regarding BIOS upgrade & misc

[Sumi]

I have an old PII 500 MHz processor computer. Recently I bought one 20Gb
hard drive but my computer detects(shows) only 2Gb. Rest 18Gb I can't
use. So what could be the reason and the solution as well?

Someone suggested me to upgrade the BIOS to sort out this problem. If
yes, then what is the procedure for the same. Is there any risk of break
down of the processor while upgrading the BIOS.

Also I am currently using Win 98, but want to use Win XP with the same
system, so that I don't have to worry about the drivers of the different
components while changing the operating system. Is it possible to use
Win XP with my obsolete computer. I tried to run the setup of Win 2000
but it didn't pick it up. So any suggestions are welcome.

 

[Jerry G.]

Before upgrading the BIOS, you should investigate from the manufacture
what the limit is for the hard drive. Most of these machines were able
to support more than a 20 gb hard disk.

I would think that it is more of a matching problem to the BIOS setting
than the BIOS needing an upgrade, or the hard disk itself has a fault.
I have also seen a faulty hard disk act as you are describing.

Another thought, it is important to do the Fdisk to the drive, using
the machine and operating system that is going to run the drive. I have
seen instances were a hard disk was setup on a machine using a
different mother board, and the intended one would not work properly,
as per the fault you are seeing.

Upgrading the BIOS has its own risks, and I only do this type of thing
where it is absolutely necessary. If it does not work out properly,
there is a chance to end up scraping your mother board.
Jerry G.
======

 

[JeffM]

I bought one 20Gb hard drive
but my computer detects(shows) only 2Gb.
Sumi
http://www.google.com/search?&q=fdisk+enable-large-disk-partitions