1737 XP32 AHCI Frustration

So just for fun I switched my drive operation mode from AHCI to IDE and installed Windows XPSP3 32bit. I went around collecting drivers until all my devices were recognized, and then slipstreamed the drivers along with the newest Intel Matrix driver(extracted from the installer) onto a custom install DVD using nLite.

Shut down, set drive mode to AHCI, booted from CD, and then BAM! BSOD halfway through install initiation.

I went back and rechecked all my drivers, made a second custom install DVD, and it still BSODs during the initial setup.


Where did I go wrong?

 

Does that happen when you install things from a regular XP disc? (w/o slipstreaming). Those drivers can always be installed after XP is up and running.

 

It BSODs with a regular XP CD.

XP doesn't have AHCI drivers by default, so in order to install XP and take full advantage of the chipset (undervolting, etc.) I need to run in AHCI mode-which I can't get it to install properly. *pulls hair out*

 

If you have a Seagate HD in it, try using a Western Digital HD with the EIDE setting in the BIOS.

 

Both drives are identical WD5000's One manufactured in June 09, the other September 09.

I really want to utilize the AHCI mode. Right now I'm in a temporary "testing" install of XP on IDE mode. I understand that the mode you install in is the mode you must run in.

 

None of us have bothered to ask a very important question: What is the error message Windows gives you on the BSoD?

 

From my experience, Dell Computers that come with a Seagate HD requires the AHCI settings, and WD requires the other setting...usually EIDE or ATA (and yes, even though the WD is a SATA drive...you still have to switch it in the BIOS.)

WD HD's with the AHCI setting in the BIOS will not work with Dell PC'S. Your problems will most likely be resolved by trying a Seagate HD. Get one at Best Buy. They give you 30 days to return it. It's worth a shot. I believe it will solve your problems.

Oh, I have no problems with WD used in EIDE. XP Pro SP3 works just fine.

 

I'll try reinstalling and pull the error code later tonight.

Here's the tricky part: The 1737 shipped in AHCI mode, with Vista installed. It was able to boot to the EULA page, where I rejected the EULA (Still waiting to hear from Dell on that one).
So the WD drive CAN run in AHCI mode, but for some reason windows installer doesn't pick up on the drivers when attempting an install.

 

Which WD do you have for the Laptop? Black series, or Blue?

The Studio 1737 I got (recently returned though) came with a Seagate, and the setting was AHCI. I then got a WD (my favorite) to install XP Pro SP3 on. It wouldn't boot until I switched it from AHCI to EIDE in the BIOS. Same way with my old XPS 400 desktop; but however, on it...the BIOS option is ATA.

XP SP3 should install on it with no problems.

You could try using the WD Diagnostics CD, or Floppy HERE , and then write Zero's to the HD to make sure you get everything (data and partitions) off it. Afterwords, run extended tests on it. Always a good idea to do this BEFORE installing any OS on a HD.

 

Woohoo! I got it!
I re-downloaded the drivers and made another fresh install DVD.

This time when integrating the drivers I set them as text-mode and not PNP. Can't really utilize PnP when there's no drivers installed yet

Now eveything but firewire is working, and the machines seems way faster than the temporary IDE installation I did earlier.