install win7 with AHCI enabled?

Hello All,

I want to install win7 from scratch onto a ocz 120gb (solid 3) - currently the drive is empty (no partitions) but if I enable AHCI in bios I can no longer boot anything, not even the win7 dvd, it just hangs there

Could somebody tell me how I enable AHCI then install windows 7?

help appreciated
Andy

 

I'm only posting because I know this is your late evening and just want to put out the work-around if you want to just install and get it over with. I am on my way out so I won't troubleshoot until your tomorrow.

If you don't want to use the work around then Is there anything else plugged in like USB devices that could cause the hang?

The workaround: You could install in IDE mode and then make a registry tweak and reboot and then switch to ACHI. Both links are same thing. One with pictures.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/61869-ahci-enable-windows-7-vista.html
http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?t=313676
http://www.overclock.net/t/1227636/how-to-change-sata-modes-after-windows-7-installation

 

Problem solved! I noticed my sd card sticking out and as soon as i removed it everything booted as normal. Came back here to add to my post and see you've already anticipated what might be wrong! (novice mistake!!)

I read that enabling the AHCI then installing win7 is better way round and that's what I've managed to do now...


everything's running very nicely

 

Good work!

You definitely want to run a SSD in ACHI. But I think the workaround is alright because you are enabling ACHI in Windows after the install and then setting BIOS to ACHI then Windows goes a ahead and installs the required SATA drivers and begins running in ACHI mode.

I think it all comes out in the wash but definitely good that you found the memory card and could install with the greatest simplicity.