New HD Install Issue's

[WCSEF]

Hello,

I'm helping a friend out install a new HD on his system.

Background:
System - Dell Dimension 4100 - P3 866 MHz - 133 bus - 256 meg ram

New HD - 160 gig - western digital - wd1600 - 7200 rmp - EIDE
Data Lifeguard Tools™ software utilities disk.

I understand that due to bio's limitations that only 137 gigs would be seen by the system if the Data Lifeguard Tools disk is not used to properly setup the new hd so that all the hd's space is to be used.

I and my friend tried installing this new hd in the manner as outlined in the instructions as to the proper jumper settings and at one point were actually able to access the drive, use the software disk to setup and install or configure the drive with multiple partitions.

After proceeding thru the entire process as prompted to do so, we loaded the XP Home disk in the cd r drive and proceeded to setup and install on the new HD.

I would start the setup process for install and get to a error screen which would prompt for further action required, that would be done only to get another error stating that some .exe file is missing.

Now, when you install a new drive like the one stated, using the accompany software, when you create the partitions, what format should these partitions be set at : Fat 16 - Fat 32 - NTFS?

Or

Install the new HD, do not use the software, leave it at the 137 gig limitation, proceed with new OS install and partition the new hd in that manner. By creating the partitions in this manner, will the full hd space be able to be used given the partiton sizes.

or

Do as noted above, leave it a one partiton and then use the hd software to partition the drive to gain full usage of the hd space to overcome the bio's limitations.

There are other problems that are complicating this process and my friend has the patience of a 3 minute egg timer and working with him to help resolve this is starting to get on my nerves.

Any help as to comment, suggestions and solutions would be greatly appreciated.

Phil

[fr3lanz]

If you plan to install Windows XP, I would format the drive using the NTFS, rather than the FAT16 or FAT32 files systems. Once that is done, you should have only one partition and access to the entire drive space available.

Originally Posted by WCSEF

Hello,

I'm helping a friend out install a new HD on his system.

Background:
System - Dell Dimension 4100 - P3 866 MHz - 133 bus - 256 meg ram

New HD - 160 gig - western digital - wd1600 - 7200 rmp - EIDE
Data Lifeguard Tools™ software utilities disk.

I understand that due to bio's limitations that only 137 gigs would be seen by the system if the Data Lifeguard Tools disk is not used to properly setup the new hd so that all the hd's space is to be used.

I and my friend tried installing this new hd in the manner as outlined in the instructions as to the proper jumper settings and at one point were actually able to access the drive, use the software disk to setup and install or configure the drive with multiple partitions.

After proceeding thru the entire process as prompted to do so, we loaded the XP Home disk in the cd r drive and proceeded to setup and install on the new HD.

I would start the setup process for install and get to a error screen which would prompt for further action required, that would be done only to get another error stating that some .exe file is missing.

Now, when you install a new drive like the one stated, using the accompany software, when you create the partitions, what format should these partitions be set at : Fat 16 - Fat 32 - NTFS?

Or

Install the new HD, do not use the software, leave it at the 137 gig limitation, proceed with new OS install and partition the new hd in that manner. By creating the partitions in this manner, will the full hd space be able to be used given the partiton sizes.

or

Do as noted above, leave it a one partiton and then use the hd software to partition the drive to gain full usage of the hd space to overcome the bio's limitations.

There are other problems that are complicating this process and my friend has the patience of a 3 minute egg timer and working with him to help resolve this is starting to get on my nerves.

Any help as to comment, suggestions and solutions would be greatly appreciated.

Phil