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Hard disk capacity detected incorrectly on disks that have been limited in capacity (destroked)

This document (7005096) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 Service Pack 1
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 Service Pack 2
SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 11
SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 11 Service Pack 1
SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 11 Service Pack 2

Situation

An external utility is used to destroke (limit a hard drive in capacity) from 160 GB to 80 GB by using the "set max address" command which changes the Max LBA.  When SLES is installed, during the hard disk partitioning, the hard disk is recognized with a capacity of 160 GB.  The terminal is able to complete the installation and function as 160 GB in the Xdesktop. However when the system  reboots, it fails with a "grub geom error."

Resolution

This is caused by the hard disk probe during partitioning in SLES.  By default libata unlocks the HPA (hidden protected area) so that the entire hard disk capacity is used.

This can be resolved by adding "libata.ignore_hpa=0" as a kernel parameter so that libata does not unlock the HPA.

Disclaimer

This Support Knowledgebase provides a valuable tool for SUSE customers and parties interested in our products and solutions to acquire information, ideas and learn from one another. Materials are provided for informational, personal or non-commercial use within your organization and are presented "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.

  • Document ID:7005096
  • Creation Date: 31-Dec-2009
  • Modified Date:04-Oct-2022
    • SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop
    • SUSE Linux Enterprise Server
    • SUSE Linux Enterprise Real Time Extension

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