Not at all true. System stuff eats a tiny chunk of typical hard drive sizes
these days. What takes the greatest space are files like pictures, music,
and especially video.

--
Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
Please reply to the newsgroup

 

[Jonny]

So what's the file space capacity of such a drive after creating one NTFS
partition using default cluster size, and formatting, not discounting file
allocation table and mbr space usage?
Same question regarding FAT32 using default cluster size.

 

[Talahasee]

Because the difference between the manufacture's definition of a billion and
Windows's definition causes you to end up with 7% less than you thought you
were getting, you should buy an extra 60%?

That makes no sense at all.

Perhaps not to you.

I have AGAIN, said NUMEROUS times that I am not a technical
person, and I give the best advice I can, on that basis.

How big a hard drive to buy does NOT need to come down to
bytes.

It has been a standing principle for the 25 + years I've
been working with computers, that one should buy a hard
drive CONSIDERABLY larger than one anticipates needing,
because as you grow into it, you're going to find out you
need a bigger hard drive.

And as cheap as hard drives are these days, it makes no
sense when you can buy a 100 gb for $20 or $30 more than
you'd spend for a 40 gb, if you do some shopping.

You should assess your *needs* (not your wants) realistically, with a view
toward your future needs.

Rubbish.

and buy what you need..Arbitrary statements like

"If you want a 100 Gb, buy a 160" are very poor advice.

It wasn't arbitrary, thank you. And where the HELL do YOU
get off calling my advice "arbitrary?"

Number 1, it was an EXAMPLE.

Number 2, I would bet a dollar (what I can afford) that I
was working on computers when you were still in diapers.


I AGAIN gave the "best advice" I could give.

Do you nitpick your wife and kids this way?

I suggest you save it for them.

As for your "makes no sense" remark, it made sense to me.

And I am betting it made sense to others, but perhaps others
don't have the stones to stand up to you.

That has never been a problem for me. I can ALWAYS tell a
jerk he's being a jerk.

You're being a jerk.

I apologized to you earlier.

It's your turn.


And some of YOUR remarks "make no sense."


Tallahassee

If *you* need 200+GB, then fine, that's what you need. But that doesn't mean
that everyone does.

I gave the above as an EXAMPLE. I would assume the RATIONAL
person would take it as such.

I would recommend that you go to a good surgeon and have the
stick removed from your butt.

And stop being such a tight ass.

Have you READ some of the ugly remarks made about you?

We can't all be computer geniuses, sir, but we can all be
civil.

Try it some time.

I have a friend who has had a 40GB drive for years and

hasn't come close to filling up half of it.

Nor did I SUGGEST otherwise.

Making me think you come LOOKING for a fight.

Don't bring your personal issues in here.

You bloody MY nose, I am QUITE capable of giving you my # 13
in the balls.

K?

Not at all true.

It IS true, guy. It's a matter of perspective.

For me, if I lose TWENTY gigs from a 200 Gb hdd, that's
"huge".

System stuff eats a tiny chunk of typical hard drive sizes

these days. What takes the greatest space are files like pictures, music,
and especially video.

I am talking about the "post Windows-install" size.

I am even referring to the "post- format" size.


Do you have this issue where you simply MUST be right about
EVERYTHING ALL the time?


The only One I know who is sits on a throne in the clouds.

The rest of us hobble along the best we can!

Good luck!


Tallahassee

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

So what's the file space capacity of such a drive after creating one
NTFS partition using default cluster size, and formatting, not
discounting file allocation table and mbr space usage?
Same question regarding FAT32 using default cluster size.

There's no answer to questions like that. How much usuable file space you
get depends on the sizes of your files. If all your files are exactly at a
multiple of the cluster size, then you waste no space to slack and you use
the maximum amount of space. If at the other extreme, all your files are
exactly one byte larger than the cluster size, you waste the maximum amount
of space to slack. For most of us, the file space usage comes somewhere in
between, but because exactly where it comes out between those extremes
depends on your particular usage, the answer varies. And how much space you
waste to slack also depnds on how many files waste space.

If you want an approximation, take the default cluster size (4K for NTFS, 4K
for FAT32 up to 8GB, 8K for FAT32 from 8-16GB, 32K for FAT32 from 16-32GB,
and 64KB for FAT32 over that), assume that you will on average waste half a
cluster per file, and multiply that half cluster size by your estimate of
how many files you will have. That's the estimated amount of slack, which
you can then subtract fro the total disk size. The answer will be very
inaccurate because your assumptions may turn out to be false, but it may
give you a *very* rough idea.

--
Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
Please reply to the newsgroup

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Number 2, I would bet a dollar (what I can afford) that I
was working on computers when you were still in diapers.

