4TB Drive in a T60 --- HELP

[KingBubba]

I am using a StarTech Docking station that supports 4tb drive, but I have been reading everything I can find and still can't seem to figure this one out. I have the T60 8741-4GU with Windows 7 32 bit. I only want to use the drives as storage not boot. I have tried updating the bios and the Intel driver. It is only seen as a 2tb drive. I have tried to expand volume, but it is greyed out. I have tried Seagate Disc Manager and it won't recognize the disc because it is USB. If anyone could give me some help regarding this issue, I would be very appreciative.

[MisterB]

Try setting the drive up with an eSata connection. I have a 2.5tb drive that I need to connect via eSata to partition and do low level adjustments but once partitioned, it works with USB and Windows sees the full drive.

[ZaZ]

32 bit.

32 bit OSes can't see drives larger than 2TB, so you can partition the drive into 2 2TB drives or install Window 7 x64.

[KingBubba]

From what I understand, from my reading, the T60 will allow a 4tb drive, just not as a boot drive. The eSATA is a great idea but I have no eSATA connections on any of my computers. It may just be that that will work. Maybe there is a PCM-CIA card that will allow this to happen. I will wait for continued responses before I try that route. Thanks for the ideas.

[MisterB]

32 bit.

32 bit OSes can't see drives larger than 2TB, so you can partition the drive into 2 2TB drives or install Window 7 x64.

Not true, 32 bit Vista and Windows 7 have no problem with drives and partitions larger than 2gb. There are driver and controller issues that could cause problems but it is not the 32 bit OS that is at fault.

An express card eSata adapter is only a few dollars. That is what I use with my T60s.

[KingBubba]

I looked up the cards and they are available and inexpensive. Can I ask if you. Bill, have you tried the situation that I have described with a drive over the 2.2tb limit?

[jdrou]

Some clarifications here regarding Windows:
The "2 TB limit" is the maximum partition size using MBR partitioning. To get larger partitions you must use GPT instead of MBR. GPT is not supported by WinXP.
Booting from GPT disks is only supported on 64-bit Windows UEFI systems, not traditional BIOS or 32-bit Windows.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2581408/

[KingBubba]

I am aware of the points made, but do know that a GPT drive can be used as a backup drive with the sizes larger than 2.2tb. I think the esata option will work in place of the USB connection. I won't know for sure until I buy an esata card and try it out.

[MisterB]

I use a 2.5tb backup drive in a LaCie enclosure that has both eSata and USB connectors. It is GPT partitioned. The only issue is that it can't be accessed from Xp. eSata is faster as well.

[jdrou]

I am aware of the points made, but do know that a GPT drive can be used as a backup drive with the sizes larger than 2.2tb. I think the esata option will work in place of the USB connection. I won't know for sure until I buy an esata card and try it out.

Are you sure the disk was partitioned as GPT? Does Disk Management show any unpartitioned space on the disk?
EDIT: If you run DISKPART and do "list disk" does the drive show a mark under the "Gpt" column? Or in Disk Management right-click on the drive (not the partition), select "properties", then the "volumes" tab and look for the line "Partition style".

[KingBubba]

I now have a eSata card installed in the T60 and attached to the Startech. I do have the drives set at GPT. I am still only seeing the drive as one partition as 2TB. I have deleted the volume and when I reestablish the format, it still shows up as 2TB with no ability to add a second partition by extending the volume. I am disappointed and stumped. Anyone have an idea around this?

[Hans Gruber]

I have one of those old 7200rpm Seagate backup USB drives. I got the model that has eSATA ports on it as well. I have to find my eSATA cable to test out my T410. With regard to the OP, there is a problem for Windows reading more than 2TB unless you partition the drive in a specific way. With 64 bit it's a non issue. You should try your drive on another computer that has a 64 bit OS. If you see the full 4TB drive or the drive itself, you would know your 32 bit OS is the problem.

[KingBubba]

I have verified that the 32 bit system should recognize 4tb but can only be used as a storage drive. Splitting into 2 or more drive partitions is supposed to be a workaround, but the disk management only recognizes the 2tb so I am unable to ad a second or third partition. Frustrating. I have spent literal hours looking for a solution.

[jdrou]

Just to clarify, when you attached the drive using USB did you try direct to the laptop or just through the docking station?
What model is the drive?

[KingBubba]

Sorry to waste everyone's time with this thread. It appears that when I ordered these drives I was thinking they were 4tb. They are not. They are 2tb drives. I'm not sure where the wires got crossed in my head. My apologies to all. Moderators, if you wish, you can close this thread.

[jdrou]

No problem, we've seen that kind of mistake before (which was why I asked the model question).
Maybe someone in the future will benefit from the info in the thread anyway.