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This question is part of a larger list of things I'll need to do before installing a new SSD drive, but I think it deserves its own question.
Current setup: A dual-boot machine with Windows XP installed on a SATA 6Gbps HDD. BIOS has always been configured in IDE mode. Because of this, if I try to change to AHCI in BIOS, as Windows doesn't have AHCI drivers, it won't boot.
I already know that I can achieve this reinstalling the whole OS. But if possible, I'd like to enable AHCI without reinstalling again.
Would it be possible to change the driver to the AHCI one while in Windows? (using the Device Manager, for instance). If it where possible, will the OS crash at the moment the driver is changed while still being BIOS in IDE mode?
If not, is there a way to install it doing a partial repair using Windows disk? If such a method exists, will my current settings and applications remain unchanged?
Thanks in advance.
UPDATE
My South Bridge is an Intel(r) ICH10R. I already have the correct drivers which are located in my motherboard disc. Notice that the drivers are different for 32bit and 64bit OSes, so it is important to pick the correct ones. The files are called "iaStor.inf" and "iaAHCI.inf".
http://www.blah-blah.ch/it/how-to-s/enable-ahci/? (anyone who has time, feel free to write that out into a full answer) – Bob – 2012-05-22T09:17:14.183
Yeah, good googling skills. And of course you'd have already tested it, uh? – Mister Smith – 2012-05-22T09:46:30.177
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Hmm? There's no need to be so antagonistic. That is a common and reliable (except with nForce, it seems) method: install SATA controller/chipset manufacturer's SATA drivers, which provide AHCI/RAID support. There was a similar question which was solved by installing the appropriate SATA (AHCI/RAID) drivers from the motherboard manufacturer. *You didn't even provide the motherboard model*. Once again, there is no need to be so antagonistic, we only help because we want/like to.
– Bob – 2012-05-22T10:08:39.9801In fact, Wikipedia: Older versions of operating systems require hardware-specific drivers in order to support AHCI. Windows XP does not provide support out of the box. In other words, the only way is to install third-party drivers. – Bob – 2012-05-22T10:10:56.870
I'm not being antagonistic. Any help is appreciated. Hopefully someone with first hand experience could confirm a working method, rather than go ahead and try any of the many methods available on the net and broke a currently working system. – Mister Smith – 2012-05-22T10:47:02.203
1Huh? The link Bob posted was exactly what you're asking for: someone with first hand experience of having installed AHCI drivers into an existing XP install. – Steve Bennett – 2012-05-22T10:58:53.997
There're so many variations on that method that I'd like confirmation from several users if possible. There are other ways using registry hacks, but these seems to me even more dangerous. No offense, but I don't take the first thing i read for true unless I can confirm from several sources it is true. – Mister Smith – 2012-05-22T12:07:08.723
1As far as I can tell, those 'registry hacks' are an alternative (and, frankly, stupid) method of installing the same SATA AHCI/RAID drivers. A lot of those people use an Intel chipset, therefore an Intel SATA controller (built into the chipset), therefore
iaStor.sys
. Why don't you tell us which motherboard model you have, and we can tell you which driver to use. In short, Windows XP does not have a AHCI/RAID driver, you must install a third party one. The most common is Intel, because the most common controller is Intel. – Bob – 2012-05-22T12:29:51.117@Bob, sorry, but I don't have the computer nor the motherboard manual near at hand now. But I already have the correct drivers in the motherboard CD. Will update the answer later. – Mister Smith – 2012-05-22T12:41:43.003
1@MisterSmith - I have to vote this question down until such time the question is complete. You asked a very good question but failed to do the research and then didn't post the required information for people to answer your question. – Ramhound – 2012-05-22T16:11:43.150
@Ramhound Question is updated and now I'll post my answer with the steps that worked for me. – Mister Smith – 2012-05-22T18:02:30.673