The Windows 137GB Capacity Barrier is also known as 48-bit
Logical Block Addressing Support for ATA (IDE), Serial ATA
or ATAPI disc drives. The 137GB limitation does not affect
SCSI interface disc drives.
In order to properly access the full capacity of an ATA
interface hard drive larger than 137GB, your system must
meet the system requirements described below. There are
three general methods of support:
- Operating System updates for Windows XP and Windows
2000 (Vista, 98, and ME need no update)
- Ultra ATA/133 PCI controller card for Windows Vista,
XP, 2000, Me, 98SE and NT 4.x
- Intel Chipset Solutions for Windows Me, 98SE and NT
4.x (partial)
Formatting
an ATA interface drive past the 137GB barrier on a system
that does not meet all requirements will result in data
loss.
Always
Back Up First - Whenever you make a significant
change to your system, be absolutely sure to back up
your critical files. Whether you are troubleshooting
a drive, adding new hardware or installing an application,
back up your data first. These are the kinds of events
that may need a recovery plan if aborted prematurely.
Also, all required system maintenance such as ScanDisk,
Defrag, and virus scanning should be completed on all
existing disc drives before proceeding. Windows Startup
or emergency recovery diskettes should be created and
on hand in case a recovery requires their use. Seagate
is not responsible for lost data.
For OS specific solutions, please select your operating
system from the list below:
Finally,
- For more background information about 48-bit LBA addressing
please visit our overview
on this issue.
- For detailed step-by-step instructions, please click
here.
- You may also use our Capacity
Limitations Walk-Through for 137 GByte limits,
as well as other capacity limitations.
- Windows XP and Millennium users should also consider
using the System Restore capability and create a new
Restore Point prior to making any significant change
to your system. For more information, please see Microsoft
article Q267951.
-
If you have an add-in Ultra ATA/133 PCI controller
card, you can safely install and use your drive with
the PCI card on Windows XP, 2000, Me, 98SE and NT
4.0 SP4. You must follow the controller card manufacturer's
installation instructions. Questions about controller
card device drivers should be directed to the manufacturer
of the card.
REFERENCE
TO THIRD PARTIES AND THIRD PARTY WEB SITES. Seagate references
third parties and third party products as an informational
service only, it is not an endorsement or recommendation
- implied or otherwise - of any of the listed companies.
Seagate makes no warranty - implied or otherwise - regarding
the performance or reliability of these companies or products.
Each company listed is independent from Seagate and is
not under the control of Seagate; therefore, Seagate accepts
no responsibility for and disclaims any liability from
the actions or products of the listed companies. You should
make your own independent evaluation before conducting
business with any company. To obtain product specifications
and warranty information, please contact the respective
vendor directly. There are links in this document that
will permit you to connect to third-party web sites over
which Seagate has no control. These links are provided
for your convenience only and your use of them is at your
own risk. Seagate makes no representations whatsoever
about the content of any of these web sites. Seagate does
not endorse or accept any responsibility for the content,
or use, of any such web sites.
