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HDDs only showing half the storage

Discussion in 'Storage and Networking' started by frenchie43971, Feb 25, 2006.

  1. frenchie43971 Newcomer, in training

    OK here's what i did:

    i built a new computer. i used my old hd(60gb) and put in a new one (250gb). i did not want to buy a new copy of windows so i used my compaq windows os disc and bought the upgrade with service pack 2 included. everything installed and works. both my hd's show up, but they only are showing half the storage space, ie 60gb shows 30gb and 250 shows 125. i'm not connected to the internet yet and windows keeps prompting me to activate windows. could that be the problem or am i just a little messed up.
  2. lukeyu Newcomer, in training Posts: 70

    Can you see all size in disk management?
  3. N3051M Newcomer, in training Posts: 2,800

    tried updating with windows update? (i guess not since no i.net connection.. sorry)

    may also want to look into teh reg key for enabling large hdd sizes?
  4. Samstoned TechSpot Paladin Posts: 2,582

    first this (new machine )
    did you change the motherboard
    or are you talking bout the drives
    is the larger drive the boot drive
    did the upgrade get installed yet?
    did you delete the old OS
    did you try and delete it and do reformat?
    don't expect an oem to take an upgrade I don't think that is allowed
    should have checked with M$ on that one
    some will take upgrade if you make some id changes but that is illegal
    magor oem's are setup to look for the MB bios if it not found your ativation key will not work
    xp pro spk 1 will not see disc over 137gb
    not sure why the other disc is is showing up that way unless it is a security posession setup
  5. Frank Smith Newcomer, in training Posts: 130

    When you format a NEW LARGE HD... it will ask you if you want to USE ALL the HD.. this requires you FORMAT it TWICE... (make sure you READ the instructions when you FORMAT). You can also use Partition Magic 8.X to correct the Small reported size of Large HD's...and do lots of other stuff.
  6. SNGX1275 TS Special Forces Posts: 11,894   +117

    You should double-check in registry just in case Windows hasn't bothered to enable large disk support: HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\atapi\Parameters\EnableBigLba value should be 1.

    There is also a sticky at the top of this forum on the 137 gig barrier and what to do about it.