I am trying to use an older Hitachi/DeskStar Model IBM-DTLA-307030 in a Dell machine. With Fdisk, I can remove all the partitions, but when I select "use all drive for primary partition" I only get 2042 megs. (Yes I enable large disk support first!). I then removed the primary partition both with and then without large disk support utilized, but it makes no difference. I get 2 gigs usable out of a thirty gig drive. I can't even use the remauining drive for an extended partition. It is like a 2 gig drive! I know it used to work as a thirty, and it is clearly labeled a 30. I have used all of the Hitachi/IBM tools that show no need fopr a firmware update, it tests out fine with the diagnostics and it shows it as a 30 gig drive. None of the "DeathStar" clicking noises as many have reported as these drives fail. But I am stumped!! All help appreciated. No Spyware/Adware or Virus. I use Linspire on my other computer!. Ask me about it.

What does the BIOS state? Is it being recognized correctly?

I have four IBM Deskstar 20GB HDD's on my desk at the moment, they ALL report on BIOS as only 2133GB, always the same so I suspect a head driver chip or similar on the HDD, bin them! or use them as bookends. regards. Bob Mitchell.

After checking BIOS, as per hiho, fdisk /status M2 If at first you don't succeed, you're about average.