Switch Dell e6420 QM67 chipset from IRRT to AHCI

We are using Windows XP 32bit and need to switch to ACHI mode on our Dell e6420. I have tried the solutions from both these topics below and I still keep getting BSOD.

Any solutions or anyone else encounter this???

E6400/6500 (Vista) and Switch e6510 qm57 chipset from IRRT to AHCI

 

Was the XP supplied by Dell or created by yourself? Previously, the Dell version included support for all the SATa modes to avoid any BSOD issues.

John

 

It was a fresh install. They stopped including XP CDs with these laptops but even before the CDs never included the SATA drivers or any Dell drivers it was a fresh install. Since the E6400's we needed the sata drivers which I usually got from this forum.

 

I switched from IRRT to AHCI because a certain OS I use requires AHCI mode. I had to download the Intel Matrix Storage Driver and reinstall it, then immediately change the BIOS setting before I rebooted, in order for Windows 7 to quit crashing on startup.

I am unable to install Windows XP onto my 3rd partition though. The installer gives me a BSOD every time, whether it's 32bit or 64bit professional.

LateEdit: After installing a new BIOS update, the option to switch to ATA showed up, and I have been able to install Windows XP. However, it will only boot under ATA mode, and nothing else will boot up under ATA mode.

 

kylewblack - I'm in the same boat as you... would like to get my 6520 into AHCI mode without having to re-install windows 7. Sounds like we just need the proper enum for the QM67 chipset. Don't ask me how to get it

Anyone?

 

I attach a zip file with registry entries from the CurrentControlSet section that include "iaStor" for my Lenovo T420s with the QM67 chipset that's running in AHCI mode. Something in there might help. Use at your own risk and let us know.

John

 

John,

You the man. I merged your registry entry called "QM67_AHCI_Intel_Database2.reg" and it worked like a charm. I appreciate your help greatly.

Note to those who think there is no performance difference between IRRT and AHCI.

1) I got another 23 MB/s sequential read speed on my Intel 510 120GB.
2) AHCI required if you ever want to upgrade firmware
3) TRIM support as many others have mentioned
4) Computer boots faster as it skips the whole RAID crap during load (where it displays drive info, etc)

Thanks again!


Tony

 

Thanks for the update with the good news.

John

 

Tony,

I have the same problem on a Esprimo Q900 with QM67 chipset and running XP.

However even after merging your said *.reg , the Intel RST installer still says that my system doesn't meet the minimum requirements (for installing the iastor driver).

Could you please post all steps which you did to successfully install the iastor driver?

TIA

Ray

 

I have a 6520 as well, what sequence did you follow from a Windows XP install working under SATA mode to working under AHCI mode? I've tried different iterations and so far have had no luck over a couple of weeks of meddling... I either BSOD right after I try to do a driver install or right at boot. Starting to get frustrated since each boot takes a while! thanks for any pointers you can send my way...