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I have an 3TB external disk and Windows XP 32 bit. It works as a USB 2 disk with its enclosure, but I want to use it as an internal SATA disk. I don't want to use it as a boot disk, only as a data disk. I understand that normally I need GPT (GUID partition table), and then I can't use Windows XP 32 bit anymore. I would prefer to avoid this. But what I did not understand by googling around is: can I partition the disk in 2 parts (so that each part is less than 2TB) with MBR and use it in Windows 32-bit? If yes, which tools do I need?

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    I've retagged this as the OS is important for the question.
    – ChrisF
    Nov 9, 2011 at 20:02

2 Answers 2

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You could use Paragon GPT Loader ($19.95) which :

  • Allows the use of all disk space on a 2.2TB+ drive under Windows XP
  • Augments Windows XP by adding support for GPT disks

Or you could use the free GIGABYTE 3TB+ Unlock Utility to create two virtual drives on the disk : 2TB + 1TB, if your motherboard is on the supported list.

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    Or you could upgrade to a modern operating system to go with your modern hardware. :) Good solutions, though - I've never used that particular app, but Paragon is legit.
    – Shinrai
    Nov 9, 2011 at 20:57
  • Would pre-partitioning it into smaller partitions work?
    – Moab
    Nov 9, 2011 at 22:13
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    @Moab: Not without GPT.
    – harrymc
    Nov 9, 2011 at 22:18
  • @harrymc: "Not without GPT" is the answer to my question, so I accept it. So I will get Windows 7 64 bit. Nov 9, 2011 at 23:00
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    @Rookie: This post was for XP. Windows 7 should have no problem with a large disk for both 32- and 64-bit.
    – harrymc
    Jan 26, 2014 at 19:22
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OS Windows XP with 3TB Harddisk

the easy way is, http://www.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/Utility.aspx

download the 3TB + unlock preinstall driver

then

download 3TB + Unlock

follow the instruction to setup

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