Trouble installing New WD on older Aopen AP5VM

[Oakenfold]

Hi guys! I'm having some install issues here, I'm working on my mother in law's computer and it's a 20GB WD and it only recognizes 8GB in the Bios, is this a BIOS issue? I'm guessing that it is, I also put in a 128 Mb Dimm in it and it only picks up 31Mb off the Dimm, much to my dismay I found in the online manual it will only read 64 Mb off a dimm if I understand correctly, can anyone give advice that DOES NOT involve flashing the bios? I'm not experienced enough to do that yet,...still getting over my first failed flash...

http://www.aopen.com.tw/products/mb/ap5vm.htm

 

[Yzzim]

Linkified

Sounds like the motherboard will only go up to 8 gigs which is normal for an old board. Are you using SIMMs and DIMMs in the computer or just the DIMM?

Only thing I'd recommend is flashing the BIOS, but you don't wanna do that....

 

[Pederv]

8GB limit and you will have to take note of the settings the bios uses if and when you upgrade to a new motherboard. Because the new motherboard will see the drive correctly and all will be lost. Get 64MB DIMMS, does it take 2? Been tryin to get to aopen but can't.
Though you don't want to, a bios upgrade is suggested.

 

[Slikkster]

Virtually all hard drive manufacturers have software specifically designed to overcome bios limitations preventing detection/usage of larger hard drives. Get Western Digital's version called "Lifeguard Tools" free here:

http://www.westerndigital.com/service/ftp/dlgtools/dlgmaker.exe

 

[Oakenfold]

That's what I figured...I'm only using 1 128mb dimm, no simms, it's only got one dimm slot(think it will only recognize 1 64 mb dimm according to the online manual)..I wonder if now I try to go into the bios with the Western Digital utility if that might fix it even though I've already recognized and partitioned 8 gb of the 20 gb? Any suggestions..?

 

[Slikkster]

You won't be going into the bios...use the utility and re-partition the drive.

 

[Oakenfold]

I'm trying to do it without losing all the data since I've already loaded windows on Cprimary dos partion) and most programs on Dextended)

 

[PowerJoe]

more info

In order to repartition your drive without deleting your existing config and data, you'll need to:
1. Flash the BIOS
2. Use a tool like PartitionMagic

Otherwise, I'm afraid you'll have to reformat.

-PJ