200 GB drive: Patches needed to run under Win 2000/XP?

Hey guys,

I bought a WD 200GB drive on sale a while back($149 after rebate at Fry's). In the instructions it states that Win2000/Xp Pro can't handle drives larger than 137GB and I need to install WD's software and a patch from MS. It also came with a ATA100/PCI adapter because it states that standard ATA100 controllers can't handle drives this size. I'm building a new computer to replace my 4 year old celeron. I'm planning on buying an ABIT IS7 MB with integrated ATA100.

Can I assume that the integrated ATA will work with the new drive?
Do I have to partition the drive or can I keep it as one 200gb partition?
Finally, do I have to DL a patch for win2k pro or is it included?

Thanks,



Chris

If you're going to use that 200GB hard drive on your (new) system's integrated IDE controller, then you'll need Service Pack 3 or later with Windows 2000, or Service Pack 1 or later with Windows XP. You may also need the WD software to partition and format your new HD.

Thanks!

Chris:

"Can I assume that the integrated ATA will work with the new drive?" No you can't. In addition to an operating system system patch, a controller that supports 48-bit LBA is required to break the 137gig barrier. Not all ATA100 controllers support 48-bit LBA. You need to verify your onboard controller supports 48-bit LBA. If not, just use the Promise TX2 contoller that came with the drive. I've been using a TX2 with a 200gig drive and Windows XP, now for over three months, without any problems whatsoever. With Windows XP you do not need to use Western Digital's software to format or partition the drive. Disk Manager, that comes with Windows XP works fine. If you do decide to use the Promise controller, you will have to install a driver for the controller from the floppy that comes with it.