Why does my brand new 250 GB HDD (IDE PATA) only show 131 GB on the screen just before I install windows? Any help would be appreciated. When loading normal start it shows 250 GB but in my computer it shows 127 GB and default id drive shows 'F' which is where all the programmes are being loaded
Steve.

Why does my brand new 250 GB HDD (IDE PATA) only show 131 GB on the screen just before I install windows? Any help would be appreciated. When loading normal start it shows 250 GB but in my computer it shows 127 GB and default id drive shows 'F' which is where all the programmes are being loaded
Steve.
You need to install Service Pack 2. Windows XP does not support hard drives larger then 127 GB. However, this was fixed with the release of SP2.

After you install SP2, right click on "my computer" and hit manage. Under Storage on the left, click on disk management. You should see the unallocated space in there. You can format that section and create a new drive letter for that previously unseen space on your hard drive.

~Be sure you are running XP with SP2
~Be sure LBA is enabled in the Bios for the drive


This sounds to me like it's a ATA controller limitation
This website has some good information on this.
Or
Do a search for 137GB hard drive limitations.

Mosaddique - Working with Large Hard Drives (http://homepage.ntlworld.com/mosaddique/Working%20with%20Large%20Hard%20Drives.html)

Hope this helps.

Why does my brand new 250 GB HDD (IDE PATA) only show 131 GB on the screen just before I install windows? Any help would be appreciated. When loading normal start it shows 250 GB but in my computer it shows 127 GB and default id drive shows 'F' which is where all the programmes are being loaded
Steve.
Thanks M now got drive F and G so I can put all the gumf away from the operating system.

W I don't understand LBA?

Thanks M now got drive F and G so I can put all the gumf away from the operating system.

W I dont understand LBA?
Sorry W just seen the write up (Logical Block Addressing) I will make sure its enabled