Install Win 7 in Raid

Question

Hi,

I am a newbie here so if I make any noob errors please forgive me.

I have the XPS 8500 with 32 gb msata drive cache on the mb. Win 7 is the original OS. My HDD died and when I went to replace it I could not get Win7 to install. The only way which finally worked was to switch from RAID to ACHI. The problem is that Intel RST does not seem to work in this configuration.

I am not very familiar with Bios settings so I reset to factory on the Bios and started from there. Do I need to do anything else besides changing from ACHI to RAID? Setting stripe? Do I need to have a driver to install during the Windows 7 install? If so, where do I find it? I have been searching the net with no joy.

If there are any step-by-step instructions or anyone can walk me through it I would be extremely grateful. Two days on this now...

fotoal · Accepted Answer

Thank You for the help. While the driver you suggested did not work, I was able to resolve my problem using hints I found on the internet.

I found a copy of Windows 7 Home Premium w/SP1. I was able to load that version in a RAID configuration and it worked just fine. Once the OS was loaded I went to Dell.com to get drivers and utilities. One of them was the Intel RST. My computer now uses the ssd cache to accelerate. It is back to normal.

ps, I did try to load the os straight to the 32 gb ssd. An error appeared stating it was too small, needing 33gb+.

Thank You for your help. I learned a lot from reading the links you provided.

fotoal · Accepted Answer

The driver you recommended was not seen during os install so it still did not work. I found a copy of Windows 7 Home Premium w/SP1. I was able to load that version in a RAID configuration and it worked just fine. Once the OS was loaded I went to Dell.com to get drivers and utilities. One of them was the Intel RST. My computer now uses the ssd cache to accelerate. It is back to normal. It seems like having the Service Pack integral to the install did the trick.

ps, I did try to load the os straight to the 32 gb ssd. An error appeared stating it was too small, needing 33gb+.

pps- the instructions for setting up the RAID configuration were perfect.

Thank You for your help. I learned a lot from reading the links you provided.

Philip_Yip · Answer

I personally recommend just installing a larger 256 GB ATA SSD and using AHCI and then installing Windows 7 directly on the mSATA SSD.

You should using the GPT partition scheme using the UEFI BIOS for this model. See here for installation instructions:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/a-clean-install-of-windows/a-clean-install-of-windows-7/windows-7-installation/

If you however want to use the mSATA cache drive see here for SATA operation:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/ensure-you-have-the-correct-sata-configuration-in-the-bios-setup-for-your-configuration/sata-operation/

See here to prepare and load the SATA drivers:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/a-clean-install-of-windows/downloading-preparing-and-loading-sata-drivers/

Use this driver:

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER02281610M/1/8500_Serial-ATA_Driver_7THF7_WN_12.8.0.1016_A01.EXE

After installation see here:

http://en.community.dell.com/cfs-filesystemfile.ashx/__key/telligent-evolution-components-attachments/01-07-00-00-20-08-79-33/Intel-Responsiveness-technologies-0.91.pdf

My Clean Install of Windows 7 will take you through the whole install including how to install in UEFI with the GPT partition scheme (which will work on this model):

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/a-clean-install-of-windows/a-clean-install-of-windows-7/

Windows General

Install Win 7 in Raid

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