XPS M1730 how to install XP

Your close but you will need to slipstream the SATA drivers into your install disk.  Go HERE    an download the driver. You will then need to run the file to extract all the files as it is a compressed .exe file.

Then once you have them extracted slipstream them into the XP install disk. If your not famialur with slipstearming go HERE for the program and info

F6 SATA driver installation is usually only required on older motherboards, which don't natively recognise/support SATA drives.

I'd have thought the motherboards used in XPS laptops have native SATA support, such that you don't need to F6 the SATA drivers?

Try going into the BIOS, and changing the SATA operation mode from AHCI to ATA first :emotion-55:

F6 SATA driver installation is usually only required on older motherboards, which don't natively recognise/support SATA drives. I'd have thought the motherboards used in XPS laptops have native SATA support, such that you don't need to F6 the SATA drivers?   Try going into the BIOS, and changing the SATA operation mode from AHCI to ATA first :emotion-55:

I have to disagree with you on you SATA statement. Even the new DEll systems require this if not using a Dell supplied disk.

The SATA option on the other hand I had forgotten about.

Thanks for the replies, much appreciated.

I did try changing the BIOS from AHCI to ATA, but the hard drive was still not recognised.

Can I use the F6 option and load the drivers separately from CD, or USB ?

I am wary of the nLite option after reading posts about the denial of updates from MS.

I have emailed Dell, but am still waiting for a response.

Thanks again,

Shaun

You can try but generally it doesn't work. if you do make sure that all the files are on the root directory of either the disk or thumbdrive.

I have not heard about any denial of service issues with using nlite on a install disk. I reall don't see how that could ever really come into play. M$ has no way of knowing if you us slipsteamed disks or not, to the best of my knowledge and I know that others that I have recommended it to have has success and no issues at all. I think that is just another internet tall tale.

Thanks again for the reply.

Ok, so I have to use nLite. I have had a look around the nLite program, and it tells me to add a .ini file from the driver I have downloaded.

I have downloaded R206231.exe from Dell.

When I extract the files from this, can you tell me which file I should slipstream into the disc ?

There are a few files, but nLite is looking for a .ini file.

Sorry if I am being dumb here.

Shaun

not sure where you go that file you should have gotten for XP

This one

This one

The first one is the one normally used at install. the second has more stuff in it. Try the first one with all the files

Thanks Dave.

I am still a bit unsure as to which file to add to the slipstream.

When I extract, I get a bunch of files, should I add them all ?

I wont bug you anymore, and will give it a go.

I wil let you know of any progress.

Thanks again,

Shaun