Reformatting with a SATA HDD (Trouble Brewing)

[HartleySan]

This is too weird, but I'll get to the point. I have a 300 GB SATA HDD that's divided into two partitions. My C drive is 100 GB with Windows, programs, etc and the other part has all my data. Now, it's time to reformat and of course, I want to save all my data, but Windows is being weird. When I boot up into the Windows XP setup program it doesn't recognize both partitions. Furthermore, the partition it does recognize is 130 GB (not 100GB, like my original C drive.) I've heard of there being problems with Windows XP and limiting SATA HDDs to 130 GB, but obviously I want to reformat while keeping my data files on the other partition. What should I do? Thanks.

 

[trog100]

why do u want to reformat.. ???

trog

 

[HartleySan]

It's a really long story. Basically, I just wanna know how to get the Windows XP setup program to recognize my partitioned SATA HDD properly.

 

[Agility]

If it is like this what can you do? I mean since you said its 130GB from the BOOT-UP of your XP cd then it has to be like this. Unless you want to modify your own XP cd? Seriously its better to get two harddisk then one. Splitting parition aren't really good. Just makes it a little tidy and create a "2nd harddisk" in your computer.

 

[AshenSugar]

update your windows disk to sp1 or 2 should fix the problem use nlite

 

[trog100]

my older xp install disk wont even see my sata drives unless i load extra drivers from a floppy..

trog

 

[magibeg]

Trog could you tell me the process you used to load those extra drivers from a floppy. My computer also uses an SATA but i had to set it to EIDE to allow windows to install after i formatted because it wouldn't recognize the drive. If i try to switch back via bios it doesn't recognize i have a harddrive. Quite a problem those old windows XP disks are.

 

[HartleySan]

Yes, it is troublesome, but I checked out that program Ashen recommended and it was a lifesaver. Thanks a million. Actually, it's a really cool program regardless, but was exactly what I needed to fix the problem. That's a great solution. Thanks so much.

 

[Deleted member 3]

Yes, it is troublesome, but I checked out that program Ashen recommended and it was a lifesaver. Thanks a million. Actually, it's a really cool program regardless, but was exactly what I needed to fix the problem. That's a great solution. Thanks so much.

The name nlite did sound familiar, I checked the site and it seems like a nice tool. Driveradding for example, doing that manually sucks
I'll make a nice image these days and use it to reinstall my computer when I get my mobo (hopefully today) If it works as well as you guys say, I'll love it. I could skip half the configuring.