Windows XP: Won't see HD over 127GB

Hi,

I am going back to XP, but after installing it on my desktop I can see that Windows won't recognize the HD's full capacity, which is 160GB? Before I install this on my laptop, is there anything I can do so that during installation, it will install and recognize a 160GB HD? Unfortunately, I have the Version 2002 CD, without any service packs.

What can I do, so when I install XP Pro, I get the whole thing of 160GB. I don't really want one partition on 127GB, and the rest separate?

Many Thanks & Best Regards,

Daniel.

 

Go into Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Computer Management > Disk Management and check the total capacity of the HDD, + Any unallocated space.

 

Either download a free or trial version of a partition manager, or get a newer XP disk. I had the exact same problem when I upgraded my Dimension 8200 to a 250gb hard drive. Since it's a Dell, I just used the disk that came with my XPS m140 and everything worked fine.

Greg

 

Go download the network install of SP3 from microsoft.com, slipstream it into your Windows CD, burn and boot. nLite will automate this process if you need the help. You need at least SP2 to recognize >127GB drives.

 

Right, from that - the easiest option is to use nLite. Should, I use nLite to put SP1, SP2, and SP3 all on the same disk?

How do I use nLite?

Thank you for all your help!

 

SP3 is a cumulative update so it includes everything from SP1 and SP2. Just get SP3.

There instructions on nliteos.com should get you started, or even from within the program itself. It's pretty easy.

 

Okay, thank you! And that will give me the whole HD of 160GB, not 2 partitions?

Best Regards,
Daniel.

 

You don't NEED to slipstream... I'd imagine you can just install XP and then install all of the updates afterwards also. It might save you time now and in the future to create a WinXP install disc with SP3 on it, but you don't have to do it.

But yeah, you need atleast need SP2 to fix your problem like everyone else has said.

 

Okay, how do I create a custom disc with SP2 on it? Or even SP3?

Thank you.

 

Yes, that will let you configure any drive on the market today as one big partition. If you don't have an install disc with at least SP2 on it you'd have to install on a smaller partition, update, then resize the partition. Best to go straight to slipstreamed SP3.

Copy your WinXP disc to a directory on your HD, use nLite to slipstream the SP3 installation archive into that, nLite will create a new .iso, burn that .iso image to CD (or DVD), boot it and away you go.

 

Okay. Thank you.

I will copy the WinXP disc to my desktop, along with SP3, which I will download. And use nLite to burn a new .iso!

Also, I was reading the guide, and it says something about ticking what you need? Should I tick everything to be safe?

Thank you.

 

No, just select Service Pack and Bootable ISO.

 

Okay, when I get a chance, I'll give it a go!

Thank you.

Nick.

 

When installing XP it will usually warn you that it can only recognize X amount of HDD space and if you want to partition the other space for use. I usually like a separate partition for data and what nots so when something happens to the primary partition your crucial data is not affected. Of course you have to tweak the programs to point to this partition for saving information.

 

No need to slipstream. Create the biggest partition you can and after updating your install just use diskpart to extend your partition to the remaining unallocated space.