HD Format Problem

[Richard]

I have XP pro without SP1. My new HD is 160 IDE. Since I wanted the largest
partition and since XP without SP1 is limited to 137 gig I installed Server
2003 instead.

The wife hated Server (lots of programs would not load and Norton Anti-virus
would not install, etc).

So I used Server 2003 to delete the partition, but now when I create a new
partition with XP it will not format. I used Western Digital's utility to
erase and create a partition and reformat but still XP will not install. Any
suggestions other than getting a new hard drive?

Richard.

 

[Alvin Brown]

Hello

Boot with the XP Cd and then delete the partition and then
create a new partition, ok.

Alvin

 

[Richard]

Hello

Boot with the XP Cd and then delete the partition and then
create a new partition, ok.

Alvin

That procedure, logical as it is, did not work.
Western Digital just informed me that that procedure still might leave part
of Server 2003 on the drive. Their basic utility does not remove it either.
So I was directed to their diagnosis utility that does have the ability to
remove all previous data from the drive. I'll give it a try when I get home
after work.

Richard.

 

[DL]

Once you have updated winxp disk management will then see the free space in
which you will be able to create a second partition/format
ie winxp pre sp1 will only format 137gb of yr 160gb disk
To partition/format the entire disk on xp install, you will need a
slipstreamed install cd of winxp

 

[Mike]

If I did what you have done, my wife would not let me near the computer..

Did you buy Server 2003, or did you just have it 'kicking around'?

 

[Nathan McNulty]

Here is what you do. Put in the Windows XP CD and boot off it. When it
gives you the option, remove the existing partition. Now create a
partition using the full 160 GB. Now format it with NTFS and install
Windows XP. Now update to Service Pack 1 and you will have your full 160
GB. The 137 GB limit is only pre-Service Pack 1.

There are two contingencies: First, your BIOS must support 48bit LBA and
fully recognize your drive that is larger than 137GB. Second, you must
have Service Pack 1 installed or edit the registry to allow for 48bit
LBA to be used in a pre-Service Pack 1 environment.