Hard Drive Upgrade for Inspiron 8500

Yes, the 8500 has a BIOS limit of 137 GBytes.  There's no way around it.

A larger drive MAY work - or MAY work for a while, but the results can be unpredictable, so KEEP BACKUPS - because the data on the drive is at the mercy of Windows, if Windows won't load, it's VERY difficult to recover data.

"Yes, the 8500 has a BIOS limit of 137 GBytes"???  I find no evidence of this whatsoever. 

You do need to make sure 48 bit LBA is enabled and the bios version is 48bit lba aware. Older versions may not support LBA but they would show the size of the hard drive incorrectly if that were the case.

http://www.48bitlba.com/enablebiglbatool.htm
EnableBigLba will test your system for EnableBigLba in the Windows registry on your system
to determine whether it is defined or needs to be set for 48-bit LBA support.
If EnableBigLba needs to be set, the tool does not do it automatically.
It will give you the option to set it manually with a button.

You need to have Service pack2 or higher installed.

If you want 2 partitions dont use the whole drive when you clone then create the second partition afterwards.

Manufacturer Part# : EZ-UP-UNIVERSAL  Dell Part# : A0158183

The EZ Upgrade Kit from Apricorn makes upgrading your PATA/IDE or SATA laptop hard drive
as easy at 1-2-3. This kit includes all the hardware and software needed to painlessly
transfer all the data from an old PATA/IDE or SATA laptop hard drive to a new hard drive
in three easy steps. EZ Upgrade includes: Apricorn’s Upgrade Suite CD, a Hi-Speed
USB 2.0 hard drive enclosure (USB 1.1 compatible) & USB cable. EZ Upgrade is all you
will need to easily transfer everything - data, applications, documents, address books,
e-mail, settings, OS, and preferences - from the old laptop hard drive to a new drive,
in three easy steps. First, connect the hardware by sliding the new hard drive into the
EZ Upgrade enclosure and connecting to the laptop’s USB port. Second, run EZ Gig II’s
cloning option by booting to the CD. Lastly, install the new hard drive into the laptop.
That’s it -you’re finished! Once the new drive is installed, the old drive can be used
in EZ Upgrade’s Hi-Speed USB 2.0 enclosure for external storage. The EZ Upgrade
enclosure connects to both SATA and PATA 9.5 mm 2.5-inch hard drives. Just use the
appropriate connector on the enclosure tray, slide the tray into the enclosure
and connect to your computer via the USB port. When used with EZ Gig II, the external
drive becomes a state-of-the-art backup solution. The included EZ Gig II data transfer
utility is comprised of two modules – Disk Clone and Image to clone or backup your data
with minimal hassle. With easy install with plug-n-play capability, this EZ Upgrade
laptop Hard Drive Upgrade Kit is ideal source for all your laptop storage needs.

 BIOS Release Notes
===================================================================
===================================================================
Systems:      Dell Inspiron 8500 
Version:      A00                  
Build Date:   02/14/03             

Initial release of the BIOS

The BIOS release has been validated on the following operating systems:
1.  Microsoft Windows XP

BIOS Release Notes
===================================================================
===================================================================
Systems:      Dell Inspiron 8500 
Version:      A01                  
Build Date:   03/14/03             

The following updates were made to the A00 BIOS to create the A01 BIOS:

Issues Fixed:
1. Fixed Universal Serial Bus (USB) legacy keyboard support upon resume
 from suspend to correct a hard drive password limitation.

Enhancements:
1. Includes updated microcode support for the Pentium 4M processor.
 

The BIOS release has been validated on the following operating systems:
1.  Microsoft Windows XP Pro & Home (SP1)
BIOS Release Notes
===================================================================
===================================================================
Systems:      Dell Inspiron 8500 
Version:      A02                  
Build Date:   04/29/03             

The following updates were made to the A01 BIOS to create the A02 BIOS:

Issues Fixed:
1. Fixed intermittent hard drive recognition issue during
 Power On Self Test (POST).
2. Addressed various audio anomalies formerly corrected by muting CD
 Audio in Volume Properties. 

