Easiest way to use a > 2TB internal hard disk in Windows XP 32-bit?

I have an 3TB external disk and Windows XP 32 bit. It works as a USB 2 disk with its enclosure, but I want to use it as an internal SATA disk. I don't want to use it as a boot disk, only as a data disk. I understand that normally I need GPT (GUID partition table), and then I can't use Windows XP 32 bit anymore. I would prefer to avoid this. But what I did not understand by googling around is: can I partition the disk in 2 parts (so that each part is less than 2TB) with MBR and use it in Windows 32-bit? If yes, which tools do I need?

Answer

You could use Paragon GPT Loader ($19.95) which :

• Allows the use of all disk space on a 2.2TB+ drive under Windows XP


• Augments Windows XP by adding support for GPT disks

Or you could use the free GIGABYTE 3TB+ Unlock Utility to create two virtual drives on the disk : 2TB + 1TB, if your motherboard is on the supported list.