You owe me a dollar. It's more likely the other way around. I was born in
1937 and I started programming on an IBM 1401 in 1962.

 

[Talahasee]

You owe me a dollar. It's more likely the other way around. I was born in
1937 and I started programming on an IBM 1401 in 1962.

No apology, I see.

And you apparently are somewhat better with computers than
you are with people.

I bet you hear that a lot.


I'll make you a deal. I'll be as nice to you as you are to
me.

I DID acknowledge my mistakes, openly discussed my issues,
and offered to do better.

A lecture and a finger shaken vigorously in my face were not
called for.


Tallahassee

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

No apology, I see.

No. There's nothing to apologize for. When you post poor advice, be prepared
to get corrected.

We *all* make mistakes. And when we do, we almost always get corrected. I
hate to make a mistake that needs correction, but it sometimes happens. When
it does, I *want* to get corrected, because if I don't, I am left believeing
something that's wrong.

If you are unhappy with that, and expect people to let your bad advice
stand, then you are in the wrong place. Stay away from newsgroups. You'll
find that many people will correct you much more strongly than I do..

And you apparently are somewhat better with computers than
you are with people.

I bet you hear that a lot.

Nope. Only from you.

I'll make you a deal. I'll be as nice to you as you are to
me.

I really don't care how nice you are to me. What I care about is that you
post helpful accurate information. I tried to give you some constructive
advice as to how to do that in another thread, but you took that as talking
down you, which was not at all the way it was meant.

I'll be happy to be nice to you. I don't enjoy fighting with people, either
here or elsewhere. But that doesn't mean I'm willing to let misstatements
stand. To do that would be a disservice to others in the newsgroup.

I DID acknowledge my mistakes, openly discussed my issues,
and offered to do better.

A lecture and a finger shaken vigorously in my face were not
called for.

I'll tell you what. In the spirit of reconciliation, I'll accept that I
might have been softer in the way I presented my advice, and I'll reiterate
that it was meant as helpful constructive advice, not as a lecture nor as a
finger shaken in your face. If you took it that way, I apologize for perhaps
inadvertently giving you that impression.

But I still urge you to reread my message and its content. It will help you
with regard to getting along better, not just with me, but with everyone
here.

 

[Talahasee]

No. There's nothing to apologize for.

When you are offensive-- even if you didn't intend to be
offensive, polite adults (both apparently don't apply to
you)

apologize.

You seem to be suffering from the "I always gotta be right"
syndrome. You also seem to be suffering from the "I gotta
have the last word" syndrome.

When you post poor advice, be prepared

to get corrected.

I did, and I did. I didn't expect-- nor will I tolerate--
being lectured for an apology.

As in, you seem to have NO CLUE of when to quit.

We *all* make mistakes. And when we do, we almost always get corrected.

Once, not twice. You, like Quentin Tarantino, are evidently
into EXCESS.


I hate to make a mistake that needs correction, but it
sometimes happens.

Interesting. Yet you have made SEVERAL mistakes in your
dealings with me, but you continue to refuse to be corrected
or to apologize.

We don't all respond to a swat on the nose like a pet dog.

When

it does, I *want* to get corrected, because if I don't, I am left believeing
something that's wrong.

I got the correction some time ago.

Your LECTURES you can keep.
Or did I not make that clear twice already?

If you are unhappy with that, and expect people to let your bad advice
stand, then you are in the wrong place.

If you think that you are king of the hill in here, you are
sadly mistaken. The world does not revolve around you.

Nor do you reserve exclusive rights to being right all the
time, or to having the last word merely because you breathe.

I am sure I could find more than one person who could run
circles around you with his knowledge of computers. One such
person is my friend Bruce, a computer systems analyst. He
thinks you're full of caca.

I mentioned some of your advice to him, and he chuckled and
said, "consider the source."

Stay away from newsgroups. You'll

find that many people will correct you much more strongly than I do..

You LONG since lost the right to correct me.

As I said, King of the Hill, I will give you the same
respect you give me. Give none, receive none.

Nope. Only from you.

You obviously haven't been listening. I counted roughly 3
replies to this very thread that were less than flattering
of YOU.

Of course, your head is buried so deep you likely didn't
think they could POSSIBLY mean YOU!

(they did)

I really don't care how nice you are to me.

Deal! You be a jerk; I'll return same.

What I care about is that you

post helpful accurate information.

If you don't like my advice, feel free to not read it.

You can HARDLY stop me from posting in an unmoderated group.
As I said, as much as you think you own the world, I'm one
you will never control.

You are merely a bully with some computer knowledge. And
I've been known to eat two bullies for breakfast each day,
with raspberry jam.

