How to set up and resolve issues for save to file partition

Updated: 07/13/2023 by Computer Hope
save to file partition

Below is a listing of various solutions to issues and information relating to Phdisk and HDPREP.

After adding additional memory, receiving Phdisk or HDPREP or save to file error

The partition or file is created based on the amount of memory installed in the computer at the time the software is installed. Sometimes, errors can occur because the Phdisk partition or HDPREP file is too small.

If, after adding additional memory, you encounter errors relating to Phdisk or HDPREP, we recommend you reinstall or set up the partition or hard drive again.

After upgrading to Windows 98 with FAT32 or Windows NT and NTFS, encounter errors

It may be required that a BIOS update or updated Phdisk or HDPREP be obtained. Contact the computer manufacturer for these updates.

Note

BPB (BIOS Pattern Block) error is also caused by Phdisk when the incorrect Phdisk version is used with FAT32.

After installing Windows 2000, receive issues with Phdisk or HDPREP

Windows 2000 has its own save to file utility and because of this, it may cause issues with the pre-existing utility. Because Windows 2000 has its own utility we recommend you disable or remove the pre-existing utility. It may also be necessary to update the computer BIOS (basic input/output system) too.

Errors with Phdisk after installing third-party disk management utility

If you encounter problems using Phdisk after you have also used a third-party disk management utility, such as partition magic, the software may need to be reinstalled or upgraded.

How to update or install Phdisk

Below are steps to install or update Phdisk. It is important to note that the laptop computer BIOS must be a Phoenix BIOS with support for Phdisk. If 100% of the hard drive is being utilized, it's not possible to create a Phdisk partition. Phdisk requires that a percentage of the hard drive be available for the partition to be created.

To determine if the hard drive is utilizing 100% the available space on disk, use fdisk and display the partition information.

  1. Install or locate Phdisk on the hard drive. Phdisk is named Phdisk.EXE or M2Phdisk.EXE. If you do not have Phdisk, we recommend it be downloaded from the computer manufacturer's website.
  2. If not already verified, ensure that available partition space is available for the Phdisk partition.
  3. Once located, type phdisk /create <size> and press Enter. The <size> is the size of the partition that is created using Phdisk. This size is determined in KB, but in some cases may also be configured in MB.

If your computer came with Phdisk pre-installed, and has manufacturer software such as a restore CD (Compact Disc) or diskettes, reinstalling this software also restores the Phdisk partition.

If you cannot create this partition using Phdisk or have it restored, contact the computer manufacturer or disable the save to file partition option.

How to update or install HDPREP

Below are steps on installing or updating HDPREP save to file option. It is important to note that the laptop computer BIOS must be an AMI BIOS with support for HDPREP. Unlike Phdisk, HDPREP information is stored in a file and not a partition.

  1. Install or locate HDPREP on the hard drive. The HDPREP executable file is named HDPREP.EXE. If you do not have HDPREP, you can download it from your computer manufacturer's website.
  2. Verify that the hard drive has at least 150 MB of available disk space before creating the HDPREP file.
  3. Once HDPREP is located or installed, type: HDPREP /CREATE and press Enter.
  4. If done successfully, a prompt on where to store the file and how big the file should be shown.

Also, if your computer came configured with HDPREP already configured and has a restore CD or diskettes, reinstalling this software also restore the HDPREP file.

If you cannot create this partition using HDPREP or have it restored, contact the computer manufacturer, or disable the save to file partition option.

How to disable save to file partition

To disable the save to file option, enter the BIOS setup and locate "Save to File" located under the Power menu. Set this option to disabled.

If this is not available or does not resolve the issue, disable all Power Management.

If this does not disable the save to file partition option or continue to get Save to File errors, contact the computer manufacturer for additional recommendations or solutions.

Can I upgrade to HDPREP from Phdisk?

Because these utilities are dependent on the computer BIOS you cannot upgrade from Phdisk to HDPREP or from HDPREP to Phdisk.

If your laptop did not support Phdisk or HDPREP unless there is an available BIOS update you cannot upgrade to Phdisk or HDPREP.