Help please (Vista 64-bit)

Ok so I just got my m1330 yesterday and everything works well except for the audio. If I play a song off of itunes it skips and cracks and it also happens a little on internet videos. I have tried many suggestions but one I read was to install vista 64 bit. I just happen to have a vista ultimate 64 bit disk that is not being used.

Now my problem is I don't know where to get the AHCI drivers. I am using this thread
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=158277&page=1. If you could give me a link it would be much appreciated. Also would I have to reinstall media direct if I install vista 64 bit. I just want to replace the 32 bit partition and not erase everything. Can I do this?

Nevermind I think I found it is it this? http://downloadcenter.intel.com/fil...dows+Vista*+64&lang=eng&strOSs=150&submit=Go!

 

64 bit is good

but the drivers you need will be on the vista disk. You mainly have to worry about the hdd drivers if going XP, as XP does not recognize sata disks

BUT, we should be able to find the right driver for your audio, so stay with 32bit vista unless you want to install 64 bit. It's not a simple upgrade- you have to do a clean install.

 

You can get the newest x64 audio drivers from the Dell site, the m1330 has a Sigmatel chipset.

As for AHCI, those drivers you linked to are the correct ones, but I basically installed them from USB stick while installing Vista x64.

 

Ok thanks for the info can someone tell me what is the right driver for my audio I have the basic sound card and last night I tried to install a driver and it said something about an object missing. And also are you saying that I can just use my vista 64 disk without using the AHCI drivers?

 

As I said, it's on the Dell page http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&releaseid=R171786&SystemID=XPS_M1330&servicetag=&os=WLH&osl=en&deviceid=8907&devlib=0&typecnt=0&vercnt=3&catid=-1&impid=-1&formatcnt=1&libid=3&fileid=235779

You can use Vista 64 without AHCI by setting the bios to ATA, but AHCI performs better so you're better using that.

 

there is no perf improvement with ahci if youre not using turbo memory, in fact I get lower scores with ahci enabled and no flash cache. you can run the vista installation program and install vista 64 on to your current 32bit partition, just format that partition - dont repartition the drive, and youll keep the media direct partition.

 

the drivers are on the vista disk

 

Thats good to hear that I don't have to worry about reinstalling media direct. So basically I should just stick the 64 bit disk in and let it do its thing?
O, will like my touch pad work or should I go and get a usb mouse to use during installation?