Solved 4TB hard drive, how can I format it?

[netrate]

I didn't realise that Win 7 only lets me format/partition 2TB of the hard drive with its simple volume. How can I get around this for my 4TB hard drive?

 

[siliconbeaver]

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How do I format a 4TB hard drive in Windows 7?

1 Answer

• Start Disk Management.
• If the disk contains any partitions or volumes, right-click each and then click Delete Partition or Delete Volume, until the disk is all one unallocated space.
• Right-click the MBR disk and then click Convert to GPT Disk.
• Format the disk as one volume of type NTFS.

 

[netrate]

All of the options you refer to are GREYED OUT.
The only option available is "create simple volume"
This is a brand new, never used 4TB drive.

 

[siliconbeaver]

When install Windows 7, your BIOS should setup UFEI mode than CSM mode.

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[netrate]

Will this affect any of the other hard drives presently in the system? I am wondering if I should just take the OEM drive and make it a portable USB drive. Would that have any effect?

 

[siliconbeaver]

If you can go through Windows 7 install in UFEI mode, then no impacts.
If you cannot, then likely video display is an issue. An easy solution is UefiSeven. (i.e. UFEI Win7)

https://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/427549-win7-install-issue.html#post3510429

 

[netrate]

Ok, I gues I wasn't being clear enough, sorry about that. This is going to be used as a backup drive only. This will not be a boot drive. Just for storage.

 

[siliconbeaver]

The feature is same
Win 7 in CSM mode can see upto 2TB. hence the 4TB cannot be seen. If you do format, only 2TB on it is visible.
Win 7 in UFEI/GPT mode can see upto 9ZB. hence you can fully take advantage of the 4TB.

 

[SIW2]

Just for storage.

You need to make the 4tb disk gpt partition style.

It has nothing to do with csm.

post a screenshot of disk management window

 

[netrate]

Here is a screen shot - the drive is now being set up as an external USB enclosure. Right clicking only bring up NEW SIMPLE VOLUME. Everything else is greyed out. I can put it back inside of my case to use internally if needed.

 

[SIW2]

rt click on the words Disk 2

select properties and then click the Volumes tab

that will tell the partition style



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If your disk is already GPT you can go ahead and create new volumes and will be able to utilize all 4tb.

If your disk is MBR partition style, you will only be able create new volumes up to to 2tb. Half the disk would be wasted.

Therefore, if it is MBR style the sensible thing is to convert it to GPT

 

[netrate]

Ok it is set to MBR. So what is the process of setting it to GPT that won't affect my entire system?

 

[SIW2]

It wont affect anything else.

open an administrator command prompt and type :

diskpart
(then press enter, it might take a couple of seconds for the next prompt > to appear)
lis dis
(then press enter)
( you will see the number for your 4tb disk , probably disk2 )
( select the number it shows for your 4tb disk)
sel dis 2
(then press enter)
clean
(then press enter)
convert gpt
(then press enter)

(to get out of diskpart type)
exi
(then press enter)

 

[netrate]

I followed the instructions, but it still says there is only 1.7TB but the volume is not GPT

 

[SIW2]

Post a screenshot of diskgenius main window. It is a useful free program

Download DGEngSetup5431342.exe

 

[netrate]

Here is the screen shot :

 

[SIW2]

Diskgenius says it is GPT

WDVN008. Does anybody recognize that ?

 

[netrate]

This is a brand new drive, just got it from Staples today. I haven't done anything to it yet except what you have asked me and viewed what Disk Management had to say.
Would it be better to make it internal again?

 

[SIW2]

Would it be better to make it internal again?

Yes.


What enclosure did you put it in?

 

[netrate]

Just a typical enclosure I had for hard drives, nothing unique about it. I will install into the case and try DiskGenius again.

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Here it is , internal install.
.
and here is disk management :


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SOLVED

It has been formatted and working.
Solved. thank you.