Hmmmm! I've heard that before, about FDISK, but it depends on what version of FDISK you're using.
I've set up all my DOS boot disks with a format that I performed on a PC running Windows ME.
My DOS utilities disk, floppy, CD or flash drive all use the DOS commands from W-ME.
It's much more capable than the DOS from Win-98.
When I set up a new HD, I set the first partition, which I will later use for an OS, to about 30 gigs. Then I set part #2 to use the rest of the disk.
Likewise when I format with Format.com. I format the first partition, no problem.
When I go to format the much larger D: partition Format shows an incorrect size, but,,,,,it will continue formatting till it reaches the last sector on the drive. Again, no problem.
The largest HD I have is a 500 gig and my technique has worked just fine.
Having a hard drive manager like Partition Magic 8 or Easus Partition Manager on a boot CD or flash drive is also very helpful in setting up a brand new HD.
Both work well to partition and format a new HD.
I even found a Portable version of one of the Partition Manager programs that runs great from any CD or flash drive, without ever being installed in Windows. That's been extremely useful!
There are just so many things that work better from a DOS boot disk, especially when you don't have a computer running Windows, YET.
Cheers mates!
Old Timer