I tried to give you some constructive

advice as to how to do that in another thread,

Yes you did. Perhaps it's the approach.
When you start off with, "that was STUPID advice, you
idiot", it's gonna be downhill from there,

stupid.


but you took that as talking

down you, which was not at all the way it was meant.

Well, I happen to have a degree in communications. And what
you MEAN is overshadowed by what you SAY, and by how you
communicate it.

What you COMMUNICATED was, "you're an idiot whose advice is
less than worthless."

I DO know how to partition a hard disk; I also know how to
format one.

And with all YOUR TWEAKING, the partition/format is
typically FASTER and MORE PRODUCTIVE than spending 5 DAYS
with YOUR approach.

The PROBLEM is, you don't like to give an inch to anyone
whom you perceive "knows less" than you do.

Practically speaking, I know 10 times more than my son, who
is still in high school. But he continues to teach me
technology,while I continue to solve his hardware / software
problems.

What YOU haven't figured out is that I may just know a thing
or two YOU don't know, given the chance.

But it is VEYR unlikely I'd help you dig a ditch with your
"you know nothing/I know everything" attitude.

And I DID mention that I have mental health issues, AND I
know I'm abrasive. That part didn't even PHASE you.

Meaning YOUR need to control and dominate is both unrealized
on your end, and untreated.

And if there's one thing I don't tolerate, it's you control
freaks!

I'll be happy to be nice to you. I don't enjoy fighting with people, either
here or elsewhere. But that doesn't mean I'm willing to let misstatements
stand. To do that would be a disservice to others in the newsgroup.

There is mis-information that is NOT hurful, and there's
misinformation that IS hurtful.

And RATHER than say, "Tal, that information is GARBAGE",
try, "Tal, I don't think that's going to work. This would be
a better approach..."

Did you notice (did you even BOTHER) that a dozen OTHERS
have

#1 corrected me with, " Tal, that isn't the way to do it.
Try this..."
And I thanked them.

#2 they simply didn't even COMMENT on my comments, but wrote
the BEtTER advice and left mine unresponded to

?
I got it.

Without them pointing a finger at me.

You simply MUST mash the bug flatter than a pancake BEFORE
you move the food!

How about you move the food and leave the bug alone? That
little bug isn't hurting anything!

I'll tell you what. In the spirit of reconciliation, I'll accept that I
might have been softer in the way I presented my advice,

That is all I asked! And an apology! Hey, there's no
bigger jerk on the planet then yours truly (me).

But when someone says, "Hey, Tal, that wasn't cool, dude!"

I stop, regroup, and APOLOGIZE.

and I'll reiterate

that it was meant as helpful constructive advice, not as a lecture nor as a
finger shaken in your face. If you took it that way, I apologize for perhaps
inadvertently giving you that impression.

THANK YOU!

Was that so hard?

And you gave more than ME that impression!

Ken, does it occur to you that you are dealing with 100 guys
in here from 100 different backgrounds, many of them don't
even speak English?

If you go running around with a sledgehammer, you're doing
more harm than you think I am.

Pretend that each person that you are talking with in here
is your wife on your first date, if you can remember that
far back. Be as sweet as sugar, hoping (excuse me everyone)
you'll "get lucky tonight" if you "play it right."

We each deserve to be treated nicely until we act in a way
that DEMANDS that we NOT be treated nicely.

And I had just poured myself out to you, telling you
INTIMATE details about me--- hey, guys, I'm mentally ill!
I'm trying, but I have problems, and I'm abrasive."

You come back with a sledgehammer.

"Ease up!"

k?

But I still urge you to reread my message and its content. It will help you
with regard to getting along better, not just with me, but with everyone
here.

That's interesting, ken. You're still blaming ME for YOUR
misbehavior!

I apologized for mine. You refused to do the same.

And everyone ELSE who has responded THUS far,
has had ONLY nice things to say to me,

and they all told the rest of YOU "chill!"

As gently as I can put it, Ken, from a psychology background
(my other degree), you are suffering from "who, ME?" denial.

I'll give you some advice I got a LONG time ago.

No matter WHAT ugly things someone may accuse you of, say,

"Hmmmmmmmm. I WONDER if there is ANY truth to that ugly
remark."

And then, PRETEND that when that guy called you a "Mo Fo",
you ARE a Mo Fo, and do something to change that.

??

(and I'm not a hater, Ken. I'm on your side! I just
sincerely want to get along with EVERYONE in here, not just
a few of you.

I also have found you can be a real resource, if you'd just
get over yourself!

;-)


Good luck!


Tallahassee

 

[Plato]

I have a 160 GB USB external HD. When I connect to XP HOME it only
recognizes 149 GB of available space.

How can I fix this?

There is nothing to fix. You actually bought a 149 gig drive. The
packaging was incorrect.