On my last installation, Windows would always become corrupt if I went over a certain limit on my 200GB drive (usually around the 128GB mark). It would then fail to boot (showing the "Error loading OS" at POST). FINALLY, as of yesterday I solved the issue! I used Maxblast boot software to format and partition the drive (I also ran Powermax diagnostic tools, which presented no read/write or any errors of any kind) and then installed a chipset driver during XP setup (by F6) that I got from the Motherboard CD. Success! It worked as usual. I also installed various other Intel and Via based drivers for my motherboard along with the Maxtor Big Drive Enabler (I did for previous installations anyway and it didnt help). However, at this point I had learned a bit of valuble information on my own, something which I should have considered right at the start: My Motherboard is a pain in the a**! Search on Google for any problems regarding the Gigabyte 81915p Duo Pro to see what I mean. Turns out that IDE 0 is the only connection that can be seen in Windows setup, so naturally you'll keep your primary boot drive on there. Then again, you will ALSO need your CD/DVD drive on that connection for it to work too. IDE 1 and 2 are part of the onboard VIA Raid controller (whether that should play a part in the situation?) and no amount of alterations in BIOS can make it be seen in Windows setup. After installing Windows though, I could move the HDD to IDE 1 or 2 and it would boot up fine. To conclude my ramblings, I noticed that my HDD is ATA 133 and the IDE 0 connection is ATA 100. I always had it on this connection before due to the reason/s above. Would that limit the HDD size at all? I now have it on IDE 1 (which along with IDE 2 are both ATA 133 connections) and have confirmed the maximum HDD by actually filling it up with 200GB worth of files (took a while, but its the only way I can think of to actually test it).
