Hard Disk Partitioning; Hard Disk Error Conditions - Compaq AlphaServer 1200 User Manual

3.10

Hard Disk Partitioning

The recommended hard disk partition on the first hard disk in your system is:
partition 1 should be 6 megabytes less than the total size of the drive (this large
partition holds the operating system and the application and data files) and
partition 2 should be the remaining 6 megabytes (this small partition holds only
the few files necessary for your computer to boot).
This arrangement provides two benefits:
•
Windows NT requires that a boot partition be formatted with the FAT file
system. However, the Windows NT file system (NTFS) provides advantages
over FAT, such as additional security and more efficient use of disk space. By
keeping the FAT boot partition as small as possible, the maximum amount of
space is left available for use as an NTFS partition.
•
Most applications install themselves onto drive C by default. Although the
program installation drive is usually configurable by the user, many people
accept the default of drive C. By making the first partition large, drive C
becomes the larger drive. This arrangement makes program installation easier
and avoids time-consuming insufficient disk space mistakes.
3.10.1

Hard Disk Error Conditions

Disk Initialization Failed
When you start hard disk setup, if you receive an "Internal error occurred " message,
it means that a disk was found, but there was an error in communicating with the
disk. The likely conditions that can cause this error are:
•
Incompatible or failed disk cables. You may not have the correct cable installed,
or the cable might have a broken lead or connector. Try another cable known to
be good.
•
Disk controller not configured. You may have to run a configuration utility to
set up your hard disk controller. Check your controller documentation.
•
Disk controller malfunction. Most controllers come with a diagnostic utility to
test controller functioning. If a controller error is found, call the manufacturer
for a replacement.
•
Improper SCSI termination. Many SCSI controllers require that the terminating
resistor packs be removed from all drives between the controller and last drive.
Only the controller itself, and the last drive connected to the controller (the ends
of the "chain"), should have terminating resistor packs left on.
Operation 3-47