Using Win 7, but would like to install to XP; cannot find hard drives issue

Question

Hello,

My Dell came with Windows XP. I upgraded to Windows 7 about 6 months ago, but now would like to revert back to XP; full clean install. However, when I try to install XP, I get a message that no hard drives could be detected.

Is there a way I need to configure my BIOS, software I need to run, etc.?

Thanks in advance.

theflash1932 · Accepted Answer

Changing the onboard SATA in the BIOS to ATA mode rather than AHCI is only a workaround to the real issue. There is potentially greater performance (although arguable today) with AHCI, so just switching to ATA mode is not the real answer. Also, not all BIOS' have that option, so it is good to know how to make it work.

You do not necessarily need a floppy to provide that driver, but that is the only way that Windows XP can find and load one at the F6 prompt, which is Windows built-in way of loading support for those types of devices. You can use nLiteOS.com to integrate drivers into your install media - ideal for loading storage drivers (and/or required Service Packs) when installing XP/2003 on systems with no floppies.

The driver you need is on the following Driver and Downloads page, under SATA Drives, Matrix Storage Manager:

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/driverslist.aspx?os=WW1&catid=-1&dateid=-1&impid=-1&osl=EN&typeid=-1&formatid=-1&servicetag=&SystemID=XPS%2FDIMENSION+400%2F9150&hidos=WS8R2&hidlang=en&TabIndex=&scanSupported=True&scanConsent=False

theflash1932 · Answer

You need to load the SATA controller driver (chipset driver) from a floppy disk at the F6 prompt.  That driver is usually available from the Drivers and Downloads page for your system.  Let me know what system you have, if you need further assistance.  You might also be able to set it to ATA mode in the BIOS, then boot to the CD.

takearushfan · Answer

Hi,

Thank you for replying. I have a XPS 400. I don't have a floppy drive. However, from what I've read, you don't necessarily need one. I think the term I ran into is slipstreaming...? I also don't know if I'm supposed to use the genuine Microsoft Windows XP CD or if I should use Dell's red "already installed on your system" DVD.

I read that I can avoid the hassle of creating a bootable backup CD with the drivers on it (that I have to manually add), just by configuring the BIOS properly. Though, my BIOS doesn't appear to have the option(s) I need. Then again, I'm no expert... for all I know, maybe what you suggested actually is in there somewhere *shrug*

Thanks in advance, again :)

takearushfan · Answer

Okay. Do I use Microsoft's Windows XP CD or Dell's "Already installed on your computer" reinstallation DVD?

Is the following guide basically what I should follow or are there details missing from the guide that I need to know, alter, etc.? :

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows/resolving-setup-did-not-find-any-hard-disk-drives-during-windows-xp-installation/

jackshack · Answer

Unless you wish to go through the activation process, you need to use the Dell labeled reinstallation disk.  You can use a Microsoft installation disk if you wish, but if you do, make sure you have a valid product code to enter when asked so that the installation will activate.

takearushfan · Answer

Thanks. I think I will use the Microsoft CD. I have the code written on the back of the sleeve. Plus, I looked through Dell's DVD and it doesn't seem to have anything I want to reinstall on it.

So, that guide was accurate?

jackshack · Answer

If you are referring to the guide for nLite, yes it is accurate.

takearushfan · Answer

Okay, thanks.  I'll give it a shot and report back :)

RoHe · Answer

The 410 has the RAID Autodetect/ ATA option in BIOS, so that's how you should set it before trying to boot from whichever XP CD. After you'lve installed XP, you should install these in order: Desktop System Software (System Utilities, required for proper USB support under XP SP2 and later) Chipset driver VIdeo driver Network driver Audio driver Other drivers... When that's all done and after you install SP3 (assuming your disk isn't SP3), you can install the SATA driver (Intel Matrix Storage Manager) from here.  Then reboot and run BIOS setup to change SATA Operation back to RAID/AHCI. Ron

takearushfan · Answer

Thanks.  I'll take down a list of the order to reinstall the drivers in.  I just tested the CD I made with nLite and it worked, much to my surprise. Again, Thank you All for your advice :)

Windows General

Using Win 7, but would like to install to XP; cannot find hard drives issue

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