WinXP Doesn't see new 8GB fixed-size drive

[tai]

The configuration editor shows it as Disk2, but winxp never sees it. It's not in the network, and doesn't show in Windows Explorer. I'm using a MacBook Pro.

 

[pwith]

You have to initialize the disk - just like you would initialize and format a new harddrive.

Peter

 

[tai]

How do I initialize the disk?

 

[tai]

I ask the question because:
a) Windows doesn't see it, so I can't type format e:
b) Parallels tools doesn't have an option for formatting a windows disk (why would it?)
c) the Parallels online help does not mention "Initialize" or "format" (other than fixed vs. expanding)

So, how do I format/initialize the new disk which I've already "attached" to the VM?

 

[tai]

I was wrong about windows not being able to see it.

It shows up under
System information/System Summary/Components/Storage/Disks
How do I initialize it? I found it in the user's guide (it would be helpful if it was added to the online help):
1 Power on your virtual machine.
2 To start the Disk Management utility:
click Start -> Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Computer Management. In the Storage section select Disk Management.
This will run the initialize and convert disk wizard.

 

[tai]

Apparently you need to convert it to a dynamic disk first.
Then you need to "Add a new volume". This will assign a drive letter, etc.
Everything is now working.

 

[tai]

Thanks, Peter, for putting me on the correct path. I abandoned windows about 3 years ago, and it's a bit foggy already....

 

[joem]

Apparently you need to convert it to a dynamic disk first.
Then you need to "Add a new volume". This will assign a drive letter, etc.
Everything is now working.

Converting to a dynamic disk is not necessary, nor IMNSHO, desirable. If you aren't sure you need a dynamic disk, don't do it. If you have to ask why, you don't need it.

Just let it add the signature, then create a single partition, quick format it (NTFS suggested) and go.

 

[tai]

At this point I don't think I have a dynamic disk anymore. I ran out of disk space, and ran the imaging tool to expand it to 14 GB. Windows didn't see the extension, so I went into Control Panel and in the Computer Management/Storage area I found that the drive now consists of two partitions. While there, I "extended" the existing drive, so it now has the correct 14 GB, but it shows up there as two consecutive partititons (with the same drive mapping). I assume I'm good to go, but I'd have preferred to have done it right the first time.