here's how to do it in theory, i've not got time to try this yet but it *should* work, since ive not tested it the method might be slightly wrong
*DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK*
you'll need a pc,
an ide/cf drive (like the one you'll install in your xl)
this HP usb format tool
http://www.pscience5.net/downloads/CFP/SP27213.exedos bootfiles
http://www.pscience5.net/downloads/CFP/ ... TFILES.zipthe fixed disk tool
http://privat.bahnhof.se/wb447909/ATCFWCHG.zipso first in windows you need to use the HP tool to format the CF as a bootable device using the dos bootfiles. Just install the HP tool, then unpack the bootfiles somewhere and when you use the tool tell it to make a bootable dos disk, then show it where those files are.
once you did that you have a bootable compact flash, copy the fixed disk tool (unzipped of course) to the CF
now (this bit is a pita) shutdown your pc disconnect your main hd and connect the ide/cf drive to the first ide port as master (if you want to be double safe disconnect all harddrives from the ide bus, that way if you screw up you dont hose your data)
now start the pc (change bios ide settings to auto so the ide/cf reader is found)
you should now have a dos prompt, from here type either
atcfwchg /p /f
and press enter
or
atcfwchg /p
followed by
atcfwchg /f
this should now make the CF into a "fixed" drive.
Then connect up your hd's again and boot the computer, you should now have a CF thats partitionable since it will be seen as a harddrive and not a removable disk.
The question is, **will the mpc be able to see that?** tbh i doubt it, i'll give it a try when i get a chance.
again this might not be 100% correct, but its in the ballpark, you'll have to try yourself to get it down exact and as far as i know this will only work with sandisk extreme III or extreme IV
good luck and lets hear how you get on
p.s. this research was brought to you free
