Can you install SATA drivers from a USB drive or CD/DVD?

Question

We have a Dimension 8400 with Windows XP and we're pondering the move to Vista. We have the SATA hard drive and the Intel 82801FR control in AHCI mode (not RAID).

It appears that the appropriate SATA drivers for this Intel chipset do not ship with the retail version of Vista. So during the installation you need to supply them from a different source. This used to mean a floppy drive for XP. Does Vista support anything else? Our computer does not have a floppy drive so we either have to get an external drive or use some other source. Will Vista read this drivers from a USB drive? A CD/DVD?

Thanks.

The4Bs · Answer

Thanks cmspaz.   I see from your post you have an Inspiron 6400 running Vista Business. We also have an Inspiron 6400 with T2400 processor and X1400 ATI video card with 256 MB RAM. We also have 1 GB RAM. Very similar systems. How's Vista Business working out for you? Specifically, how did you get the SATA driver installed (I assume it's a SATA interface) and did you have any other driver and/or installation issues?   Thanks.

cmspaz · Answer

Yes, a CD or flash drive will work fine.

Mary G · Answer

No need to do anything. Just make sure the bios SATA drive is set to automatic mode. I just upgraded my 8400 and there were no problems with the drives. Vista had the builtin drivers. It's RAID that might have the problem. Directions: http://www.djdenham.com/8400%20Special.htm Thanks to Denny--we miss you!

MLK2000 · Answer

I also have the Dimension 8400 and have not been able to upgrade to Vista. I keep getting the blue screen of death with a 0xooooooF4 error. I previously posted and I have not been able to get a solution. If you are able to upgrade, please post how you were able to do it.

techmad · Answer

I have an 8400, clean installed without any problems, didnt try upgrade install tho

MLK2000 · Answer

I am trying to avoid having to reinstall everything on the computer and that is why I have been looking to do the upgrade.  I wonder if anyone has been successful with an upgrade of the 8400.

The4Bs · Answer

For all of you with the upgrade complete - how did you handle the SATA driver installation? Did it just happen on it's own as part of the install or did you have to use a diskette, USB drive, or CD?   Thanks.

jackdrogba · Answer

A few monthes ago, I also tried to avoid re-install everything on my laptop, which is why I've been looking forward to this upgrade for the sata to usb 2.0 adapter drive. But, when it comes to the usb to sata ide combo kit, i can't help installing it to my pc. I also have a dimension, have not been able to upgrade to Windows 7. I constantly get the Blue Screen of Death 0xooooooF6 wrong. I have previously posted, I have not been able to be resolved. If you can not upgrade, please post how you can do this.

Windows General

Can you install SATA drivers from a USB drive or CD/DVD?

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