Partitionong and formatting new Sata11 HDD

[JeBuchanan]

Vista Ultimate x64
New build:
Asus P5K motherboard
Intel Core2 Q6600 Quad Core (GO) CPU
Western Digital 500G SATA2 HDD x2
Western Digital 750G SATA2 HDD
LG 18x SuperMulti SATA2 DVD Writer
1.44M 3.5" Floppy

I wish to create a (1. floppy or 2. CD) boot disk (with support software) to
allow me to initialize (partition) and format my HDD drives before I actually
install Vista (am not using any IDE drives). From all the (unthinkable)
problems being discussed about Vista, I wish to eliminate the possibility of
Windows not recognizing nor allowing use of my new drives.
Is this possible? If so, How? And if not, Why not??
Thank you in advance.

 

[JeBuchanan]

I should make note, I am running a second computer w/ Vista Home Premium x32
on an IDE 40G drive

 

[mikeyhsd]

during the install once it recognizes the hard drive, you can partition it.

after the install you can use Computer Management console, to complete the partitioning/format of the rest of the system.



(e-mail address removed)



Vista Ultimate x64
New build:
Asus P5K motherboard
Intel Core2 Q6600 Quad Core (GO) CPU
Western Digital 500G SATA2 HDD x2
Western Digital 750G SATA2 HDD
LG 18x SuperMulti SATA2 DVD Writer
1.44M 3.5" Floppy

I wish to create a (1. floppy or 2. CD) boot disk (with support software) to
allow me to initialize (partition) and format my HDD drives before I actually
install Vista (am not using any IDE drives). From all the (unthinkable)
problems being discussed about Vista, I wish to eliminate the possibility of
Windows not recognizing nor allowing use of my new drives.
Is this possible? If so, How? And if not, Why not??
Thank you in advance.

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

As long as you can start Vista Setup by booting with the dvd you can do all
of the things you are asking about with the Disk Tools right in Vista Setup
itself. Just proceed through the steps until you get to the screen that
shows the available volumes. Disk Tools is the icon on the right.

 

[PaulB]

You can download the Western Digital Data Lifeguard Tools from their site and
it allows you to create a bootable disk that will do what you want. Usually
they provide this disk with their retail products.

 

[JeBuchanan]

Downloaded the utility software. The Windows version works great, but since
I wish to initialize before installing the new Windows OS, the DOS-version is
what I require. It started the install, but would not recognize my diskette
as having the write-protect window closed (it requires a diskette formatted
and inserted in the drive before it will proceed). I reformatted the
diskette a second time just to re-prove to myself the diskette was
functionally valid.
I have sent WD support an email explaining this and requested any help as to
why (the program was designed for XP and 2000 - it may be an issue with how
it sees Vista), but have not heard back from them as of yet.

 

[JeBuchanan]

I haven't installed the OS yet. I am awaiting one final piece of hardware to
arrive. The 750G SATA hard drive will be on the second controller. The 2
500G SATA drives will be on the primary controller with the DVD SATA drive
(already installed and connected). From reading other issues with the
Installation process, it seems Vista has issues with discovering or
initializing new (multiple) SATA drives during/after the installation
process. I am just looking at steps to eliminate that issue happening with
my installation. I do not wish to use the basic IDE emulator with these
drives, as both controllers will be configured for the enhanced SATA options
which includes hot swapping, as one port from each controller will be
configured for E-SATA (necessary since the second port on the second
controller is under the video card heatsink and I cannot find an E-SATA
connector plate with a 90 degree motherboard connector (I don't require one
if the third internal SATA drive is connected to the second port of the
second controller as angled SATA cables for internal drives are easy to come
by.) And yes, I do want these drives installed in this machine. I already
have my E-SATAs configured, one forward and one rear (the rear one gives me
the option of RAID if I decide on that route).
I hope this answers your question about why I am looking to have my drives
initialized before I do the new OS installation?