missing hard drive space...help

i can't seem to be able to get the full 250 gigs of hard drive space. when i install windows xp pro, it only shows like 131 gigs of free space to install windows. after windows is installed, i check the "c" drive and it only shows 127 gigs of total space. i understand that you will not be able to get all of the gig space indicated but to only have what i have is just crazy. has anyone come across this before? what can i do to solve this? thanks.

here is the specs for my comp:
Intel Pentium D 830
Gigabyte GA-8N-SLI Pro Motherboard
1 GB Corsair XMS2
Segate SATA 250 GB
EVGA 7800 GT
NEC DVD-RW
AreoCool Turbine 550 Watts PS

 

ooppps

Are your drives in LBA mode in your bios ?

 

You've hit the 137 GB limit.

What Service Packs do you have? The original XP on it's own does NOT support drives larger than 137 GB.

It may be your Bios, but that's unlikely as your hardware is modern.

The easiest way is to install SP2, or at least SP1.

There is a workaround detailed HERE.

Also, HERE is some more information for your reading pleasure.

 

i think what you suggested could solve the problem. let me give that a shot. thanks for the help.

 

You're welcome.

It will work, it's a common issue. Good luck.