So if I understand the advice, I should just make a bunch of small partitions around 30GB or so each? I didn't think of that (obviously) and sounds like a good idea, think I'll give that a shot.

I'm still curious as to why this computer (from around 2005) would have such an old smbios and I'm still wondering how to change/update/upgrade the smbios but for now a work around will do nicely.

Thanks lightninghorse.

Any other insights still appreciated purely for the benefit of understanding.

"It is what it is." R.R.
CTP, TCTS, StrataCIX