Hard Drive Showing Size Smaller than Actual Size

Hi
I have windows xp pro sp3. I first got my new pc a few days ago, and it was meant to be a 80gb hard drive installed, but when i go to my computer it says its an 18gb, i then got a secondary hard drive to install games on because i just thought it was the hard drive but when i installed the second hard drive it came up with 18gb again even though its an 80gb, so then i realised its problems with both even though theyre brand new hdd's even the bios is showing theyre 18gb hard drives not 80gb.
Hope people can help.

Thanks
Dimmock

 

Welcome to WindowsBBS

Can you post the model numbers of the drives and your motherboard/system.

Although you should expect some loss of capacity 80-18 is extreme and there is obviously an issue somewhere. I'm suspecting a BIOS limitation but an upgrade may be available.

 

ok first drive is
Maxtor 4R080L0
Second Drive
ST320014A

Motherboard/System
Gigabyte Motherboard
System Model
AWRDACPI

 

Ok this is an 80Gb drive, but...

This is only a 20 Gb drive and as such 18Gb formatted is not unusual.

I'm going to need a litttle more information than that Can you download SIW and post what is reported as manufacturer and model in the Motherboard section beneath Hardware?

 

Manufacturer Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd.


Model 8IPE775P

Pasted straight from SIW

 

Thanks,

Not that easy to track down is it

Anyway the latest BIOS I can find from Gigabyte is 16 Sept 2005, again in SIW what is the date of your BIOS (It can be found in the BIOS section beneath the Motherboard section)?

 

BIOS Date 08/10/2004

 

Ok,

I'd recommend removing the Seagate drive for the moment (it's not an issue).

Then upgrading your BIOS to the latest version found here

Read the instructions carefully and only proceed with the update once you're happy.

Post back once you've done this. By the way do you have a Windows XP install CD? One may be required later.

 

the update doesnt do anything just brings up a screen to do with, some flash thing then it says load so i load the file i downloaded then it just exits the flash program thing. ?

 

Ok,

Dimmock, you have to bear with me here. I can't see your screen and descriptions like "some flash thing" etc doesn't help me.

Can you describe exactly what you've done up until now and exactly what happened?

 

ok so i downloaded the latest file. it came with 3 files an autoexec file which is a msdos batch, a file called 8ipe775p.f5, and an exe called flash879. so i launch the auto exec file and it comes up with something called a flash utility and then im stumped from then.

 

You need to create a boot disk (don't condem me for Gigabytes lack of documentation )

Once you've created the Boot disk copy those three files over and reboot the system, make sure you have set the Floppy as a Boot drive and let the software run it's course.

Once finished remove the floppy and reboot, then let me know what BIOS date you have.

One more thing, you mentioned earlier that this was a new system, you do realise that it's several years old?

 

I dont have a floppy drive, and also i mean i bought this as a new pc.

 

Well I can't really help any further, you could google for a windows flash utility but I wouldn't trust them, sorry

Perhaps someone else will chip in with advice though.

 

ok thanks for help though

 

Wildfire, FWIW Start > Computer > view system info (Top left) > Hardware > Device Manager > Disc Drives? what shows up --- full Brand Model Size of HDD? Also I Googled Seagate.com > clicked on Support > FAQ's and there is help available. I had a similar problem about 4-5 years ago and depending on the OS there is a tool to download which enables Larger HDD's to be recognized. The problem with PC's built without FDD's can be overcome by purchasing a second hand FDD and an FDD cable. Just open the case and locate a spare flat connector for the FDD and connect to Motherboard with the FDD cable using the long end of the cable to motherboard and short end to FDD. The FDD can lay loose alongside the case to carry out any BIOS updating and can be removed afterwards. This will only work if the motherboard has a FDD connector block. Check motherboard manual first. Total outlay in NZ$ is about $15.00. There is also an article by Christer showing the Technical reasons why full capacity is not shown. Neil.:

 

hi can you give me the link to this tool, and also my hdd is connected through the flat cable to the motherboard

 

Thanks Neil but Device Manager doesn't give details of M/Board or BIOS which is what I was asking for

I've never been a fan of overlay software but it is a possible solution. I'm just not too happy about giving advice on the subject.

 

Hi dimmock1992, If you are conversant and skilled enough to open the case and feel happy with recognizing components yes your HDD is usually connected to the motherboard with a wide flat cable----the FDD cable is not as wide that is why I suggested you ensure that the motherboard has the FDD connector block first before trying to use a loose unit. I'm slightly restricted in my movements at the present time (Rotator cuff and carpal tunnel operations) but my knowledge and ability to feel happy inside the comp is due to my having built several and repaired others. Do you have the motherboard manual? or an illustration to look at for the required info? Neil.
Wildfire, I realized your question but I wondered whether the OS would show anything different to the BIOS. You are right regarding advising someone on playing inside the comp unless they are familiar. Being a retired Service Trainer I always like to have the relevant info at hand before delving into the unknown.

 

Hi Dimmock1992, did you try to upgrade the bios va the @Bios utility on the Gigabyte site?
regards Jac