Enabling 48-bit LBA support in WinXP pre-SP1

[Phorian]

I didn't see a topic for Hard Drives, and I think this is a Windows XP issue so forgive me if I'm posting in the wrong place.

I have a legitimate copy of Windows XP but it is one of the first runs and does not include Service Pack 1 or 2.

I have recently built a new computer for myself, specs below:

AMD Athlon 64 FX-55
ASUS A8N-SLI Premium (motherboard)
Corsair TwinX2048 (2gb DDR 400)
Samsung Spinpoint 250gb SATA 3.0, 7200rpm HDD (mdl# SP250-4C)
ASUS Geforce 7800 GTX
OCZ 520watt pwr
On-board snd
On-board LAN

The problem I'm having is when formatting the HDD with my windows XP installation disk, it only formats the disk to a maximum capacity of 128gb. The reason is that windows XP disks pre-SP1 do not include 48-bit LBA support. Everything I've read has told me that I need to have SP1 or greater. well to go out and buy this disk is $299.00, compusa (maybe cheaper online) but I don't want to pay all this money for something I technically already have.

Now I know what your thinking, stick the drive into another computer with XP and format from there. Well, I've tried this and it is not working. The first time I tried it nothing changed, still reported 128gb.

I called Microsoft tech support and they instructed me to upgrade my bios. Which seemed strange considering my ASUS A8N-SLI Premium would have been made long after SP1 was released and would logically support larger HDD's. Not to mention setup read the correct capacity for the drive on auto-detect. None-the-less I flashed the bios with the latest version from Asus' site and formatted the disk again. This time I've got 127gb free/ 121gb used on the disk but it refuses to format the used portion.

I called Samsung and asked them if they knew what the problem could be, according to them I was doing everything correctly, of course I don't think the guy knew the difference between a Hard Drive and a Microwave.

So I'm at my wits end with this, I'm hoping perhaps I just got a load of bad tech-support and maybe the wizards here at tweaknews can give me a solid workaround. Appreciate any and all help.

Thanks

Here is article from microsoft about 48-bit LBA support:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q303013

[Google]

[fussnfeathers]

The easiest (and cheapest---free!) way do fix your problem is to slipstream your copy of XP with SP2 (skip SP1, you can't get it anymore anyway).

http://www.helpwithwindows.com/WindowsXP/winxp-sp2-bootcd.html

Doing this, you can also add in any SATA and RAID drivers you need, as well, bypassing the floppy disk F6 part of an XP install.
_________________
Big enough to scare you

[Phorian]

Wow, sounds like a plan.

I will try this tonight, hopefully that will work.

Thank you very much Fussnfeathers

[fussnfeathers]

It'll work. You're exactly right on your problem, SP1 or greater is needed for large-capacity drives.

My copy of XP is slipstreamed, works like a champ. Another good tool to have on hand for reformatting is AutoPatcher:

http://www.autopatcher.com/

It's updated monthly, and includes all of XP's security fixes. Download this, burn it to CD, and you can update XP without connecting to the 'net. 'Tis a good thing.
_________________
Big enough to scare you

[2old2care]

Minor correction there fnf....Autostreamer is the slipstreaming utility. Autopatcher is a handy, post SP2 updater. (same ppl)

Just google Autostreamer. This is definetely what you want to do.
_________________
.
Liquid-Cooled Q9450 and an EeePC
.

[fussnfeathers]

That's what I said........
_________________
Big enough to scare you

[Phorian]

Worked like a charm, the HDD is reading the correct capacity and I was able to format and install Windows.

You guys rock! Thanks

[Xal]

Good to hear
_________________
Phenom II x4 955 @ Stock
Asus M3N78-EM
4gb Corsair XMS2 DDR2 667 @ 800
1gb Powercolor Radeon HD 5850 @ Stock
X-fi Extreme Audio PCI E
Nexus 600W Silent PSU
Nexus Fans
Custom case

[ToggleHead]

quite...glad to help
_________________