Can't acsess more than 2tb of my 4tb hdd

[TigerTob]

Hi, i recently buildt a new computer and i can only acsess 2tb of my 4tb hdd, the hdd is a seagate ST4000DM005. i know it will work if i convert it to a GPT but i can't convert it and my computer dosent work without it

[b105f00d]

This is due to the limit of MBR being about 2TB. Switch to GPT.

[TigerTob]

Just now, b105f00d said:

This is due to the limit of MBR being about 2TB. Switch to GPT.

well i can't switch to GPT

[Tedster]

Just now, TigerTob said:

well i can't switch to GPT

Then you can't use your drive to its full potential?

[b105f00d]

Here is microsofts explanation...

 

For a system to be able to address the maximum capacity of a device that has a storage capacity of more than 2 TB, the following prerequisites apply: 

• The disk must be initialized by using GPT.
• The Windows version must be one of the following (32-bit or 64-bit, unless otherwise noted, but including all SKU editions):
  • Windows Server 2008 R2 (only 64 bit version available)
  • Windows Server 2008
  • Windows 7
  • Windows Vista
• The latest storage drivers from your storage controller manufacturer must be installed. For example, if your system uses an Intel storage controller that is set to “RAID” mode, make sure that you have the latest applicable drivers from the Intel support site.
• Overall, you should contact your system vendor to determine whether the system supports device sizes of more than 2 TB.

Overall requirements for a bootable system volume

Assume that you want to meet the following conditions:

• Have a storage device on which you can install Windows.
• Make the storage device bootable.
• Enable the operating system to address a maximum storage capacity for that device of greater than 2 TB.

To meet these conditions, the following prerequisites apply:

• The disk must be initialized by using GPT.
• The system firmware must use UEFI.
• The Windows version must be one of the following (64-bit only, but including all SKU editions):
  • Windows Server 2008 R2
  • Windows Server 2008
  • Windows 7
  • Windows Vista
• The latest storage drivers from your storage controller manufacturer must be installed. For example, if your system uses an Intel storage controller set to “RAID” mode, make sure that you have the latest applicable drivers from the Intel support site.

Note Windows does not support starting GPT-initialized volumes by using UEFI systems on 32-bit versions of Windows. Also, legacy BIOS systems do not support starting GPT-partitioned volumes. Consult your system vendor to determine whether the system supports both UEFI and the startup of devices that have storage capacities of greater than 2 TB. 

[Blebekblebek]

Switch to windows 10

Instead using cracked version of Windows 7

 

The only thing that doesn't work in GPT is windows loader.

[TigerTob]

Just now, Blebekblebek said:

Switch to windows 10

Instead using cracked version of Windows 7

 

The only thing that doesn't work in GPT is windows loader.

i am using windows 10

[Blebekblebek]

The what limitation are you talking about.

 

[b105f00d]

You can still install windows 10 on mbr. It all depends on your hardware support.

[TigerTob]

Just now, Blebekblebek said:

The what limitation are you talking about.

 

windows won't let me use more than 2tb of a 4tb hdd, and i canæt switch it into the mode to use 4tb

[b105f00d]

What motherboard are you using?

[TigerTob]

Just now, b105f00d said:

What motherboard are you using?

Asus Maximus IX hero

[b105f00d]

You should have NO problem using GPT.

 

Re-install windows 10, make sure that you have UEFI selected and/or CSM disabled when you boot the install drive. (could also be listed as legacy mode)

[Blebekblebek]

The reason you can't have 4TB is because MBR, and you need to reinstall to GPT to make use of 4TB.

 

There's no workaround it, unless this is just storage drive, you can't change MBR to GPT with windows internal software, use MiniTool partition wizard or any partition manager software that you usually use.

 

If this is also a boot drive, you can't simply change it because MBR and GPT are using different partition to store booting process.

Make sure you have backup first for redundancy.

 

Point is you can SWITCH, so I don't why you are saying that you can't, what's the reason you can't use GPT?

 

 

 

[TigerTob]

1 minute ago, Blebekblebek said:

The reason you can't have 4TB is because MBR, and you need to reinstall to GPT to make use of 4TB.

 

There's no workaround it, unless this is just storage drive, you can't change MBR to GPT with windows internal software, use MiniTool partition wizard or any partition manager software that you usually use.

If this is also a boot drive, you can't simply change it because MBR and GPT are using different partition to store booting process.

Make sure you have backup first for redundancy.

 

Point is you can SWITCH, so I don't why you are saying that you can't, what's the reason you can't use GPT?

 

 

 

well i can't simply start my computer whitout the hdd connected, even tho my windows is installed on my ssd

 

[Tedster]

Just now, TigerTob said:

well i can't simply start my computer whitout the hdd connected, even tho my windows is installed on my ssd

 

Ah, because you didn't disconnect the HDD when you created the install...

[TigerTob]

Just now, Tedster said:

Ah, because you didn't disconnect the HDD when you created the install...

exactly

[Blebekblebek]

Just now, TigerTob said:

well i can't simply start my computer whitout the hdd connected, even tho my windows is installed on my ssd

 

Since you need reinstall anyway, so this makes it even easier, unplug your HDD first and reinstall on SSD again.

[TigerTob]

Just now, Blebekblebek said:

Since you need reinstall anyway, so this makes it even easier, unplug your HDD first and reinstall on SSD again.

well if i disconect the drive i can only acsess the bios 

[ChuckMaurice]

Can't you just make two partitions of 2TB each?

This is not ideal but if you can't switch to GPT...

 

If you can, you should though. Also, Windows can create another boot sector on the SSD with repair methods (but I'd have to check, I only remember the walktrough on W7)

[Tedster]

Just now, TigerTob said:

well if i disconect the drive i can only acsess the bios 

No, you should still be able to boot to a USB drive or whatever, which is what's being suggested here - reinstall windows.

[TigerTob]

Just now, Tedster said:

No, you should still be able to boot to a USB drive or whatever, which is what's being suggested here - reinstall windows.

when i disconect the hdd and try to get to the boot menu only get a cmd like screen

[Blebekblebek]

Just now, TigerTob said:

well if i disconect the drive i can only acsess the bios 

Hence I said, reinstall.

You need to fix this issues one way or another.

 

Your windows files on SSD but your Boot record is on HDD, I don't why it happen, but I've had it before, so... it doesn't matter

Fixing your HDD would be easier if you have proper boot drive.

[TigerTob]

Just now, Blebekblebek said:

Hence I said, reinstall.

You need to fix this issues one way or another.

 

Your windows files on SSD but your Boot record is on HDD, I don't why it happen, but I've had it before, so... it doesn't matter

Fixing your HDD would be easier if you have proper boot drive.

how exactly do i do that since when i try to boot into something without the hdd i only get errors

[Tedster]

1 minute ago, TigerTob said:

when i disconect the hdd and try to get to the boot menu only get a cmd like screen

Sounds like UEFI things screwing you over? You should *always* be able to get to motherboard boot select menu.