drive geometry error

[Kevin D. Kinsey, DaleCo, S.P.]

Edsger wrote:

>I've been reading up my mail and although a little late, I might have some
>information that can help you. I had the same experience you've had, with my
>Maxtor of 60 GB. While trying to install freebsd 5.2 a few months ago, the
>setup complained about a incorrect drive geometry and it suggested also a
>more likely geometry. I continued and when the settings were finally written
>to disk my system crashed and my hard drive started to making very weird
>noises. I ended up sending my hard disk to Maxtor to receive a new one,
>because my disk wouldn't boot properly anymore. I think the error message
>you get has nothing to do with some kind of maximum hd-capacity freebsd is
>able to read (my drive was "only" 60 GB). I've learned that in case with
>these kind of weird suggestions the installer makes you'd better think twice
>before applying them. 
>
>Hope this helps you in some way. I'd like to here if you find out what's
>causing the errors the installer makes.
>
>Edsger
>  
>

I'd like to hear also, as my experience is quite
the opposite of yours.  Having installed 5.2.1
and 5.3 on about half a dozen boxes now,
I've never had a crash or installer hang after
allowing the system to use what it suggests for
drive geometry.  But, that's just me.

Kevin Kinsey