disk drive problem on reinstalling Win Xp

They also used the same parts in the Precision line as they used in the Latitude line. The system board I replaced in my Precision M70 is identical to the system board in a Latitude D810 — the only difference is the BIOS.

But, I like Dells because of the way the support structure is set up for drivers, utilities and manuals.

 

The virtual drive programs run from within Windows. They wouldn't help in re-installing Windows.

If my suggestion about nLiting the AHCI driver doesn't work, it seems we will have reached the point that you or your friend may need to make the investment in an external floppy drive that connects via USB cable to the computer. You'd create the floppy using R99740.

 

I find myself leaning towards Lenovo in regards to drivers. Hands down though, both companies are miles ahead of HP. HP, you are lucky to see 1 driver update, if any.

 

I've been doing some more research about integrating the AHCI/SATA driver into the Windows XP installation CD. This page gives detailed information about accomplishing the task using nLite and supplies information and links for obtaining the correct AHCI driver for the SATA controller of the Dimension 9100.

 

MD, thanks for this page. There is a brief mention of using "5-6-7 series" and another option to use "version 8.9 drivers". CyberC's just had my proferred 8.8 Version fail, so this makes me think that Dell Dimen 9100 has a SATA chipset like a 5-series, and simply won't take 8-series drivers.

Thanks for this link... I'm getting this but, alas, only CyberCh gets to test. And in this case, I doubt if "she gets to have all the fun!" is anywhere NEAR the appropriate comment!

 

Hi,

I would like to thank everyone for their massive imput to my problem, Mdonah and ChristineBCW your information has been invaluable.

I have upgraded the pc to Win 7, after several attempts at slipstreaming a disk, it seemed nigh impossible to obtain the correct drivers from Dell for the Sata Driver.:confused

I now have to get to grips with Win7, I would ask Mdonah if I should still use the DELL Drivers and Utilities disk??.

Once again thanks for all the help, you have all given me the confidence to have a go with the support on Major Geeks :drool

 

I don't believe Dell offers any Win7 - or even VISTA = drivers. Amazing. Of course, at the same time, since this Dimension 9100 seems loaded with Radeon X300 video, a Conexant Modem and Intel LAN and SATA chips, those are considered "generic" for Win7 so perhaps no additional drivers are necessary.

This can be a luxury because "no additional overhead is needed" and for a 2Gb system, Less can definitely be More Advantageous.

I am loathe to recommend using Microsoft's Win Updates to apply Video Updates however, in this case, IF WinUpdates offers some optional video-driver update, I'd probably accept it. It's not going to come from any other source, and the Home Premium version of Win7 will probably need Video Updates to match any updated codecs for audio or video playing.

But these can be issues after the wvaes of WinUpdates are finished.

 

Unfortunately, Windows 7 is difficult when it comes to device drivers. I've tried Win 7 on my computer so, I know first hand. That was the primary reason I chose Win Vista for myself. Vista automatically configured all but two of my devices. For the two that it didn't automatically configure the Win XP drivers work. Vista also configured my two printers when I connected them.

You can try the XP drivers, but you may encounter incompatibility issues and those drivers won't install or work.

I wish I had a spare Vista OS I could have G-drived to you like ChristineBCW G-drived the Win 7.

BTW, were you able to activate or are you on the 30-day trial?

 

(I'm HOPING activation went properly. Should have. In this oh-so-perfect world! nudge nudge, wink wink)