New WinXP Pro install with a 640G WD HD. Need partitioning software advice

[dajini92]

I'm doing a new system build with a WD 640G SATA HD. Re-installing windows XP Pro only allows me to partition 130G or so. I need advice on what would be the best options (Partitioning software) for me to look at.

I really want one partition for the full HD capacity.

What are my options??

Use a third party partitioning SW to expand to full capacity after installing XP??

 

[erobles]

so you want to use the full 640gb capacity? If that's want you need to reinstall the OS and install the SATA driver during windows XP installation so that win xp will recognize the full HD capacity

 

[RebateMonger]

You need to obtain (or build your own slipstreamed) version of an XP Install CD with SP1, SP2, or SP3 integrated into the install. The original version of XP can't partition a drive larger than that 130 GB limit.

Alternatively, update your installation to SP3 (preferably) an then have XP create a second partition on the hard drive. Your original System partition will be limited to that 130 GB maximum size. Or update to SP3 and then get some 3rd-party partitioning software to expand the partition. Be sure the partitioning software can handle a System partition.

 

[dajini92]

RebateMonger-

Just to be clear here, SP2 (slipstreamed into an XP pro install disc) would allow me to format a full 640G HD, correct??

I would like to find out how to "slipstream" SP2 into my XP install disc for future HD upgrades and system builds. I do have SP2 on a CD.

Is there a step by step guide on how to accomplish this somewher?

Also, are there "freeware" versions of partitioning SW out there? Any that you recomend?

If not, what version of off the shelf partitoning software would you recommend for the task I need to accomplish

 

[BlueWeasel]

Yes, SP2 or SP3 will let you partition the full 640GB. You'll also need the appropriate SATA driver in order for XP to see your drive during installation.

nLite is the easiest way to do this. It can slipstream service packs and drivers and is fairly easy to do.

 

[dajini92]

It seems as if the full 640G drive is seen in BIOS, so I would think that it was recognized during the POST.

The SATA driver is on the motherboard driver install disc. How would I load this during the winxp setup?

would I load it during the time when xp prompts you to press F6 to load SCSI or RAID drivers with a floppy?

Update: I was able to find a nice guide and made a new XP install disc with SP2 slipstreamed into it. I ran it and it did recognize and format the full drive, so I think I'm ok.

Thanks for the help.