The BIOS release has been validated on the following operating systems:
1.  Microsoft Windows XP Pro & Home (SP1)

===================================================================
===================================================================
Systems:      Dell Inspiron 8500
Version:      A03
Build Date:   05/23/03

The following updates were made to the A02 BIOS to create the A03 BIOS:

Issues Fixed:
1.  Fixed issue in which the system can't boot from a USB hard disk
    drive (HDD) if an internal HDD and modular bay HDD are also present.
2.  Prevent system from spending an excessive amount of time in POST
    if a non-compliant USB storage device is attached.
3.  Fixed issue in which the USB floppy disk drive may fail to initialize.
4.  Fixed system hang seen when the modem detects an incoming call while
    the system is entering standby.
5.  Fixed no display issue seen when the lid is closed while docked, the
    system is ejected from the dock and then resumed by opening the lid.
6.  Fixed issue in which the operating system may report erroneous battery
    information after the battery is swapped while in standby.
7.  Fixed issue in which the and keys may have no effect during
    POST when using a USB keyboard.
 
Enhancements:
1.  Changed the default settings for the "Wireless" and "Wireless Control"
    fields in System Setup to Wireless = Enabled and Wireless Control =
    /Application.
2.  Reduced amount of time spent waiting for USB floppy disk drives to spin
    up during POST.
3.  Added 'Configure Passwords' field to the System Security page
    in System Setup.  This feature allows the system administrator
    password to be used to prevent users from installing system or
    hard disk drive passwords.
4.  Enhanced battery charging algorithm.
5.  Enable cache earlier in the BIOS
6.  Launch the built-in Pre-boot System Assessment (PSA) if the key
    is held down while the power button is pressed.
7.  Updated PSA diagnostics to version 3011, which supports enhanced LCD
    diagnostics.
8.  Added new flash code for combined Windows and DOS BIOS flash program.

The BIOS release has been validated on the following operating systems:
1.  Microsoft Windows XP Pro & Home (SP1)

===================================================================
===================================================================
BIOS Release Notes
Systems:      Dell Inspiron 8500
Version:      A04
Build Date:   08/28/03

The following updates were made to the A03 BIOS to create the A04 BIOS:

Issues Fixed:
=============
1.  Fixed hang seen during boot with the HP PSC2200 all-in-one USB
    printer attached.
2.  Improved the dual-battery discharging algorithm.
3.  Fixed problem where the system would shutdown if the battery
    drained to a critically low battery state while the system was
    in Standby.
4.  Fixed problem where the battery LED will flash amber when the
    battery is swapped while in Standby.
5.  Fixed problem where pressing while in BIOS Setup will
    not function if the "Enable Keypad" option is set to "by NumLock".
6.  Fixed problem where SMBIOS would not report an accurate battery
    capacity for a fully charged Dell supported battery.
7.  Decreased the time required for the system to enter Standby after
    closing the lid.
8.  Fixed a problem where a USB floppy attached to the system would be lost
    during the OS CD installation.
9.  Fixed issue in which the and keys may have no effect during
    POST when using a USB keyboard.
10. Prevent system from spending an excessive amount of time in POST
    if a non-compliant USB storage device is attached.
11. Fixed issue in which the USB floppy disk drive may fail to initialize.
12. Fixed issue seen on systems equipped with a Bluetooth module in which
    the blue activity LED would fail to turn off when performing a warm
    undock from a Port Replicator.

Enhancements:
===============
1.  Show the memory speed in System Setup next to the memory capacity
    on Page 1.

The BIOS release has been validated on the following operating systems:
1.  Microsoft Windows XP Pro & Home (SP1)

===================================================================
===================================================================
Systems:      Dell Inspiron 8500
Version:      A05
Build Date:   09/30/03

The following updates were made to the A04 BIOS to create the A05 BIOS:

Issues Fixed:
=============
1.  Fixed hang seen when exiting Dell Diagnostics with a USB keyboard
    connected.
2.  Fixed problem where System Setup may report the wrong CPU speed.
3.  Fixed intermittent "unexpected error" seen when running the System
    BIOS flash update program in Windows.
4.  Fixed intermittent abnormal NumLock LED behavior seen during POST.

