M6400 can't boot xp install CD

I bought an M6400 with Vista-64, but I'm having a lot of issues getting that working with an RME cardbus audio interface.

So, as part of debugging, I'm trying to install XP on it instead, just to test. I've tried several XP install CDs we have and every single one of them gets to "inspecting your computer's hardware configuration", then the text disappears and I get a blank screen. The disk spins down into slow mode and nothing happens after that. I've let it sit like that for at least a half an hour, but nothing, no CD activity or anything.

Any ideas what this might be?

Thanks...

-glenn

 

Um...because the default XP CDs do not have SATA drivers. Therefore they cannot detect newer hard-drivers. The solution to this is to make a slipstream XP Install CD, here's what I mean: http://lifehacker.com/386526/slipstream-service-pack-3-into-your-windows-xp-installation-cd

 

I don't think his problem is the SATA problem. Even if he's got the machine in ACHI mode, he should at least get to the point where XP checks for disks (at which point, XP will tell him that there are no drives detected).

That being said, I'm not sure what the problem is. I have a friend who had a similar problem with an M1330, and he solved the problem when he got a new hard drive... if you're using the installation disk that Dell gave you, I'd call 'em up and see what they can do.

 

Yes, that was my thought as well. It just hangs pretty much immediately. No f6 or f-anything actually.

Just to be clear, the install disk that came with the Dell is a vista-64 one, and that works fine. As does a vista-32 one I borrowed to test, and a win7-rc one. They work, the OS's all install fine, the internal drives behave, etc. But I need to get XP running to test an issue with my audio hardware.

I'll call Dell as soon as I get a chance, but I figured I'd try here before dealing with that.