increasing the size of the hard drive

[rob423]

I currently have an HP Pavillion 7125, 1.6gig hard drive. I would like to replace the hard drive with a larger one. What limitations should I be aware of before I get a larger hard drive (18gig)?

 

[Rhort]

You should check to see if your BI/OS version can handle the drive, for example, Award BI/OS 4.5x has a size limit of about 33Gb.

You'll need to check in your mobo manual, or on the website of your BI/OS manufacturer.

 

[cdogg]

Also, you'll want to pay close attention to the OS that you're running. I'm assuming since the pc came with such a small hard drive that it also came with Win95. You'll have to have the version "Win95 OEM Service Release 2" or later to read a drive larger than 2GB, which I believe is the same as having "Windows 95 B".

To do a quick check on your version, right-click My Computer and click Properties.

Aside from having the right OS, you'll also need to make sure the hard drive is formatted using the FAT32 file system. As Rhort mentioned, you'll need to make sure your BIOS is up-to-date. Many old ones would not support partitions larger than 7.8GB, even if the OS did.


Don't just take my word for it. Go to the following links to learn more:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q154997

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q153550

 

[jibuib]

Also many of the name brand computers come with the drivers and such on a special part of the harddrive. If you install a new one as a single drive be prepared to have problems with drivers and such. Go to HP's site and research your model before you try replacing the harddrive. Might save you some real headaches.