New Hard Drive Warning for XP Users

MidnightCowboy · 09. Mar 2010, 03:25 PM

It seems that the new generation of hard drives will not be so user friendly for users of XP.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8557144.stm

Anupam · 09. Mar 2010, 03:52 PM

Thanks for the link MC. This is a good read. Was not aware of this.

wdhpr · 09. Mar 2010, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MidnightCowboy

It seems that the new generation of hard drives will not be so user friendly for users of XP.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8557144.stm

I wonder if a patch could be developed that allows XP to handle the 4k advanced system?

Cheers
Wdhpr

Anupam · 09. Mar 2010, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdhpr

I wonder if a patch could be developed that allows XP to handle the 4k advanced system?

I don't think that would be possible. According to the article, Windows 7 was built with keeping the 4k format in mind. I think major changes would be required for XP to be able to handle to that format... don't know if it would be possible through a patch. Also, since MS wants everyone to use Windows 7, and also given the fact that they would be withdrawing support for XP in due time, they would not put efforts in providing a patch, even if they could do so.

wdhpr · 09. Mar 2010, 08:07 PM

I never underestimate peoples resourcefulness. Remeber necessity is the mother of invention

. Allthough there maybe core elements to the problem that prohibits any type of software patch

.
Perhaps rikmayell or freedog could could shed some light on this issue.

Cheers
Wdhpr

tompc · 10. Mar 2010, 08:10 AM

I put a more detailed explanation of my solution on my web site:

http://24.187.118.52:8885/MISC/4KB_H...ve_Format.html

XP supports NTFS hard drive format with 4096 bytes allocation size (4KB). So if you're concerned with an external hard drive being added to the system or if you have a desktop with an internal hard drive being formatted, just when you go to format the drive instead of selecting "Default allocation size" (512 bytes) use the drop down list and select "4096 bytes". I do this already as I run Vista and 7 so I try to keep all my drives at the 4KB format already. Hopefully the difference in the 4KB advanced won't be so bad as to affect this current available setting or will be added to updates in the programs I have listed below.

If you have to reinstall the Windows XP OS then just format the drive before hand and during the install just skip the format step in the XP setup and go straight to the installation. Also there are many other programs to boot to in order to format your drive to the allocation size you want, 4096 bytes. You can set a CD or USB drive to boot to and use these programs.

Hope this helps! I guess only time will tell though, plus I'm sure the older hard drive format will be available for purchase for quite some time past 2011 if you look hard enough. Plus XP support doesn't seem to be ending anytime real soon, talking technology time of course. Check out my first link as I added some extra information that should be helpful.

wdhpr · 11. Mar 2010, 12:19 AM

Hey thanks for the input

Interesting concept. So It looks as though you have made or have seen this work? COOL

I agree with your statement about the older hard drives being around for some time still.
But the newer versions will have greater capacity. (which is a good thing)

Cheers
Wdhpr

09. Mar 2010, 03:25 PM	#1 (permalink)
MidnightCowboy Site Manager Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: South American Banana Republic, third bunch from the left Posts: 9,250	New Hard Drive Warning for XP Users It seems that the new generation of hard drives will not be so user friendly for users of XP. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8557144.stm __________________ Knows nothing and cares even less

09. Mar 2010, 03:52 PM	#2 (permalink)
Anupam Moderator Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: India Posts: 9,484	Thanks for the link MC. This is a good read. Was not aware of this. __________________ Anupam

09. Mar 2010, 08:07 PM	#5 (permalink)
wdhpr Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: The north Coast Posts: 1,117	I never underestimate peoples resourcefulness. Remeber necessity is the mother of invention. Allthough there maybe core elements to the problem that prohibits any type of software patch. Perhaps rikmayell or freedog could could shed some light on this issue. Cheers Wdhpr

10. Mar 2010, 08:10 AM	#6 (permalink)
tompc Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 1	Possible work around for the 4KB Allocation Size I put a more detailed explanation of my solution on my web site: http://24.187.118.52:8885/MISC/4KB_H...ve_Format.html XP supports NTFS hard drive format with 4096 bytes allocation size (4KB). So if you're concerned with an external hard drive being added to the system or if you have a desktop with an internal hard drive being formatted, just when you go to format the drive instead of selecting "Default allocation size" (512 bytes) use the drop down list and select "4096 bytes". I do this already as I run Vista and 7 so I try to keep all my drives at the 4KB format already. Hopefully the difference in the 4KB advanced won't be so bad as to affect this current available setting or will be added to updates in the programs I have listed below. If you have to reinstall the Windows XP OS then just format the drive before hand and during the install just skip the format step in the XP setup and go straight to the installation. Also there are many other programs to boot to in order to format your drive to the allocation size you want, 4096 bytes. You can set a CD or USB drive to boot to and use these programs. Hope this helps! I guess only time will tell though, plus I'm sure the older hard drive format will be available for purchase for quite some time past 2011 if you look hard enough. Plus XP support doesn't seem to be ending anytime real soon, talking technology time of course. Check out my first link as I added some extra information that should be helpful. Last edited by Anupam; 10. Mar 2010 at 08:15 AM. Reason: Removed link and mention of Hiren's boot cd

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11. Mar 2010, 12:19 AM	#7 (permalink)
wdhpr Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: The north Coast Posts: 1,117	Hey thanks for the input Interesting concept. So It looks as though you have made or have seen this work? COOL I agree with your statement about the older hard drives being around for some time still. But the newer versions will have greater capacity. (which is a good thing) Cheers Wdhpr