New build

[mstone34]

building a new computer (biostar
p4m900-m4, 4gb memory, optical drives, 400 gb
seagate barracuda, 2.8ghz intel processor-socket
478). Setup keeps looping when it starts windows (back to setup laod files partition and format, copying fles, start windows, clear screen, boot from cd, and start again)
and will only recognize/partition/format 131 gb. What can
I do to fix it?

 

[Helloworld_98]

first I wouldn't call that computer new.

second I know that there was a limitation with partitioning in windows so it could only go upto 132GB.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

You'll need at least XP SP1 to recognize all of your HD capacity. I would read up on how to "slipstream" SP3 onto your XP installation disk.

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/howtos/slipstream_windows_xp_sp3_and_vista_sp1

 

[mstone34]

first I wouldn't call that computer new.

second I know that there was a limitation with partitioning in windows so it could only go upto 132GB.

parts were purchased new...not new technology...I was aware of limitation, but have used big drives with xP Pro before. Even prepared the drive with Seagate's install disk before trying to install windows. I need to know where to go or what to do next to solve these problems.

 

[Helloworld_98]

which SP was included in the install?

from what I saw you needed at least XP SP1 on first install to get more than the 132gb

 

[mstone34]

SP!

 

[mstone34]

You'll need at least XP SP1 to recognize all of your HD capacity. I would read up on how to "slipstream" SP3 onto your XP installation disk.

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/howtos/slipstream_windows_xp_sp3_and_vista_sp1

I took your advice and slipstreamed with nlite. Haven't tested it yet, but it was so easy to make, it's bound to work. Also downloaded SP3 to unit. Problem is now I've installed windows, updated, and added programs. BIOS recognizes 320 GB drive ( I switched to WD 320), as does volumes in properties; but does not in my computer or any other part of windows. Is there anything short of reformatting and reinstalling I can do to recover or recognize that space? I feel like a dummard asking these questions it seems like to me that I already should know....it's been so busy I'm brain dead. Thanks for your help and patience.

 

[mstone34]

Have not been able to find if/when you replied to the info above. Thanks for helping me.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

Unfortunately, there isn't an easy way to do it with XP. The ability to extend partitions is built into Windows Vista and Windows 7. You could use third-party software like Partition Magic, but it costs $70. You could also try to use GParted. It's actually a Linux application, but I believe you can use it to extend a partition. Of course you do all this at your own risk. You can do a Google search for "extend drive partition XP" for more info. If it was me, I'd definitely just do a fresh install using the slipstreamed SP3 disk.

Here's some links that may help, but don't blame me if you wipe out your data.

http://www.petri.co.il/the-ultimate-guide-to-hard-drive-partitioning.htm
http://www.cyberciti.biz/tips/how-do-i-resize-windows-partition-with-open-source-software.html
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/using-gparted-to-resize-your-windows-vista-partition/