4GB partition size limit

[Ayman Altounji]

Here's the scenario, I have a Compaq ML370 server with a 5300 Array Controller with two 18GB (mirrored) to be used as the system partition. This server will also be connected to external drives to store data. Ideally, I would want to have Windows NT 4.0 installed on the full 18GB partition (c:) but this isn't possible because of the installation's formatting process. I used a workaround where I used the smartstart cd (manual configuration) to the point where the OS is ready to be installed. I removed the drive from the server, inserted into a similar server, formatted it NTFS, re-inserted it into the original server and installed NT on the NTFS partition leaving it intact (no format). This worked without any problems. I had documented the whole procedure in detail for future reference. To test out this procedure, I erased the configuration and started over. Ever since then, its never worked. Whenever the NT installation process finishes copying its files and reboots the server, it hangs the server with a flashing cursor at the top of the screen. Numerous attempts were made but no success. The only thing that I suspect that the erase utility doesn't completely erase all the information on the disk and that some residual information is causing the problem. Strange thing is that using the smartstart cd from start to end and formatting the drive to the 4GB limit works. Has anyone come across this problem?

[Ayman Altounji]

"I had documented the whole procedure in detail for future reference."

Please send me the documentation.

[Ayman Altounji]

Do you at least get to the blue screen where it tells you the OS version number? How about the little dots that go across 3, for each partition?

[Ayman Altounji]

I believe the 4Gig Primary partion limit is built into NT4 (and 2000) so I would expect yu to have problems even if you get the OS to boot.

Try referencing Technet, but I'm pretty sure 4G is cast in stone.

[Ayman Altounji]

See the technical bulletins on Microsoft?s web site about the 4 GB limitation of the NT 4.0 boot partition at this web address.

http://search.microsoft.com

[Ayman Altounji]

Would you mail me the procedures?
andy.ou@po.state.ct.us