Precision M6400 and XP x64 install issues

Was hoping for some help regarding this issue, I really don't know how to solve this.

I have just taken receipt of my precision m6400. After messing about with the default XP x86 install I thought I would install the OS of my choice. Before that I switched around the hard drive configuiration. I had my own 320gb sata drive which I put into the HDD1 compartment, and moved the default 80gb drive to the HDD2 cage.

Whenever I try to load the winxp pro x64 installation via bootup, I get a STOP: 0x0000007B once it has finished loading the setup files and continues on to load the actuall installer.

To add insult to injury, I have installed a copy of windows 7 rtm x64 and x86 versions successfully. I have also tested the xp x64 setup disc in another machine and it works fine, (i.e. gets past the problematic section) so the CD isnt to blame.

I understand that the above mentioned STOP: 0x0000007B error is pertaining to an error in boot drive recognition, something to do with not loading the correct raid or sata drivers. But the xp pro x64 setup cd I am using has service pack 2 slipstreamed into it. So surely I shouldn't be required to press f6 to load up sata or raid drivers?

Slightly stumped, looking for help.

Has anybody installed xp pro x64 on their precision m6400 and encountered this problem?

Many thanks.

 

Ensure that the disk system in the bios is not switched to RAID.

 

Thanks for that bit of advice manicguitarist. I ensured RAID wasn't on, it was set to AHCI. When I turned it to ATA, then I was able to get winxp x64 to install. The only problem is, why will it work with only ATA? This means I lose functionality of the eSata ports, something I was looking forward to using. Is there anyway I can get AHCI to work with XP x64?

 

because XP, even SP2, does not have the necessary drivers for your sata controller. You would need to either slip stream them into an install disk, or install them from a floppy by hitting F6 upon bootup.

 

I'm not too sure about slipstreaming, never done it before. Would using a usb external floppy work? I have one of those, just not sure exactly what driver I have to download from Dell's site. Under the precision m6400 there are quite a few under the sata header.

 

yes, an external USB floppy will work just fine.


This is the download you want

http://support.dell.com/support/dow...1&impid=-1&formatcnt=1&libid=41&fileid=310201

 

Thank you so much for that Dillo187, thats really helpful. I now need to rummage around for some spare floppy discs, lol.

I think slipstreaming the drivers maybe a better idea in the long run...