Enhancements:
===============
1.  Reduced the minimum remaining battery capacity required to run
    the System BIOS flash update program in Windows. The flash update
    program requires that an AC adapter be attached and the battery
    be charged to at least 11%.
2.  Added support for newer battery packs.
3.  Updated to the latest Mobile Intel Pentium 4-M microcode.

The BIOS release has been validated on the following operating systems:
1.  Microsoft Windows XP Pro & Home (SP1)

===================================================================
===================================================================
Systems:      Dell Inspiron 8500
Version:      A06
Build Date:   07/12/04

The following updates were made to the A05 BIOS to create the A06 BIOS:

Issues Fixed:
1.  Fixed issue in which the system may unexpectedly shutdown or
    lockup when booting with certain PCMCIA cards inserted.
2.  Fixed issues where the system fails to boot to certain USB
    storage devices or any USB storage when several such devices
    are attached to the system.
3.  Fixed problem where a reboot is required for a System Setup boot
    order change to take effect. Now, if is pressed during POST
    to enter System Setup, and a boot order change is made, the new
    boot order will take effect upon exiting System Setup.
4.  Fixed issue in which no audio is received from the analog audio
    channel of a DVD-RW drive in the media bay.
5.  Fixed issue in which media bay devices may be reported incorrectly
    in SMBIOS if the device is swapped while in Standby.
6.  Fixed possible system hang during POST when the Parallel Mode in
    System Setup is configured to DISABLE.
7.  Fixed issue in which QuickSet may intermittently fail to detect
    a hotkey press, such as the CD Eject hotkey.
8.  Update to Pre-boot System Assessment to build 3012. This version
    addresses problems when executing the hard-disk drive tests
    without AC power attached.
9.  Improved the battery charging algorithm for fully discharged
    batteries.
10. Fixed problem where a system running on batteries may resume
    immediately after entering a suspend state when the system is
    low on battery life.
11. Fixed issue in DOS where if a USB key is the boot device the
    System will hang for a few minutes before displaying an error
    message if the USB key is removed.
12. Fixed an issue where the system may hang at the end of POST if
    a HUB with a USB device is connected.
13. Fixed problem where exiting DellDiags with a USB keyboard
    connected would cause a system hang.
14. Fixed problem where System Setup may report the wrong CPU speed.
15. Fixed intermittent "unexpected error" seen when running the
    System BIOS flash update program in Windows.
16. Fixed intermittent abnormal NumLock LED behavior seen during POST.
17. Fixed system hang seen when resuming from Standby after inserting
    an optical drive into the media bay while in Standby.
18. Fixed system hang seen when resuming from Standby if the user
    notifies the operating system to eject an optical drive before
    entering Standby, but the drive is never removed.

Enhancements:
1.  Added support for newer Intel MiniPCI wireless card.
2.  Added support for DVD+/-RW drives to be displayed in System Setup
    and SMBIOS correctly.
3.  Added feature to allow the BIOS Admin password to unlock the
    primary hard-disk drive password. For this feature to work, the
    BIOS Admin password must be installed at the time the drive
    password is created. Also, the BIOS Admin password will only
    unlock the password for a drive that is installed in the specific
    system on which the drive password is originally created.
4.  Reduced the minimum remaining battery capacity required to run
    the System BIOS flash update program in Windows. The flash update
    program requires that an AC adapter be attached and the battery
    be charged to at least 11%.
5.  Added support for newer battery packs.

The BIOS release has been validated on the following operating systems:
1.  Microsoft Windows XP Pro & Home (SP1)

===================================================================
===================================================================
Systems:      Dell Inspiron 8500
Version:      A07
Build Date:   01/31/05

The following updates were made to the A06 BIOS to create the A07 BIOS:

Issues Fixed:
1. Fixed an intermittent situation where the system may not resume from suspend.
2. Fixed an intermittent situation where a system with two batteries could
   hibernate when the primary battery is critically low, even if the second
   battery is fully charged.

