Sager 2090 XP issue

Hey I've read about some users having trouble installing XP because of the SATA drive (I know I had that same problem with my desktop as well) but I'm wondering if there's a way around it if you didn't get the floppy drive?

 

I think this is only an issue for people who are not installing Windows XP without Service Pack 2. Otherwise, you have to slipstream SATA drivers for the computer.

 

Service Pack: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...BE-3B8E-4F30-8245-9E368D3CDB5A&displaylang=en
Program to Slipstream: http://www.nliteos.com/

You can even add your license key to the disc so you don't have to enter it during the installation process. Very handy.

 

The Sager 2090 (IFL90) comes with AHCI enabled in the BIOS by default.

When attempting to install Microsoft Windows XP or a previous version on an AHCI-enabled system will cause the setup to fail with the error message "set up could not detect hard disk drive".

The easiest fix is just to disable the AHCI in the BIOS in the Advanced Menu.

AHCI:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Host_Controller_Interface

 

Can't you simply set the BIOS to IDE mode to allow to install, and then on the first restart set it back to AHCI and/or leave it IDE? I know I've done that in the past leaving it in IDE and not seeing any negative results.

 

So do you need to enable AHCI once you finish installing Windows XP and Service Pack 2?

Here's a link to another option:
http://www.theeldergeek.com/slipstreamed_xpsp2_cd.htm

 

Yes, bump this topic. I remember with my desktop I had to load drivers from a floppy to get windows installed on my sata drive. Problem is I dont have a floppy drive on my laptop. If I have windows professional with service pack 2, will it install fine on the sager 2090 with no other configuration? Just put it in the disc and follow the tutorial right?

 

er.. well according to the wiki you should make sure you have completely installed the chipset drivers b4 you go ahead and set AHCI back on or else you'll get a BSoD

 

So as long as I enable AHCI in the BIOS before installing windows xp, xp will install fine? I ask this because I know the exact error I will get with a sata hard drive, as it happened on my desktop as well. Also my laptop is supposed to get to my house on tuesday, so if anyone could let me know soon that would be great because I would have enough time to pick up an external floppy drive.

On a side note, what stores have external floppy's? Preferably some place where I can pick it up so I can install windows xp as soon as I get my laptop

 

Just use nliteos to slipstream in SP2 and your drivers. It is easier than dealing with floppies.

http://www.nliteos.com/

 

I'm not quite sure I understand the slipstreaming process, and dealing with hardware for me has always been easier than messing with software. I'm guessing no one besides the person who mentioned it knows about this ACHI thing?

 

Dont you mean disable, legendz?

Anyway, I think the slipstream is the best since people have reported not being able to get back an enable the ACHI in the BIOS. Plus you'll have a boot CD if you ever need to install windows xp anywhere else or on your laptop. There a lots a guide...buts here's one i'll be using.
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/How-To--Slipstream-your-XP-installation?page=0%2C1

 

I just got my NP2090 yesterday. I used an XP SP2 CD and it detected the HD no problem. I did nothing with the BIOS settings.

If that doesn't work then yes you will need to use the http://www.nliteos.com/ as people suggest - which is very easy.

 

lol I just tried slipstreaming SP2 into a CD and it still wouldn't detect! lol. I used the network install btw

 

Well I just went to install XP and the AHCI was disabled by default...

 

Hmmm, interesting obstacle - I can't slipstream SP2 onto XP 64bit from my current non-64 bit OS... I guess I'm stuck with 32bit XP

 

Install Ubuntu x64 and use Wine to run the slipstreaming app.

 

What do you have to install until you can re enable ahci?