formatting problem??

***steelGrunt*** · October 22nd, 2006

Ok just had a question about formatting a 160GB hard drive???? Its a SATA drive and I have it installed correctly I believe... I can see it under my device manager but can't seem to get it under my computer, and be able format it... anyone with some suggestions???

***UNDIESRULES*** · October 22nd, 2006

You need to create a partition on the disk and then format it. Use your windows install disc and boot from that, when you get to the bit where you actually have to pick a disk to install xp onto, create a partition on the new drive and then remoce the windows disc and reboot.

Your install of xp wont be harmed and youll see the disk in my computer and will be able to format it.

***Bs|Archaon*** · October 23rd, 2006

Eh? Why on earth would you use the Windows disc for that?

Control Panel (make sure it's in classic mode) > Administrative Tools > Computer Management > Disk Management. That utility will allow you to create partitions and format the drive.

***UNDIESRULES*** · October 23rd, 2006

Wow, thats good, didnt know that one, my cap is off to you.

***steelGrunt*** · October 23rd, 2006

thanks again bs|archaon.

***Bs|Archaon*** · October 23rd, 2006

As partitioners go it's crap, but it does the basics...

***Rookie*** · October 23rd, 2006

Call me skeptical, but I don't really trust Windows-based partitioning software.

I generally prefer DOS or Linux partitioners that you can load from a boot floppy/CD. Most hard drive manufacturers supply boot disk images specifically for this purpose.

~~nameChanged~~ · October 23rd, 2006

You don't need to format or partition an SATA drive to be able to access it under windows.

You certainly need to format it before any operating system can write any data (files of ANY sort) to it. Formating is the writing of the essential file-system clusters to the drive that allow the OS to keep track of where files are which is why you need to do that first before you can write to it.
If you have installed it correctly (& your motherboard may need drivers installed in Windows to allow to use the drive) you should be able to see it as a new drive letter appearing in your 'My Computer' view.

I do know that for SATA:
It was not supported by Win XP at all before SP1 so you should be running at least this version.

Questions to get some crucial info on the matter:
- I am presuming the specs in your sig. correspond to the machine you installed the 160GB drive in - (The HD drives which were on previous to this one you just added?)
Who installed them?

Also it is not necessary to partition a drive before windows recognises it either.