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XP Install freezes with new 320G HD on Dimension 4500S.
I'm replacing a 32G drive on a Dimension 4500S. I'm trying to use the very drive that is suggested on the Dell parts web page as a replacement drive - a WD 320G device - but the A03 BIOS (latest for that model) doesn't appear to support it. Running the XP installer disk, I get the "Setup is inspecting your computer's hardware configuration" message, but installation stops there, not progressing to the blue load screen.
I have tried all possible HD jumper configurations to no avail. The Only joy I get is by disabling UDMA support in the BIOS, but it then only sees 160G or so,
Is there a solution for this problem?
I should add that the system works fine with the old 40G (though the HD is slowly failing) and with a "test" 40G replacement. Also, the HDD diagnostic on the 320G passes.
julianop
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September 12th, 2009 11:00
I presume you're suggesting that it's a BIOS limitation for that machine ?
Mary G
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September 12th, 2009 11:00
A 320 gb drive is too big for your computer. Even though the computer might see 160 gb's of the 320, you will have trouble down the road if you try to use the oversized drive. Get an 80 gb to replace the 40 that's dying.
shesagordie
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September 12th, 2009 13:00
julianop
The 4500s model doesn't require a BIOS update.
All BIOS versions for that model already have 48-bit LBA support for drives larger than 137gb.
You can install up to 120gb EIDE/IDE/ATA 7200rpm, 3.5", hard drive without a problem, drives larger than 137gb, require XP-SP1 or higher, you cannot use XP with the SP-1 or higher upgrade.
Bev.
julianop
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September 12th, 2009 15:00
I think you're saying that I cannot install pre-SP-1 XP on a drive greater than 120G.
If, as you say, the BIOS is inherently capable of handling a 320G (and it does see it OK and run diag successfully), then as suspected it's only an OS issue (I'm slightly embarrassed that I didn't remember that.)
That being the case, I can probably do the install on a 120G, update to SP-2 or SP-3, and then do a disk clone to the 320G if my user wants it.
Thanks very much for your input, everyone, I appreciate it.
Julian.
shesagordie
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September 12th, 2009 16:00
Julian.
Yep, 48 bit LBA support in XP was add with Service Pack 1 .
This enables support for hard drives larger than 137gb.
Bev.