System wont recognize large harddrive [Archive]

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gbpec7

06-11-2002, 05:31 PM

My system/ bios wont recognize the 40 gig hard drive I just bought. I have a Shuttle SpaceWalker 661V motherboard with a PII 400MHz
processor installed. I dont really want to flash my bios if I don't have to. Is there any way to get my bios to recognize this hard drive without flashing ?
Gary

paramufay

06-11-2002, 05:42 PM

flashing bios will do no good. Use a "fool the bios" program such as EZ Drive (western digital) or DiscWizard (seagate) to get HD up and running.

Most manufactures have such a program that can be downloaded from thier site's.

BipolarBill

06-12-2002, 01:46 AM

You could and should install a $25 Promise Ultra66 or 100 IDE controller card. It can recognize and use the full drive.

http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=41155/blsrt=1/ut=18a04c6a7a7d6b10/

http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=419815/blsrt=1/ut=18a04c6a7a7d6b10/

gbpec7

06-12-2002, 06:52 PM

Hi Bill,
why would I use an ultra 66 card when it's a ATA100 harddrive?
will a 66 work for a 100 drive? :confused:
Thanks

Midknyte

06-12-2002, 07:19 PM

It will work, but you'll be limiting yourself to ata66. What he was saying is to get an additional ide controller with a bios that can support the larger drive. Your other options would be to update the bios or use a drive overlay software like ez-bios. Unless you got the drive oem, most drives include the drive overlay software.

BipolarBill

06-12-2002, 07:34 PM

I use ATA/100 drives on both Ultra66 and Ultra100 controllers and I see no real difference in performance. If I was on tight budget, I'd get the Ultra66.

Drive overlays force partitioning that you may not like and are a pain down the road. I prefer a controller card.

Midknyte

06-12-2002, 07:40 PM

That's true. You probably won't notice the diff between ata66 and ata100. the diff between ata100 and ata133 is even less.

If you have the money, go with the controller card. You can always take that card with you for your next computer. :D

gbpec7

06-12-2002, 09:52 PM

Thanks, I called my local Best Buy and all they have is an ATA133 card for 49 bux (non raid). I like the idea of using the controller card, I don't want to flash my BIOS if I don't have to.
:t

namrak

06-13-2002, 03:14 AM

Well, there is still the possibility of flashing your BIOS, but instead of your mobo, it might be your controller card. And I definitely agree with Bipolar Bill, the easiest way to add large drive support is by adding a controller card to your system. Pop it in to a an open PCI slot and let Plug 'n Pray, er Play configure automatically. You'll be up and running quickly.