Dell E6500+6600 w/XP, IRRT to ATA BSOD

Default, the Dell E6400 and 6500 w/XP (possibly other models, but these are the only 2 models we purchase) come with SATA mode set to IRRT. We are now testing disk encryption software that requires ATA mode. When set from IRRT to ATA, this causes a BSOD, and functions properly when set back to IRRT or AHCI. Imaging new systems is not a big deal, but there are a lot of systems that have been in the hands of users which we would have to backup their data costing us a lot of time. Is there a way around this issue without reimaging? If their is a post or thread that I happened to overlook when searching, I would greatly appreciate a link.

Thanks

 

The Dell factory OS installation should have the drivers for all the HDD modes pre-loaded.

Otherwise, this thread may contain the guidance you need - I think the discussion expanded beyond the thread title.

Regards,

John

 

Err, this thread?

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=349173

 

Yes, thanks. You've obviously been paying attention these past few weeks.

John

 

Thank you. I read that thread. I called Dell's tech support, and all they will tell me is that I must reimage all of these machines. Is it just not possible to switch to ATA from an install that was done under IRRT? On my Optiplex 755 desktop, the install was done under AHCI, but it has no problem when I change it to ATA.

 

I'm having exactly the same problem but in the opposite direction - ATA to AHCI or IRRT. I installed Windows XP (DELL disk from my old Inspiron 8600 with no SPs) in ATA mode because I got the BSOD in the other modes. I guess this is beacause the drivers are not found in the XP installation. After that I installed the Intel Matrix drivers in Windows but switching to AHCI/IRRT modes results in BSOD again. I read all the threads and tried so many things to make it working, I even tried using an HP WinXP disc - installed correctly but in ATA mode again

Any help will be much appreciated. Thanks,
Pantersen

P.S. I finally got it working. Cheez!

 

What did your solution end up being?

 

I used this method. Select iaStor.inf when asked and change the driver for both Primary and Secondary Channels. It is very likely that you get a BSOD once you change the driver for the hard drive controller - just restart and change ATA to AHCI in BIOS. After you restart and log into windows make sure the first thing you do is update the driver with the latest Intel Matrix Driver. Restart again and it's working like a charm.

I still didn't make any test so I can't tell you what the difference in performance is. I'll try to do it soon.

Keep in mind, these changes are quite risky and might make your Windows unbootable. Make sure you make a backup of all your important files on the Windows drive because you might end up reinstalling it. I got away with it though

Good luck!
pantersen