Enhancements:
============
1.  Added support for new processors.
2.  Addes support for new wireless cards.

The BIOS release has been validated on the following operating systems:
1.  Microsoft Windows XP Pro & Home (SP1)

===================================================================
===================================================================
Systems: Dell Inspiron 8500
Version: A08
Build Date: 06/30/05

The following updates were made to the A07 BIOS to create the A08 BIOS:

Issues Fixed:
============
1. Reduced audible pop sound during POST.

Enhancements:
============
1. Added support for new processors.
2. Update Broadcom PXE code to support newer hardware revisions.

The BIOS release has been validated on the following operating systems:
1. Microsoft Windows XP Pro & Home (SP1)

===================================================================
===================================================================

"

"Yes, the 8500 has a BIOS limit of 137 GBytes"???  I find no evidence of this whatsoever. 

You do need to make sure 48 bit LBA is enabled and the bios version is 48bit lba aware. Older versions may not support LBA but they would show the size of the hard drive incorrectly if that were the case."

Have you ever used one?  NO version of the BIOS for the 8500 or 8600 has a 48-bit LBA BIOS.

BIOSes are custom written - nothing else will work.

You have two options:

Use the large capacity drives, keeping backups.  People have had sudden data loss with the 8500 and 8600 series using drives not supported by the BIOS, or

Replace the drive with a 120G unit, which will work fine.  Put the larger drive in an external case and use it by USB.

NO version of the BIOS for the 8500 or 8600 has a 48-bit LBA BIOS.

Okay - that being said, are there any BIOS for similar systems that are 48-bit LBA aware, that would work in an Inspiron 8500?

I know that's playing with fire, but right now my budget just doesn't allow for me to but a new computer if I can make this one work...

Many thanks for your responses,

Eric "GuitarEC"

Okay.

Trying to use the drive internally is not an option seeing as I can't even get the OS CD to boot correctly (hangs when examining system congiuration).

Can it boot off the drive in a USB case, or would that same BIOS limitation apply?

Eric "GuitarEC"

You'll lose a lot of speed by running the OS from an external drive - but the BIOS doesn't run an external drive (the controller in the box does), so that problem will go away.
You're still going to need an internal drive to use a your boot device.

Hi Eric,

I'm facing a similar issue with my 8500 purchased in April 2003. My original HDD (40GB) has given up.

Looking to upgrade this to a 160GB HDD and RAM from original 256MB*2 to 1GB*2 (or 512MB*2, if it doesn't support 2GB).

Did you manage to find a solution for your upgrade issue?

Regards

Shrikant

Excellent response in most respects. However, when I attempted a similar task, the Apricorn device gave me an error that it could not copy from the 74 gb IDE to 500 gb Toshiba SATA due to "different block sizes".  This was for a dell Dimension 4600i.  I have used the Apricorn device for other drives and it worked without a problem, so I was surprised to get this error and it offered no alternatives or solutions.  Thanks for all your effort.

I just installed a 80GB hard disk. But when I turn on my dell inspiron 8500 now it says no drive found.

Its brand new. I have read to change the SATA settings in BIOS, but there are no such settings.

The other thing I have read is to do something with the storage controller. But I can't find one.

Please help!

1. Find the type of storage controller your PC uses by checking the documentation that came with your PC or going to the manufacturer’s website.

2. On a second PC, go to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver on a USB flash drive or other removable media.

3. Start Windows 7 installation again, and on the Where do you want to install Windows? page, click Load Driver.

4. Insert the removable media containing the driver into your PC, and click OK.

5. Select the driver from the list of results and then click Next. Follow the instructions on your screen to continue installing Windows 7.

In this model, the drive requires a blade connector to allot it to connect to the mainboard - did you install that?
See the small black plastic piece in the photo here:

http://www.parts-people.com/index.php?action=item&id=110