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HD recognition problem

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by cwb303

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Installed 40GB Western Digital and updated BIOS to handle larger drive. I did not install WD's Data Lifeguard Tools which includes EZ-BIOS. I was advised not to because of the BIOS update would take care of the recognition. CMOS recognize full 40GB. Windows only recognized 37.2 GB. I have searched Windows Knowledge Base, TechPro Guild Q and A, and Mueller's Upgrading and Repairing PCs (11 Ed). I have found no answer concerning this specific problem. Help! Certain programs don't run properly because of this situation. Thanks in advance.

5 replies

by stroke311

WD uses 1000 megs = 1 gig. But in the real world 1024 megs = 1 gig. If you do the math you will see in the real world your hard drive is really 37.2 gig not 40 gig. Most manufacturers use 1000 megs =1 gig. Hopes this helps Frank

by thechas

If you are running W98, there is a bug that sometimes causes Windows to have problems with drives over 32GB.

I avoid this by setting up my W98 drives into multiple partitions with no single drive larger than 30GB.

You also may have had an older version of FDISK that has problems for drives over 32GB.

Lasly, are the BIOS settings for the drive correct?
Make sure that the drive settings match those recommended by WD.
WARNING! Changing the drive parameters can cause complete data loss.Proceed with caution.

Oh, 1 more thing.
Did you re-set the CMOS memory when you flashed your BIOS?
It is good practice to reset the CMOS memory after flashing the BIOS to assure that there are no corrupt settings.

Chas

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