We have a preexisting Windows XP SP3 sysprep image we use for client installations. Whenever a new series of Dell client systems are released I always update the driver directory of my premade .wim file (mount by using ximage):  sysprep.inf and the registry (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DevicePath) with the necessary driver paths and information.

This has worked without any major issues for several years but I find now with the latest Optiplex 790 and AHCI drivers that I cannot get them to install when the user first installs the OS from our boot image. The OS will install in ATA mode but when I try to use the AHCI BIOS setting the OS install fails. I know it can see the drivers at the specified path during the setup process but for some reason they do not install and the install will BSOD.

I recall reading this past week that it is not possible to get XP to see the AHCI drivers when trying to install a sypreped image and that they must be installed (slipstreamed even) and put into the original install image. Does anyone have any positive expierence in this area? Appreciate any advice. Thanks.