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    How do I know I got the HD space I ordered?

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by Keblist01, Oct 5, 2006.

  1. Keblist01

    Keblist01 Newbie

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    Hello,

    Apologizing in advance for a potentially stupid question.

    I just received my Dell Inspiron E1505. I ordered a 120 GB hd. When I go into My Computer I see a C: drive (Local Disk) and a D: drive (Backup). The C: drive shows a total size of 79.1 GB and the D: drive shows a total size of 26.2 GB. Where's the extra 15 or so GB? Hidden somewhere else? :confused:

    Edited to add: the disk is a "WDC WD 1200 BEVS-75 LAT0"
     
  2. cheap_Deal

    cheap_Deal Notebook Enthusiast

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    a 120gb drive will not have the full 120gb useable (all drives are like this)
    for example my 80gb drive has only 70-71gb useable
     
  3. crimsontwo

    crimsontwo Notebook Geek

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    You have a hidden partition with Dell's crap on it.

    Check your hdd's size in BIOS, in Device Manager or by removing it from your laptop (only 2 screws).
     
  4. gridtalker

    gridtalker Notebook Virtuoso

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    Right click on your hard drive then click property or check in device manager
     
  5. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    yea, you have a hidden dell partition...and computers calculate space differently than the HDD makers do. Example: computers say a KB is 1024 bytes, but HDD makers (in an effort to get better PR) say a KB is 1000 bytes. that difference adds up over time, and somewhat accounts for lower capacities being seen from the Device Manager or My Computer.

    BTW, the dell partition is probably around 6-7GB