installing windows on HD > 137gb

[lancerev08]

I've read a lot of posts about this, but I'm still unsure... (sorry if this has been answered numerous times)

I have 2 hard drives, a 40GB (IDE) and 320GB (SATA). I wanted to install Windows XP on the 320, but in the beginning, the computer could not detect anything higher than 137GB. So I installed windows on the 40gb, got SP2, and popped in the Seagate CD to format the new 320 drive. And after that, windows can now see the full 320. I still want to install windows on the 320. There was an option when I was setting up the 320gb to make it the "new boot drive." Is this the option I will have to do in order for the drive to remain detected as over 137gb and to install windows on it?

(Are the newer technology mother boards capable of detecting over 137gb off the bat? My mother board is Abit IL8. Or is it a Bios issue to detect this? I do have the latest Bios update however...)

So the overall question is, in the future, when I'm buliding a new system, what needs to happen for the computer to detect drives larger than 137GB off the bat?

[doctorgonzo]

You need a Windows install CD with at least SP1 to see more than 137 GB at install.

Frankly, though, it is pretty silly to install Windows to one huge 320 GB partition. That's not the most efficient use of space. My Windows partition is no more than 20 GB.

[lancerev08]

Originally Posted by doctorgonzo You need a Windows install CD with at least SP1 to see more than 137 GB at install. Frankly, though, it is pretty silly to install Windows to one huge 320 GB partition. That's not the most efficient use of space. My Windows partition is no more than 20 GB.

My WinXP CD is pretty old and it does not have SP1 on it. Therefore, if I install windows on the 320, then it will be limited to 137 from the beginning... So then after I update windows to SP2, will Windows now detect the rest of the GB? Or does this method not work?

(The 40GB hard drive is really really old. I was planning on getting rid of it. That's why I wanted to install windows on the 320GB. But I see your point. I would partition the drive before hand..)

[doctorgonzo]

Yes, after updating to SP2, you would be able to use the full disk. However, you could not expand the partition Windows is on without using third-party software like Partition Magic.

[sgtspector]

You can also look into slipstreaming your winxp. Then when you do your install the whole disk will be available to you. Although perhaps a smaller windows partition is the way to go. MIne is 37gb out of a 250 gb drive. Just make sure when you install programs you install to the larger drive. Intead of C:\Program files\whateverprogram you make it D:\.

[lancerev08]

Originally Posted by doctorgonzo Yes, after updating to SP2, you would be able to use the full disk. However, you could not expand the partition Windows is on without using third-party software like Partition Magic.

Ok, so if my partition was 20GB and 117GB (total 137GB), and then I get SP2, will I have:

(Windows is on the 20GB. And 320GB really = 298GB)

20GB, 117GB, 161GB (total 298)
OR
20GB, 278GB (total 298)

(Even if I have that first option, can I combine them? But like you said, as long as it is not the partition with Windows on it..)

Thanks a lot doctorgonzo.

[doctorgonzo]

No, you can't combine or merge partitions without something like Partition Magic. You can delete non-Windows partitions, though, and then create a new one.

In your situation I would create a 20 GB partition during the install, and then nothing else. Install Windows, update, then partition the rest of the drive however you want.

[lancerev08]

thanks sgtspector for the stripstreaming tip! that worked. =)

[sgtspector]

NP your welcome.