Main HDD showing up as removable storage?

[xcryonicx]

Well, I just finished builing my new AM2 3800 Build, and following some advise from a PC Gamer guide, I decided to partition my brand new 250GB WD Hdd.

XP installed just fine, and I just clicked through the partition part as I was told that creating a partition of the whole drive increases XP performance. Now, what I'm asking is, is it normal to have a "Safely Remove Hardware" bubble in my taskbar? When I double click it, the list shows my SATA HDD in Location 0 (w/e that means), as if it were an iPod or Extrernal HDD. However, it says it cannot be stopped right now (which I really don't want my main drive to do anyway).

It works just fine, however I just wonder if it's normal? Also, it seems Out of 250GB total HDD, my PC is only reporting to me a 127GB. Is this b/c of the partition? Can someone explain where the other 125GB went?

Sorry, it's late. Thanks.

 

[EllisD]

hey, interesting is was coming to to forum looking for exact same thing with a WD 250 HD also. i have done several sata installs and i have not seen this before either. have you formated both partitions? that may be why you only have half the space showing up.

any help with the 'remove hardware' bubble would be great
thanks

 

[Zoron]

The SATA spec does include the capability to add "hot-pluggable" hard drives... so this could be why you're seeing the "Safely Remove Hardware" option. Of course, you can't remove your primary boot drive with Windows up and running, so even if you click on it, it will not let you remove it.

 

[EllisD]

thanks for your response. this is not my first sata install but the first time i have seen this icon in the start-up tray. any idea how to keep this from showing in the taskbar? thanks

 

[one_winger]

My advice for "removing" the icon:

1. Right Click the Task Bar, go to Properties.

2. In the "Hide Inactive Icons" section, click Customize.

3. Find "Safely Remove Hardware", and select "Always Hide" for Behavior.

4. OK on both windows.

Not exactly a removal, but it'll always be hidden, at least. Hell, maybe you'll wanna use it someday even.


Cheers,