Why do I only have 37.2 GB of memory capacity?

Question

I've been having problems with this computer. I've re-installed the OS 3 times today. This is the first time it's been re-installed. I'm 99.9% sure that I had more than this before I re-installed the OS. Just before the last time it was re-installed, the drive was reformatted. Where did all my memory go? How do I get it back? I also cannot change the screen resolution. It's stuck at 640 x 480 pixles, and 16 Bit Color.
Specs: Windows XP Home Edition
Dell Dimension 2300

Answer 1

You have 2 problem :
1. your capacity is 37.2 GB
2. stuck at 640 x 480 pixles, and 16 Bit Color.

here is my though :
1. based on your capacity, u must be format your hardisk using ntfs on 40 Gb HD. rite?
DONT WORRY, 37.2 GB is normaly for ntfs. Because this kind of format need maximum 1 % of total capacity to stored their table (table for random acces, kind of file aloccation table), and keep hardisk MBR (main boot record).

2. stuck on 640x480 is just because parobably u haven't installed your driver. Are you using internal motherboard vga? if yes, this situation are often came out.

Answer 2

OK, there are two different types of "reinstalls" you can do on a pre-built system like the one you have.

First, Dell should have supplied you with a Windows CD that you can use to reinstall a clean copy. By "clean", I'm talking without all the software that came preinstalled on it. From your description of the problem, it seems like that's what you've done. The downside to this option is that you have to install the drivers for all your hardware including the video card and other components integrated in your motherboard. Dell should have given you another CD for this purpose.

Another option should be described in the manual or out on Dell's website. Usually Dell makes a separate partition on the hard drive that is an image of what you had installed when the PC was first shipped to you. Hopefully, that partition on your hard drive is still there (it's possible you accidently deleted it).

This is a tough one to troubleshoot in a Q&A forum like this one. I suggest you either call Dell for help if you still need it, or go to www.tek-tips.com and post your question there.

Answer 3

open the case and look at the hard drive it will tell u right on it what size it is although windows will always show it as a little smaller than what it really is because part of the drive is used up to partion it

Answer 4

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