How do I disable AHCI on Dell D430?

The D430 uses a parallel ATA drive - it doesn't support AHCI at all.

Could be a number of things.  If you haven't run a full, extended hard drive diagnostic, do that first - F12 at powerup. This will take a couple of hours.

If the drive passes, be sure you're using a newer XP install disc - one with at least SP2 already on it.

Last consideration - the death bell for XP is to ring in about six months (April 9, 2014), after which there will be no further security updates for it - it is likely time to consider moving to Windows 7 if you plan to keep using the system beyond the next six months.

Are you using the Dell D/ Bay external DVD drive or something else?

I'm using an hp usb external drive

I have acquired a Dell D430 that does not have an OS installed. I am attempting to install Windows XP Pro on from an external DVD drive. I have enabled the D430 to boot from the external drive but after 3 min into the XP installation procedure I'm getting a blue screen that says:

A problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer. If this screen appears again, follow these steps: Check for viruses on your computer. Remove any newly installed hard drives or hard drive controllers. Check your hard drive to make sure it is properly configured and terminated. Run CHKDSK /F to check for hard drive corruption, and then restart your computer. Technical information: ***STOP: 0x0000007B (0xF78D2524, 0xC0000034, 0x00000000, 0x00000000)

Normally I would disable the ACHI to by pass this hurdle, but the D430 has an ATA drive so no option exists in the bios.

Can anyone help me get past this hurdle?

I'm using an hp usb external drive

I wonder if that is your problem.