SATA driver question

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numbthumb

New Member
Hello. I hope someone can help me with a driver problem that I don't fully understand and hesitate pulling the trigger on doing.

I've been struggling here with my limited knowledge regarding the install of XP Pro on a new computer build using an Asus P8Z68-V Pro GEN/3 motherboard. I have a few specific questions that have stymied me. Please if you could, understand that I'm not really up on all the tech terms and acronyms so don't assume I'm smart, cause I'm not. LOL.

I want to eventually install a second hard drive with Win 7 64 bit. so I can dual boot. I'd like my BIOS set to AHCI to take advantage of its features. I will not be using RAID, but I would like my original install of XP to recognize SATA in AHCI MODE. This motherboard doesn't have a floppy controller, so F6 is not an option. Here are my questions.

1. I know of NLite and slipstreaming the SATA drivers in upon the original install. This is a great solution, seems simple enough, except that NO ONE has ever specified WHAT are the driver names????

I went to the mfg website, downloaded the SATA driver .ZIP file. extracted it to a folder on my other PC. When I tried to use NLite, and point it to the 32 bit Driver folder, about a zillion drivers became listed in the NLite program ... it then prompted to exclude the ones I didn't need.

I have absolutely NO idea what SATA controller is on the Z68 chip. It used to say ICH 10 or 9 or whatever, this list on NLite had tons of drivers shown, none of them suggested Z68 chipset. Any internet search I did came up with solutions prior to this new Z68 chipset. I don't want to botch up the XP install with a ton of conflicting drivers. So, first question.... what are the ACTUAL file names I need to include in the slipstream on NLite for the Z68 motherboard to have XP recognize my SATA HD in AHCI MODE?


2.Will this idea work. I fear the BSOD if I try without asking. First set my BIOS to IDE MODE, install XP, then install the SATA drivers from the ASUS CD, Then, shut down the PC, change the BIOS to AHCI mode and reboot? This sounds too easy and if it worked I'm sure a ton of folks wouldn't be struggling with this issue.


Thank you in advance
 
Any specific reason why you need XP? I ask because depending on your needs you could get Win 7 Pro or above and use XP Mode for most uses. It would make things easier and cleaner.
 
Hi, thanks for the reply. I will be installing a second drive for Windows 7 Ultimate 64 which I also already have, but, I have quite a few older programs that I can't afford to let be buggy right now. I do VHS video conversions using a Canopus 300 that digitizes to a dv-avi format. After some editing in an NLE, I use my most favorite of all programs.... LOL an ancient one called DVDWorkshop by Ulead.

I have heard that compatability mode can be funny, and I just can't afford to risk it because a lot of the conversions I do are for a customer. Eventually, I'll migrate with time. Just need to maintain smooth workflow during this change.

thanks much for answering!
 
your plan with IDE mode could work. At worst, you could BSOD. If that happens, just reset it to IDE mode and your golden.
As long as you install the SATA drivers, you shouldnt have a problem.
 
numbthumb said:
Hi, thanks for the reply. I will be installing a second drive for Windows 7 Ultimate 64 which I also already have, but, I have quite a few older programs that I can't afford to let be buggy right now. I do VHS video conversions using a Canopus 300 that digitizes to a dv-avi format. After some editing in an NLE, I use my most favorite of all programs.... LOL an ancient one called DVDWorkshop by Ulead.

I have heard that compatability mode can be funny, and I just can't afford to risk it because a lot of the conversions I do are for a customer. Eventually, I'll migrate with time. Just need to maintain smooth workflow during this change.

thanks much for answering!
Click to expand...

It's actually not the compatibility mode setting is was mentioning, XP Mode is actually a virtual machine that runs inside Windows 7. It sounds like that should work for you.

Here's the wiki article on it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Virtual_PC#Windows_XP_Mode
 
Ah, I wasn't aware of this being its own virtual environment. This may be worth a try.

Just how much difference can I expect in terms of compatibility with many of the little freeware programs I reference now and again. For example, ( hoping you may be aware of them) DVDate, VLC media player, or even more importantly NERO vers. 6, also Adobe Premiere Elements (vers. 3) Wow, I need these. :o

I'm thinking if all these things have to be run in virtual xp, maybe dual boot isn't all that bad an idea.

The old saying ignorance is bliss and a little bit of knowledge can be a dangerous thing .... LOL .. Is certainly applicable to my half knowing thinking process.

I feel like Win. 7 would be like installing an Apple OS on my computer and being stuck with nothing working ever again. :)

I feel like there are a ton of drivers I'll need that I don't even realize I need until I get stuck.

Bottom line ... I'm scared. :D
 
I know VLC works as I've used it in 7. A quick search for the others seems to point to them working. Most of them state they work with Vista which usually means they will work with 7 too. Nero is the only one that may give trouble it seems

With 7 MS vastly improved compatibility with many applications. Even drivers too, many of the drivers needed for your machine will probably be built into 7.
 
Do you think that operations such as burning and backing up DVDs, and CDs, with Nero 6 is too much to ask via XP Mode? Should I bite the bullet and get a later version of Nero or do you think the virtual pc can actually pull off burning dvds through this environment?

LOL, still a bit scared! But, it would be nice to return that 4 gigs of memory and exchange it for 16. :D
 
I do have image burn ... I've only used it for quick buring of iso files to dvd, never really did look over all its features.

Say, LOL, did I see in your computer specs win7/xppro? :)
 
numbthumb said:
I do have image burn ... I've only used it for quick buring of iso files to dvd, never really did look over all its features.

Say, LOL, did I see in your computer specs win7/xppro? :)
Click to expand...

Oh yeah :o

Thats old, I had Pro dual booting but never used it so I got rid of it lol
 
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