Change Combination Mode to RAID Autodetect/ATA – Dell XPS 400 – enable all 4 SATA ports!?

Hi Tusk43,

You seem to be confusing the controller RAID mode with running drives in a RAID configuration. These are different things. If you have no use for the PATA ports, just run the controller in RAID/AHCI.

Hi Osprey,

That confusion, my friend, is entirely possible, as it's been many years since the one time I set up a system with RAID, which was (as you say) running drives in a mirrored RAID configuration.  As to if I have "no use for the PATA ports," do you mean turning 2 of the 4 SATAs into PATA?  If so, then it's true that I'd have no use for them.  I'd prefer that all 4 were SATA, since that would quickly fix my problem.

Now, the guy I bought this system from is a longtime tech at a local shop, and I've known him for over 30 years.  Since this was a personal sale it's rather difficult to talk with him at work, and between his family obligations and doing all kinds of side work, he's rather of hard to get ahold of lately.  When in the shop last Friday I quickly explained the situation to him, and he said to use the RAID/ATA mode - and that it could be done safely,  meaning no data loss.  

Friday evening I went back into BIOS to change the Mode to what he suggested (RAID/ATA), and I get this huge warning about "Data Loss."  So, I didn't proceed, as I don't have the time or energy to start from scratch.  Also, at this point I don't have enough space to back up all my data, so definitely don't want to assume that risk.

He said something about the Mode you suggest, but I honestly don't recall specifics, just that he said to use the ATA Mode.  Is there a reason you suggest the other vs ATA.  And why the glaring warnings about data loss?  I wish there was clear documentation giving step-by-step instructions showing what the rest of the process is AFTER you commit to start the process.  Again, I can't afford to start over here, let alone lose my data.  I have a brother dying of cancer, plus health issues of my own, so am spread pretty thin these days.

Appreciate your input.  Michael

Michael,

Combination mode enables the PATA ports. You don't need that.

What you want to use depends on what mode the system was set when the operating system was installed. If your seller suggested ATA mode, then use that. ATA mode does not require the RAID drivers to recognize the drive during the OS installation, so it's a bit simpler.

However, either way, you will not lose data.

Osprey,

It was set to Combination Mode when I got it, so that must be the mode selected by Sean when he recently did a fresh install of XP Pro.  So, going off the assumption the OS was installed in Combination Mode, changing modes from Combination to RAID/ ATA would still pose no problem?  (I guess I'm a bit confused as to why they call it "RAID"/ ATA if it's not really RAID and doesn't require those drivers.  Perhaps, a topic for another time.)

I'm sure he wiped off everything proprietary that Dell loads on their systems typically and, hopefully, none of that would be necessary to facilitate a change of modes.  Having been up most all night, I'm going to get a few hours rest before trying this change, as I'd rather be rested and fresh.    I'll post results later this morning after I give this a go.  Thanks again for the help!

Michael

I believe he put that WD drive in at the same time – don't think these systems came w/ 320GB HDs.

Thanks for this latest info, Osprey.  After staying up till 530am, I've been back up since about 10ish, tho' mainly dealing with family matters – including their various computer problems (lol) !  Anyway, I checked Device Manager and IDE/ATA/ATAPI controller is there (followed by primary & secondary IDE Channels), so ti appears I'm good to go.

I was literally just getting ready to make the BIOS switch, after coming in from the yard, when I noticed your email had come in.  Thanks again; I'll will write back after the switch is done.

Cheers, Michael

Osprey,

It worked like a charm, and I can't thank you enough.  After making the switch from Combination Mode within the BIOS, I shut everything down, removed a DVD ROM installed a few days ago for temporary purposes, then installed the DVD burner with the SATA connections.  Last week I pretty much figured out the port numbering for the 4-SATA ports, as nowhere in any documentation was this shown nor are they numbered on the motherboard.  Minus testing with an actual SATA device and the ports enabled, I wasn't 100% sure of ports 1 & 3, and could've had them reversed in my notes.  It turns out I had them right, so now that I'm positive as to "which port is which" for all 4-ports, I'll post this for others, knowing this information would've saved me considerable time and frustration.

For anyone who's encountered this, and I suspect many have judging from various posts found online, here's the port numbering for the Dell XPS 400.  As a point of reference, Port 0 is BLUE and the other three are black.  With the case lying flat on it's side, and the bottom at your feet, the blue port will be at top right.  Your main system drive is typically hooked to the blue port: 

Port 2        Port 0 (the BLUE one)

Port 3        Port 1

As time allows, I hope to revisit some of the other sites I went to while researching this issue, where many others were having problems similar or directly related to mine as posted here.  Perhaps I can save someone the time and frustration I went through.  Many thanks to Osprey for helping me out and being right on target with his advice.  I'm glad I took the time to sign up for these Forums, detail the issue, and then luck out in getting Osprey's timely assistance.

Cheers, Michael     

Good to hear!

Appreciate your kind remarks.

hi osprey, i was wondering if you could help me with setting up my r5500?

it has a k4000 nvidia and i wish to add a tesla gpu card, 

i tried it but it has no output from the back of the card

my email is : 

thanks,

tariq.