Studio XPS 9100, How do I enable IDE mode?

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@figarojones wrote:

1. I need to do a special format of a SATA drive via a low level program loaded through freeDOS, 

2. Unfortunately, the only two option I have in bios are AHCI and Raid.

3. If the option will become available by flashing the bios, I'll do it;

4. but I'd rather avoid risking bricking my motherboard, 

 

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1. No, you do not.

- You can DiskPart/Clean it and you can also format is as NTFS.

- You can read it's SMART with programs like Crystal-DiskInfo or Passmark's DiskCheckup

2. Correct

3. No, it will not

4. Smart decision

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@Tesla1856 wrote:

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@figarojones wrote:

1. I need to do a special format of a SATA drive via a low level program loaded through freeDOS, 

2. Unfortunately, the only two option I have in bios are AHCI and Raid.

3. If the option will become available by flashing the bios, I'll do it;

4. but I'd rather avoid risking bricking my motherboard, 

 

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1. No, you do not.

- You can DiskPart/Clean it and you can also format is as NTFS.

- You can read it's SMART with programs like Crystal-DiskInfo or Passmark's DiskCheckup

2. Correct

3. No, it will not

4. Smart decision

 

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Unfortunately, I'm trying to make an internal HDD for an Xbox 360, which has to be specially formatted. The only way to do it is via a specific program called HDDHackr, which can only be loaded via DOS. Seriously, it's a vastly larger pain than it needs to be, but it is what it is. 

Hmm.

Well, I have a Sony-PS4-Pro and also a Steam Controller ... but have never owned an XBox, so I think I will let someone else help you.

Answers #2-4 above still apply.

Maybe see this for setting up a better FreeDOS environment?

https://www.dell.com/community/Vostro-Desktops/Vostro-460-XPS-8300-Upgrade-Adventures/m-p/6071757/highlight/true#M1311

LEGACY MSDOS ATAPI isn't an option with that model.

You need an ancient Model Like Optiplex GX620 Tower that has both IDE and SATA ports and an onboard floppy controller.

There are other Older models that have SATA OPERATION ATA instead of AHCI.

The other issue is that you cannot select ATA mode for a SATA Drive that is ADVANCED FORMAT.

You MUST USE AHCI in this case because 512e is not supported on advanced format drives.

This is any drive older than 2011 or 120 gigs.