IDE to AHCI *after* XP install

Hey guys,

I've asked this within other semi-related threads, and didn't get a lot of bites. Mods, if there's a problem with posting this, feel free to delete...

When I got my P-7811 about a month ago, I tried to like Vista (for the second time), but I really hated it. I completely reformatted and threw on XP Pro SP3. I managed to get everything working, including the audio and cam mic, which i was/am thrilled about. What I FORGOT to do was install the drivers at install for AHCI, so now I'm stuck at IDE.

So question is: Is there any way to get the drivers installed for AHCI after install of XP? Thanks much in advance!

 

This thread, although it relates to the Dell Latitude E series, might be a good starting place.

John

 

Thanks John! I tried his XP suggestions, but I get the same ole' BSOD on reboot even after merging the registry entry.

 

Also see this on the Dell support site.

John

 

Thanks John. Still no luck though.

 

Here's an idea I've been kicking around, but haven't had time to fully experiment with: try using Sysprep!

I recently did a system where I work where the original system ghost image was not done on a RAID'ed drive. I was building a custom system for my boss using that image though, and he wanted two HD's RAID'ed together in RAID1 for the boot partition. On a whim I went ahead and RAID'ed the two drives together and then Ghosted the system image over to the drives.

I honestly didn't expect it to work.

... I worked flawlessly!

What I had forgotten is that when we created the image, we used the "Use Mini-Setup" option in Sysprep XP. When you do that, it forces hardware redetection, and then would automatically reload the right drivers.

If you want to try it, all you would need to do is download and run Sysprep (use the one for XP: Sysprep 2.0!) on your system. Put a checkmark on "Don't Reset Grace Period for Activation", 'Use Min-Setup", and "Don't regenerate security identifies". Now click "Reseal".

The next time you restart the system the computer will act like the first time you installed Windows (it'll go through the setup process). When everything's said and done it and after it reboots, you should be back to where you were before, except with a working system using AHCI. You *SHOULDN'T* lose any data by doing this.

Word of warning though: back up important data first. That, and if your computer blows up, catches fire, starts running around backwards, chanting in foreign langages, barking, or starts calling you mommy, I'm not responsible. Do this at your own risk.

 

Hey man, thanks! I will try it later today! Where would I put the AHCI drivers though so the re-install could find them?

 

You shouldn't need to. If you install the Intel driver package (Intel Storage Matrix drivers) before you do the Sysprep it should automatically see them afterwards.

If you want to be sure, just unpack the drivers to a directory on the root of your hard drive. During the restart phase, if it asks for the drivers, just point it to the folder.

 

Does this method create C:\Documents and Settings\Users.old folders? and C:\Windows.old folders? Does it ask for username/computer name?

 

Couldn't tell ya. I haven't experimented with it fully yet.

 

Hmmm... I tried, but I get an incompatibility msg with Sysprep 2.0 on my XP SP3 OS.

 

Humm... they must have updated the utility since then. Come to think of it, I think our image is still on SP2 (which we then update to SP3 after it's on the system). Lemme poke my head around to see what I can find.

 

I found one that's supposedly compatible with SP3, but I get the same error.

 

Yup, that's what they did. Here's the updated version that works on SP3:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...19-8e3e-4be0-ac31-70dd21b5afa7&displaylang=en

 

Tried that one. Same thang.

 

Humm. I have no idea what's up with it. I'll look around to see if I can find an answer for you.

 

Thank you, sir!

 

For those of you still looking to accomplish this, follow this guide. It worked perfectly!!!!

http://forums.pcper.com/showthread.php?t=444831