Which Win 7 OS version 32 or 64? Which drivers? 2008 x86??  That's 32-bit. (?)

Yes, x86 = 32-bit.

Newer OS's have many drivers built-in, so if it is not listed, it is not usually required, as it is already part of the Windows OS.

Which RAID controller do you have? Without knowing that, I can't make sure you are using the right drivers.

Client OS's are not supported on any server (and Server OS's are not supported on client machines), so will exist no specific drivers for what you are doing. That doesn't meant it won't work though. In the absence of Windows 7 drivers, you should use the kernel equivalent - 2008 R2 in this case. Because 2008 R2 only comes in a 64-bit version, you will have to take your chances with 2008 x86, which would be like using Vista drivers.

Which RAID controller are you using?

Thank you for the reply!

I'm a bit unclear: I had been told to use the 2008 R2 which only comes in 64-bit version and have tried the drivers for that with Win 7 Pro 64 to no avail.

What do you mean "take your chances with 2008 x86??

Which Win 7 OS version 32 or 64?

Which drivers? 2008 x86??  That's 32-bit. (?)

Also, I notice that there is no chipset driver on the list for 2008 R2 or similar newer OSs.  ???

What if I remove the Adaptec card altogether and use the motherboard SATA ports instead?  (I've already tried but....).  Then what would the recommendations be?

That is probably the CERC SATA 1.5/6CH controller, which is not compatible with 2008 R2, so you "may" be out of luck running Windows 7 on it, but you can try these:

32-bit:
http://downloads.dell.com/SATA/ADAPTEC_CERC-SATA1-5-6CH_A00_R180082.EXE

64-bit:
http://downloads.dell.com/SATA/ADAPTEC_CERC-SATA1-5-6CH_A00_R180080.EXE

Be sure to run the EXE files on a Windows computer to extract the contents before use.

You could "probably" run them attached to the onboard SATA ports as long as RAID (CERC SATA 2S) is not enabled.

The RAID controller board is a PCI-e 64-bit it appears.  It's marked Adaptec 2610SA.  It has 6 SATA ports across the top. 

It has a large chip marked:
AAR-2610SA/64MB
/DELL5 RD CNTRL
2207300
A
0624

I hope this helps. 

Thanks!

You need to turn OFF RAID (CERC SATA 2S) and use them in probably ATA mode.

What happened when you tried? What did you try?

I tried the 32-bit driver you suggested and it worked.  Windows 7 Pro 32 installed and appears OK so far.

RAID is still the mode.

Thanks!!