Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

160gig hard drive only seen by bios as 32g

Feb 21, 2007 2:28AM PST

I've been using the same hard drive on the same computer for over 1yr now and it always showed up as 160g. Yesterday, I ran into some problems and was forced to reinstall XP Pro. I tried and tried for a couple of hours and nothing. After reformatting the hard drive, I got a blank screen...over and over. Then I turned off the computer for 30min. Came back and this time I successfully installed XP Pro. However, I soon realized that my c drive was only 32gigs. I tried partition magic and also showed up as 32gig. Bios only shows a 32gig hard drive.
The computer in question is a shuttle xpc. So the problem isn't with Windows. So how did the bios get messed up? This is very confusing and I'm ticked off too since some very important files are lost.
BTW, I previously had this hard drived partioned into two sections. A 40 gig partition and 120gig. the 120 was used to back up files.
Please help me!!!

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Check the drive cylindar limit jumper.
Feb 21, 2007 4:50AM PST

Sadly you didn't tell the make and model for me to supply a diagram.

Bob

- Collapse -
HD?
Feb 21, 2007 5:16AM PST

It is a Samsung but I'm not at home and don't know the model#.

- Collapse -
Bios
Feb 21, 2007 5:37AM PST

I don't get that link. I mean, the bios and windows both saw 160gigs for one full year. I have not even opened up the computer in months. How is that link going to help me? I appreciate the link but I don't understand how suddenly bios is seeing the drive as only 32gig. Not even partition magic is seeing the extra 130gig. Thanks for your reply though

- Collapse -
I get it.
Feb 21, 2007 5:51AM PST

Look again. That jumper limits the drive size to ... 32GB. Don't lose time by writing "it worked before" but dive in and make sure it's set proper. I would want to hear it's on cable select >32GB.

Bob

- Collapse -
true
Feb 21, 2007 6:07AM PST

When I get home tonight I'll double check. Thanks. BTW, I have used this drive on another computer and it always worked as a 160gig hd. I'll open up the pc tonight.

- Collapse -
I forgot to mention...
Feb 21, 2007 6:16AM PST

That when I was struggling with XP pro install and almost gave up, I tried with Vista RC1 DVD and this is what happened.

Vista wouldn't install either. It saw the same c: drive as 32g but I also noticed an X:\ and couldn't delete it or install on it.

- Collapse -
jumper set 32limit...WRONG!!!!
Feb 21, 2007 3:05PM PST

Just as I thought, the jumper settings have always been correct.
Is there that will allow me to completely erase all and any hidden partitions on a hd? Thanks

- Collapse -
In looking over this discussion I wonder.
Feb 21, 2007 10:51PM PST

If this is the first time this drive was in this machine. Sorry I only have your posts to work with.

As to a drive wipe, look up DBAN. The BIOS must report over 32GB or else don't bother. It is also possible that the drive has suffered something akin to a stroke and is misreading the jumpers. I've seen that happen. Drives owners bonkers. What to do?

More machine and OS limitation notes to look over at http://www.48bitlba.com The 32G limit and your drive failing at that mark points to drive or bios issue.

Bob