About to install Windows 7: AHCI driver question

Hey guys, I am about to install Windows 7 thanks to my school's MSDNAA program and plan to use the 64-bit version (replacing Vista/32-bit). I remember from the bloatware removal thread where it is highly recommended to install the AHCI driver before installing the OS since there is a performance boost.

Should I continue to use the AHCI driver before installing Windows 7? On Dell's site, they only list vista versions, so I don't know if it is needed or if it even works with 7.

If I should keep using it, should I use the 32-bit or 64-bit driver on Dell's site? I know it sounds obvious that I would want the 64-bit driver if I am upgrading to a 64-bit OS, but I have heard people say many 64-bit drivers are not as reliable as 32-bit, so I am wondering if it matters which one I use


Thanks

 

With the Win7 RC at least, it's not necessary to preload the AHCI driver.

Given age of that guide, chances are that the driver was integrated into Windows install disks a long, long time ago.

[Edit] By the way, it's very easy to tell if you need the driver or not - your laptop will bluescreen the first time it boots after installation if you need it but don't have it.

 

I didn't bother with preloading the driver on my M1530, and as far as I know AHCI is working, because I have AHCI enabled in the BIOS, and Windows 7 installed fine and is perfectly stable.

 

Preloading the AHCI driver is not necessary with W7, at least for Intel chipsets.

Thanks to the OP for the MSDN AA heads-up. Got my W7 x64 key finally from there

 

Yeah I used the MSDNAA keys as well. My school provided me with 2 keys, one for x86 and one for x64. I was able to one of the keys for my desktop, and the other for my laptop. I installed 7 Pro x64 on both. You can use the keys for 64-bit or 32-bit, it doesn't matter. So you basically get 2 free copies of Windows 7 Pro on MSDNAA.

 

I am right now on vista 32 bit and having msdna x64 windows 7 pro edition with me.

I tried to install it and it says that my dvd driver doesnt found.. and it can not continue without it...

If you are able to install windows 7 x64 correctly, then please let me know, thanks

btw: Also, when we will install x64 win 7, dell webcam and all s/w will get removed... So how u r planning to get the web cam s/w back?

 

All the software and drivers that came with your laptop can be re-downloaded from Dell's website. They should also be on the CDs that came with your laptop.



http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/index.aspx

 

For Intel chipset, you can get the updated driver compared to whats Win 7 offers.

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Product_Filter.aspx?ProductID=2101

 

If i installed win 7 with AHCI disabled in BIOS, can i just enable it no problem, and restart? or do I need to do anything first e.g. registry edit etc.

Thanks.

 

As far as I know you cannot change from AHCI to ATA and have the OS work properly.

Having said that, you can always run windows 7 startup repair after changing to AHCI. That will fix any problems you face.

Hope that helps.

 

I've installed windows 7 in AHCI mode on both a M1330 and 1720, no driver issues on either. Webcam is found by default and no need to install the dell software unless you want to use some of the additional features.

 

Yes you can reengage it if you had disabled it no problem.

 

I think its not that easy. My experiences tell me that a sure bet is to edit the Registry first. Act according to this -> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922976

 

I've been trying to install Win 7 RTM on a Vostro 1400. It does not find the hard drive. After attempting to provide a variety of drivers it either rejects them or gives me a HD error message that the machine is incompatible. The Vostro 1400 is not officially supported with Win 7 but other users have apparently had success installing it on this machine.

In sheer frustration I tried the method of disabling ACHI and the machine refuses to boot to DVD.

I've tried both Win 7 X86 and X64.

Windows 7 installed with no problems on my xps m1730 with dell supplied driver.

Ideas?

 

I decided to check another drive and after that was successfully registered by the win 7 DVD.

Despite having formatted and partitioned the drive prior to installing it in the Vostro 1400 I decided to do it again. I attached the drive via a usb connection and formated NTFS and then deleted it.

After reinstalling this HD into the Vostro 1400 the windows 7 installation recognized the HD and it only needed to be formatted again.

Perhaps some type of hiccup in the win7 installation.