80GB: 04/28/98-i430VX-SMC37C93-2A59GB3JC-00

[josisek]

I have installed a new 80Gb hard drive and am not getting any success in seeing all 80GB. It only sees 8GB. Is there a new BIOS version available? The BIOS version I have is 04/28/98-i430VX-SMC37C93-2A59GB3JC-00

Thanks,
Joe

[NickS]

2A59GB3 means it is a BCMi430VX motherboard. Unfortunately none of the three i430VX motherboard BIOSes I can see there looks like yours.
- What does it say under the "Award" logo in the top left pf the memory count screen ? e.g for the DR730 motherboard it says
"DR730 BIOS VER:2.10 (#20540)"
- Is it in an OEM box, such as Packard Bell ?

[josisek]

Nick,
I've downloaded a Bios checking program and this is what I get after running the Bios checking program, which in fact matches the screen at boot-up. Yes, it is a Packard Bell - Multimedia 750.

Program: Unicore Chip Detect v0.72 2000.03.10
BIOS Date: 04/28/98
BIOS Type: Award Modular BIOS/G400 R1.11
BIOS ID: 04/28/98-i430VX-SMC37C93-2A59GB3JC-00
BIOS Eval: PACKARD BELL BIOS version v1.25I
Chipset: Intel Triton 430VX rev 2
Superio: SMC 93x rev 1 found at port 370h

I think the lines in bold is what you are looking for ...

Thanks for your help,
Joe

[NickS]

Packard Bell UK has no information
http://www.uktsupport.co.uk/ does.
Looks as though that G4001.25iBIOS is at http://www.uktechsupport.f9.co.uk/pb-810mb.exe
"PACKARD BELL BIOS version v1.25I"
"04/28/98-i430VX-SMC37C93-2A59GB3JC-00"

That BIOS does not have the necessary BIOS code to support 32GB or larger HDDs; it probably supports HDD up to 8GB. We cannot patch it for you.

Your best options now are:
1. Promise or similar PCI HDD controller card with on-board BIOS, if you have a spare PCI slot.
2. Use your HDD manufacturer's Disk Overlay software ("MaxBlast", "EZ-Disk", "Disk Manager", "LifeGuard" or whatever)

[josisek]

Nick,

I will try EZ-Disk or Disk Manager.

Thanks,
Joe