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Resolved Question

Why does XP support 4TB external drive but not 4TB internal

by Jan 28, 2015 9:14AM PST

The 4TB seagate external drive is suported by 32 bit XP(PC BIOS) while the 3TB internal drive is not.

What are the difference between them?

Discussion is locked

Magic-wand has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer
9 Posts
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Best Answer

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The internal is likely a BIOS issue.
by Forum moderator Jan 28, 2015 9:21AM PST

After the OS boots, USB and installable file system support kicks in. Pretty simple, eh?

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PS. XP's SATA support is legend
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jan 28, 2015 9:23AM PST

..ary. It's that bad. Installing XP on some 3TB makes me guess you have a SATA HDD. BIOS's back then even with IDE Emulation were limited. So many reasons but given all the prior discussions, I'll keep it short.

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I use ACHI
by Magic-wand Jan 28, 2015 10:58AM PST

But ACHI is somewhat incompatible with Seagate's driver.

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Really?
by Magic-wand Jan 30, 2015 11:18AM PST

Why doesn't Seagate mention it?

All ACHI or only some chipsets(Intel, AMD, VIA,,,etc)?

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This can upset some.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jan 30, 2015 11:20PM PST

XP, old machines rarely are re-visited when newer hardware shows up. YOU have to test it all out.
Bob

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But why it doesn't work when I put the 3TB drive in enclosur
by Magic-wand Jan 28, 2015 10:34AM PST

`But why it doesn't work when I put the 3TB drive in an enclosure?

It could not be recognized by XP.

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Many factors.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jan 28, 2015 10:40AM PST

Until we see all the parts in play, the answer, even then may be elusive. There are issues with BIOS and some drives. You have XP's own demons with SATA and then you have USB enclosures that don't work with all drives.

Think of a minefield.
Bob

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Depends on the enclosure...you'd have to
by VAPCMD Jan 30, 2015 10:21AM PST

ensure the enclosure supports drives greater than the HDD capacity ..... 1GB, 2GB, etc.,

Wasn't too long ago that there weren't any enclosures that handle HDDs greater than 1GB.

VAPCMD

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Answer
Probable IC embedded
by Jan 28, 2015 10:36AM PST

While XP OS itself will limit the int. HD, it can be further supported by the addition of a i/f card exactly for that purpose. The same applies to ext. HD which will come pre-installed and work from the git. The int. setup requires that extra i/f card or supplied when buying a "full kit" and NOT the HD alone. This is on top or additional to the reasons Robert supplied as well.

tada -----Willy Happy

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