1. You are viewing our forum as a guest. For full access please Register. WindowsBBS.com is completely free, paid for by advertisers and donations.

Installing NEW HD

Discussion in 'PC Hardware' started by AceH, 2005/08/18.

  1. 2005/08/18
    AceH

    AceH Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2002/01/16
    Messages:
    601
    Likes Received:
    2
    I'm considering installing a Brand NEW Hard Drive and installing Win XP. I've installed Operating Systems before, but I've never done the HD, then OS route before.

    I understand that Win XP has everything you need built in to do this. I would like to install a 160 GB HD partitioned (into 4 sections) as follows:

    Drive C: 25 GB
    Drive D: 45 GB
    Drive E: 45 GB
    Drive F: 45 GB
    Total: 160 GB

    After I install the HD then insert Win XP CD, will the CD start out with asking me to format and or partition this NEW HD?

    P.S. This HD upgrade will be my first significant change since having Win XP; should this be a "problem" from Microsoft since they only allow a certain number of XP installs?

    I previously meant to say GB rather than MB as originally posted.
     
    Last edited: 2005/08/18
    AceH,
    #1
  2. 2005/08/18
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

    Joined:
    2002/12/17
    Messages:
    6,585
    Likes Received:
    74
    Hi AceH!

    Is the Windows XP CD including at least SP1?

    If not, the full capacity of the HDD will not be seen, only the first 128 GB. That is, however, not a problem since You wish to partition the HDD but it may be confusing.

    Before changing any hardware, start the computer and during POST, go into BIOS and make sure that the boot order is FDD - CD-ROM - HDD. Put the WinXP CD in the CD-ROM (if it autostarts, cancel out) and shut down the computer.

    Remove the old HDD and connect the new HDD in its place. Restart the computer and it will boot from the CD. It will (hopefully) detect the HDD and report that there are no partitions defined. Have it create C: of Your desired size (25 GB = 25,600 MB). Don't create any further partitions but let it continue to format C: (I would choose NTFS and full format) and the installation will commence.

    When completed, if the CD includes no SP, install SP2 immediately. After that, WinXP will see the whole HDD.

    Go to Disk Management and check the existing disks. There should be Disk0 with C: and free space. There should be the CD-ROM as D: and maybe a second optical as E:.

    Start by changing the drive letters of the opticals to X: and Y: if there are more than one. Restart the computer. (If this step isn't taken, the new partitions will get drive letters after the opticals.)

    Get back to Disk Manager and create an extended partition of the remaining free space (should be 135 GB = 138,240 MB). Create three logical partitions within the extended partition. They will now be autonamed D:, E: and F:.

    Good luck!

    Christer
     
    Christer,
    #2


  3. to hide this advert.

  4. 2005/08/18
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

    Joined:
    2002/12/17
    Messages:
    6,585
    Likes Received:
    74
    I forgot to mention:

    - if the WinXP CD includes at least SP1, You can create all partitions during the initial part of the installation and the opticals will get drive letters after all HDD partitions. I prefer to do it from Disk Management but it's Your choice.

    - I'm pretty sure that the HDD isn't exactly 160 GB. Don't be surprised if Windows only reports some 150 GB. It is due to the manufacturer counting "decimal GB" and Windows sees "binary GB ".

    Christer
     
    Christer,
    #3
  5. 2005/08/18
    AceH

    AceH Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2002/01/16
    Messages:
    601
    Likes Received:
    2
    My Original XP CD

    has SP1 included and I also have SP2 on a CD I got from Microsoft.

    Thanks a MILLION for this info Christer.
     
    AceH,
    #4
  6. 2005/08/19
    sparrow

    sparrow Inactive

    Joined:
    2004/03/21
    Messages:
    2,282
    Likes Received:
    0
    sparrow,
    #5
  7. 2005/08/19
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

    Joined:
    2002/12/17
    Messages:
    6,585
    Likes Received:
    74
    AceH,
    You're welcome ...... :) ...... !

    Don't forget to post the news on success!!

    Christer
     
    Christer,
    #6

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...