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    How to install XP on T400 (DOS pre-installed)

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by matheyed, Nov 24, 2008.

  1. matheyed

    matheyed Newbie

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    Hi, I got a T400 from ebay with DOS pre-installed.
    I was trying to install XP onto the machine but it always gives blue screen. I pulled the HDD from my older laptop which has Vista on it and put it into the T400, it again gives blue screen when the Vista is loading. Can anyone tell me how to install XP onto the T400?
     
    matheyed, Nov 24, 2008
    #1
  2. t30power

    t30power Notebook Deity

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    You could borrow a friend disc with XP Pro/Home.
    The BSOD is caused because IMO the sata driver needs to be installed on Windows. Prior to installation go to BIOS, Config, Serial ATA, Compatibility Mode. From there install XP.
     
    t30power, Nov 24, 2008
    #2
  3. jonlumpkin

    jonlumpkin NBR Transmogrifier

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    You need to go into the BIOS and set SATA AHCI to compatibility mode. XP does not include driver support for SATA drives (if you have a USB floppy it may be possible to put on the driver as you install).

    After you install you need to install the SATA driver from within XP. I believe it is called the Intel Matrix Storage Driver (download here).

    After installing this driver: reboot your computer, enter the BIOS, set SATA to AHCI. You should be okay now.
     
    jonlumpkin, Nov 24, 2008
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  4. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    You can slipstream the driver into the install disc using nLite. Service Pack Two or Three works as well.
     
    ZaZ, Nov 24, 2008
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  5. pacmandelight

    pacmandelight Notebook Deity

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    ^ This is the method I used when installing XP on my T61. Otherwise, I would get BSODs during setup.

    An alternate method would be the one ZaZ suggested.
     
    pacmandelight, Nov 25, 2008
    #5