[Ham-Computers] RE: XP with SATA Harddrive

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

Hi Loren,

Did you get my last e-mail?  Along with the list of WinXP drivers for the C700, it included instructions on how to install WinXP with a SATA drive.  I'll send it to you again.

For others interested, WinXP doesn't support SATA out-of-the-box.  You either need to disable "native" SATA mode or use the <F6> install method when installing WinXP.  Disabling "native" SATA will reduce performance, but it usually doesn't make a difference in WinXP.  However, most would prefer to get the most performance out of their system, so using the <F6> method is the way to go.

Below is a snippet from the e-mail I sent Loren.  If anyone has any Q's, let me know.


73,

  - Aaron, NN6O


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One definite issue you'll run into is that Windows XP doesn't support the SATA hard drive running in "native" mode.  So, you'll need to install Windows XP using the "F6" method.  Go here and download the "Floppy Configuration Utility".  Then follow the instructions under the "How to install...on a single serial ATA hard drive (F6 install method)" link:

http://www.intel.com/support/chipsets/imsm/

If you don't use the <F6> method, then the WinXP installer will eventually give you a "no hard drives found" error.

Another option is to "slip-stream" (add) the drivers into the WinXP installation CD.  There's a great utility called "nLite" that allows you to slip-stream the SATA driver and many other drivers/apps (e.g. chipset support) plus customize the actual WinXP installation.  It's free and you can get it here:

http://www.nliteos.com

You still need an original WinXP installation CD to build from, but the resulting installation CD you create is bootable and will work just like the regular WinXP install CD (except it has all your own customizations and apps).