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November 25th, 2025 13:38
Optiplex 780 install Windows XP issue
Built in dvd would load xp disc drivers but then after it finishes loading just before it gets ready to install there is the BSOD crash
tried multiple Windows XP installation discs, some SP3, one SP2. One SP3 disc worked seamlessly on other pc to install xp.
tried external usb dvd, no bsod crash, but then it says Windows cannot find a hard drive to install, although bios detects a hdd properly.
Thinking maybe the ddr3 ram or motherboard have problem, but when I used Windows vista disc to install, everything went well smoothly and pc working beautifully on vista business.
How can a pc be so obstinate about XP installation yet warmly embracing vista? Something of the chipset or motherboard that cannot take the XP installation environment?
anne_droid
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1.2K Posts
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November 25th, 2025 15:56
Hi
Well an internet search says this ...............
To fix Windows XP installation issues, including BSOD (stop error 0x7B) and disk missing errors on a Dell Optiplex 780, the key problem is the lack of native Windows XP drivers for the SATA storage controller. The Optiplex 780's SATA controller is not recognised by Windows XP by default, causing the installer to blue screen with a disk access error or fail to detect the hard drive.
Therefore it then suggests some action(s) you could try.......
Key Fixes for Optiplex 780 Windows XP Installation
Change SATA Operation Mode in BIOS: Enter the BIOS setup (F2 at boot) and set the SATA Operation mode from AHCI or RAID to ATA (Legacy/IDE) mode. This allows XP to recognize the drive without additional drivers.
Use a CD/DVD Install Disc: Installing XP from USB can cause issues; use a physical XP installation CD or DVD instead. The Optiplex 780 may not fully support USB boot installation for XP, and some users have resolved the issue by installing from an optical drive.
Slipstream SATA Drivers into XP Install: If you must install from USB or keep AHCI mode, use tools like nLite to integrate the correct SATA (Intel Rapid Storage) drivers into the XP install disc. The relevant driver files are typically in .exe form and must be extracted to .inf files for slipstreaming.
Pre-install XP on Another PC: Another approach is to install XP on the hard drive using a different compatible PC and then move the HDD to the Optiplex 780. Afterward, manually install the Optiplex-specific drivers for XP on that machine.
Consider Windows 7 as an Alternative: If XP installation proves too difficult, Windows 7 x86 has native support for the hardware and runs well on the Optiplex 780.
Check Hardware Health: Occasionally, BSOD and disk detection errors are due to failing hard drives. Testing drive health on another system or via Windows 10 media can help rule this out.
In summary, setting BIOS SATA mode to ATA and using a CD installer are usually the simplest first steps. For a fully compatible installation, slipstreaming SATA drivers into XP is recommended. Users report success also by pre-installing XP on another machine and moving the drive back to the Optiplex 780 for final driver installation.
redxps630
9 Legend
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15.2K Posts
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November 26th, 2025 00:19
Re: pre-install XP on another pc, tried that, after putting back in Dell it crashes without even loading XP splash screen.
I thought of loading XP install in a USB install media, but have not looked into the details.
health of hw looks good. it runs vista without any issue.
anne_droid
3 Apprentice
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1.2K Posts
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November 26th, 2025 11:07
Hi
The internet, as ever, suggests.....
Use the Intel XP “F6” driver
If you want AHCI, or if ATA mode still does not work, you must load the Intel SATA driver that XP calls a “F6 mass-storage driver”. For the Optiplex 780, Dell provides an “Intel AHCI F6 Driver for Windows XP 32‑bit” package.
You have two realistic ways to use this driver:
Classic F6 method:
Extract Dell’s F6 driver package on another machine; it creates a floppy‑style driver set.
Put those extracted files on a real floppy or a supported USB floppy drive; XP setup only accepts F6 drivers from drive A:.
Boot the XP CD, press F6 when prompted, load the Intel SATA/AHCI controller driver from the floppy, then continue setup; the disk should then be detected.
Slipstream with nLite:
Extract the same Dell F6 package to a folder.
Use nLite on another PC to integrate the extracted .INF driver into an XP SP3 ISO.
Burn the new ISO to a CD and install from that; XP setup will then include the controller driver and see the disk without needing a floppy.