SATA Driver for Windows XP installation

[public2]

Hi everybody.

I’ve a question or a request you might say, about SATA drivers reguarding a Windows XP Pro 64-bit installation.

I just purchased a laptop that uses a SATA harddisc. It has preinstalled Windows Vista Home Edition but I’m not so fond of Vista so I want to install my Windows XP Pro 64-bit. Unfortunately it can’t recognize my SATA harddisc, so it can’t install it.

I’ve been told that the solution is to have a SATA driver on either a USB flashdrive or integrate it with the normal Windows XP installation cd using the nLite software.
I found a driver for SATA at Intel.com, but regrettably it was only for a 32-bit version, so it doesn’t work when I integrate it using nLite software.

I’ve scouted the Internet and especially Intel.com but can’t seem to find the right driver that suites my Windows version. I’ve an Intel Core2duo 2000 MHZ running with an Intel 965 Chipset + ICH8M on a Santa Rosa platform.

I really hope that someone has a solution to my problem, whether it is using the nLite software or make a bootable USB flashdrive with the correct SATA driver located.

Thanks in advance
Best regards
Emil

[ED_H]

I don't know about XP 64 bit, I run XP Pro 32 bit on my desktop with 2 SATA drives (0 PATA drives) and as long as I am not trying to run a Raid setup windows recognizes both drives upon install without any special drivers. I did however have to set certain parameters in my Bios. You may want to look into your Bios settings. My XP install has SP2 Integrated, possibly that has something to do with it.

[Bofinn]

I don't think a flash drive (no need to be bootable either) will work with XP because after pressing F6, XP is forced to look at the A: drive.

a USB floppy might work though.

[zman88]

What laptop is it? You may be able to go into bios and set SATA to compatibility mode. Also make sure you have the latest bios .

You need the Intel Matrix Storage Manager drivers . I just looked and Xp Pro 64 bit is available. You need to slipstream them into your XP installation disc.

[zman88]

Forgot to mention that if you do have the SATA option in the bios ,you can install chipset drivers after installation.

If you don't, then you'll need to do the slipstreaming XP method to do the install.

[S.SubZero]

There's little to gain from having a laptop hard drive in SATA mode. If you look in the BIOS you should see an option to either get it out of "AHCI" mode, or get it into legacy mode or IDE mode. Unless you have some very specific reason, you want to select this option. 'Legacy' mode for hard drives is fine.