The Aurora-R4 cannot upgrade to Windows 8 with a RAID configuration in place.

Question

I found in this forum advice from Dell about upgrading to Windows 8:

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kcs/document?docid=574281#Aurora-R4

Problem: The Aurora-R4 cannot upgrade to Windows 8 with a RAID configuration in place.

With this comment:

Solution: Customers will need to install the latest version of the Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver prior to upgrade to Windows 8. Before upgrade, ensure that the Intel C600 Series Chipset SATA RAID Controller shows version 3.5 or higher in the Driver tab in Device Manager.

However, there wasn't really any detail as to how to do it.

I've just installed this driver and thought I'd open this post for those that may not know how to go about it.

Go to this Intel website to get the driver (note, cut and paste this one into your browser...for some reason when I insert the link, it comes up with page not found although it is there when you cut and paste it):

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&ProdId=3449&DwnldID=21752&ProductFamily=Software+Products&ProductLine=Chipset+Software&ProductProduct=Intel%c2%ae+Rapid+Storage+Technology+enterprise+(Intel%c2%ae+RSTe)&DownloadType=Drivers&lang=eng

Click the download button on the right hand side.

Click Save as and you can put it where you want on your pc (I installed mine on my desktop).

Close everything that may be open and save your work; I'd also suggest taking a backup at this time first.

Right click on the download and select Extract.

Once extracted , open it and look for a folder called GUI.

Open that folder and there will be a file called IATA_CD.

Click on that and follow the instructions.

Your pc will reboot and you should be ok from here.

You can go check you have the correct version by going to the start button and typing in Device manager.

Click on Device manager and when open go to Storage controllers and open it by clicking the arrow.

You should see Intel(R) C600 Series Chipset SATA RAID Controller.

Click on that and then right click on your mouse.

Then click Properties.

Click on the Driver tab on the top and you should then see Driver version as 3.5.1.1008.

Hope that helps anyone interested.

GGCAN · Accepted Answer

For anyone that can't find the download or how to do Dell's suggestion for driver upgrade, this does work.

willisbp · Answer

I updated the driver as mentioned and I'am still having problems upgrading to windows 8.  Should I try something else?

AndrewSi · Answer

Hi willisbp, I have done a few windows 8 upgrade in the last 3 months, all on Alienware laptops and desktops, from Aurora R2 to R4, Area 51 ALX and most of the laptops - the only model alienware I have not upgrade yet is the M15x, when I upgrade an Aurora, this is what I do

1. Download ALL the Windows 8 drivers you need firstly and save them onto a large USB

2. Insert Windows 8 Disk (if you have one, better this way, a clean install, if you dont, Microsoft windows 8 allows you to create a bootable USB)

3. Restart computer and press F2 and make sure you have RAID as your boot preference

4. Make sure windows secure boot is off and file system is set to UEFI

5. Save changes and exit system BIOS

6. Boot straight from your windows 8 DVD or USB

7. Select custom install

8. Delete all hard drive partitans and select the hard drive you want to install windows on

9. Let windows do its thing, it should be clear sailing from here

After windows 8 is installed if you want hard drive acceleration then follow these steps

1. Install Intel rapid response driver and set hard drive acceleration through program menu

I personally think this tech is a waste of time on desktops, there are easier and more reliable ways to get your system running quickly, dont get me wrong, this stuff is great for laptops

Good luck

Tesla1856 · Answer

when I upgrade an Aurora, this is what I do

Thanks for the docs Andrew.

So, even on the newer chipset machines (like an Aurora R4), users don't need to load "Intel F6-Floppy" drivers from USB early in the installation phase (where you setup and pick your partition)?

AndrewSi · Answer

No, you dont need to load the rapid response drivers during installation, well from my personal experience I certainly have not and the machines I've upgrade seem to work fine, I've been so busy lately that I'm racking my brain for the exact procedure I used, I really can't remember if I had the computer set to RAID when I upgraded, but I do remember making sure the secure boot feature was off and file system was set to UEFI, I loaded the intel rapid resonse driver STRAIGHT after O/S was installed, first driver loaded.

Actually, now I remember, I had the system set to RAID in system BIOS, I then went to the RAID setting screen and disabled all RAID functions, I then clean re- installed the O/S (Win 8 pro in all cases), then Rapid Response Driver, then run Rapid Response program in windows and enabled HDD acceration from there.

You can do a clean install with a win 8 upgrade IF and only IF you have had a licenced copy of win 7 previously installed on the hard drive you are installing the new O/S on, otherwise it will not work correctly

AndrewSi · Answer

Here is a link to reinstalling windows and enabling msata accelerration, you can use this as a guide

support.dell.com/.../document

Principles are the same I think - I hope this helps

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The Aurora-R4 cannot upgrade to Windows 8 with a RAID configuration in place.

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