Lost my partitions over the 4gb barrier

[JaXanim]

The PowerFlyer software version seems to affect how easily you can 'revert' several 3.9Gb units (from the Split Mode) back to one or two larger units using Non-Split Mode.

The current version 7 makes it impossible (as far as I can fathom) to delete the RDB records for the small units even though you redo the routines in Non-Split Mode. In fact reformatting a 20Gb drive became a nightmare for me.

I have discussed this with Elbox who explained the v7 system (I didn't understand it anyway). It's certainly different from the earlier PF softare and needs an RDB editor to remove the spurious records seen by HDToolbox.

I now have around ten records for spurious devices which don't exist and I'm blowed if I know how to remove them. Elbox's suggested RDB editor (a Polish tool), as well as the RDB squisher in HDInstTools don't solve it).

The problem is if you pick the 'wrong' unit number in HDToolbox and attempt to work with it, it all crashes. You then have to start over repeating the process until you land on a 'proper' device. Very frustrating and not very helpful.

Anyone got the solution, other than downgrading the PF software?

Cheers,

JaX

[JaXanim]

@lorddef

Yes, you could use an earlier version of the PF software, but I'm interested to hear if anyone has resolved the v7 issue.

@All

Another thing to be aware of with v7 is that the 'Save' button on the ATAPrefs gui serves no practical purpose. If you select the 'No-Split' routine, you should click the 'Use' button to exit. This will allow you to continue under with HDToolbox the No-Split regime.

Unfortunately, this change to the documented instructions is not described anywhere in the v7 literature and was only mentioned in passing during my discussion with Elbox.

I managed to repartition the 'correct' unit under the No-Split regime more or less by trial and error. At least the 'correct' drive now appears at the top of the RDB list presented by HDToolbox. The other eight or nine logical (non-existant) drives are still there awaiting insight from anyone who can help.

Unfortunately, I've copied all my stuff onto this drive and reformatting on a pc is not an attractive proposition, nor should it be necessary.

Maybe if everyone running PF v7 software complained to Elbox about this illogical modification, they'll fix the problem in their next upgrade?

Cheers,

JaX

[JaXanim]

@lorddef

If you decide to go back to a single 15Gb drive and partition that as you want, you must backup the stuff already on the 3.9Gb logical drive created by the ATA3Prefs/Split mode.

If you are using v7 software, beware of the problems I've described. If it's an earlier version, you should be able to set ATA3Prefs to No-Split and get a single drive Unit number in HDToolbox. So, try using 'Save' to exit ATA3Prefs, but be aware of the v7 issue, it may be a carry-over I don't know. If in HDToolbox you still get a split drive (several 3.9Gb 'logical' drives), redo the ATA3Prefs bit and exit with the 'Use' button. You should then be able to do what you want.

Cheers,

JaX