Volume/format trouble

[VaeVicto]

I have a 180gig western digital hardrive 7200rpm 8mb buffer on windows xp pro service pack 1 recent build. My problem is every time i format it shows me less and less of the hardrive volume , in the administrative tools however it shows me my missing volume having a total of two. I am trying to format it and have 1 volume with the 180gig which equates to something ele since windows does not recognize 100 gig and above if i recall. Still a I am unable to reunite the volume and every format I make gives me less of it. I been informed thatthe system volume and boot volume is never formated. Could this be the reseaon and if so how can i format it? And have 1 volume.

[curtybob]

Have you tried deleting the partition(s) and using DISKPART to extend the 1st partition? Check out this thread for DISKPART instructions.

[milomorai]

your hard drive should have come with software - for one of this size you will need to install it with the provided software or windows will never see the whole drive.