Peter_Phillips
asked on
How do I get XP to install SATA drivers for the disk, and where do I get the drivers from?
I've got a brand new MS Vista Acer, which I need to downgrade (or is that upgrade!) to XP.
Trouble is, my XP install disk won't recognise the SATA drives. I know I need to install them using the F6 OEM drivers option, but that's looking for a floppy as well!
I'm sure I must be able to use a flash drive here somewhere, but I can't get XP to recognise that either.
The laptop WILL allow me to boot from a flash drive. I formatted one flash and the laptop BIOS found it, but didn't like the boot setup.
I've also searched for the Intel SATA drivers (or whatever) with no luck.
Any ideas will be very welcome!
Trouble is, my XP install disk won't recognise the SATA drives. I know I need to install them using the F6 OEM drivers option, but that's looking for a floppy as well!
I'm sure I must be able to use a flash drive here somewhere, but I can't get XP to recognise that either.
The laptop WILL allow me to boot from a flash drive. I formatted one flash and the laptop BIOS found it, but didn't like the boot setup.
I've also searched for the Intel SATA drivers (or whatever) with no luck.
Any ideas will be very welcome!
As far as I know there is no possibility to use anything else than a floppy on XP - its stupid, but that's how it is.
First of all You must find correct drivers for SATA controller in Your notebook. You my search for it at Acer's page. But its possible that You'll find there only Vista drivers. If so than You must identify this SATA controller and search for correct driver for it.
If this is a problem post here Your laptop's model info.
If there will be a driver than there is to possibilities:
1. Find a way to connect Floppy drive do your laptop (PCIMCIA maybe)
2. Prepare an XP installation disk with these drivers.
First of all You must find correct drivers for SATA controller in Your notebook. You my search for it at Acer's page. But its possible that You'll find there only Vista drivers. If so than You must identify this SATA controller and search for correct driver for it.
If this is a problem post here Your laptop's model info.
If there will be a driver than there is to possibilities:
1. Find a way to connect Floppy drive do your laptop (PCIMCIA maybe)
2. Prepare an XP installation disk with these drivers.
ASKER
Guys.
Sorry, I should have said, it's an Acer Extensa 4220, model number 4220-050508Ci
The SATA controller is made by Intel (I think) so hopefully, I might be able to get something from there.
The floppy is another problem. Who the hell has floppies these days, and that you can connect to a laptop?
What about building XP on the key and booting the laptop from there? The C drive may be unaffected, and I could use the "remote" boot to control another installation? This is a very thin straw though.
Sorry, I should have said, it's an Acer Extensa 4220, model number 4220-050508Ci
The SATA controller is made by Intel (I think) so hopefully, I might be able to get something from there.
The floppy is another problem. Who the hell has floppies these days, and that you can connect to a laptop?
What about building XP on the key and booting the laptop from there? The C drive may be unaffected, and I could use the "remote" boot to control another installation? This is a very thin straw though.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
ASKER
A fulsome answer - Many thanks Bill.
Aaah, I was searching and typing (in GMT too - late afternoon here) as you were posting.
Now why doesn't Acer Support show that model in the drop-down field?
Is this an import?
I'll have a look at the files in the driver package and see if any also relate to your model. There may be such minor differences between the model numbers that they haven't included it in the list.
Now why doesn't Acer Support show that model in the drop-down field?
Is this an import?
I'll have a look at the files in the driver package and see if any also relate to your model. There may be such minor differences between the model numbers that they haven't included it in the list.
ASKER
Basically, if you don't have the USB floppy, you're screwed.
ASKER
Hey Bill - It's a brand new model here - I saw they didn't have it up on their site too.
Ah well. Been an interesting experience, which has warned me off buying kit with SATA and no XP. Luckily I managed to flog the box to somebody else within minutes of telling the punter the bad news!
Manythanks again for your help!
Ah well. Been an interesting experience, which has warned me off buying kit with SATA and no XP. Luckily I managed to flog the box to somebody else within minutes of telling the punter the bad news!
Manythanks again for your help!
Peter, the only models I've found with downloadable programs to create SATA Driver installation floppies are the 4320 and 4620 models. I'll keep looking though.
External USB Floppy Drives on eBay UK:
http://tinyurl.com/2y24yr
External USB Floppy Drives on eBay UK:
http://tinyurl.com/2y24yr
Hee, hee. No problems Peter. Are you Del-Boy Trotter logging in under an acronym? ;-)
Note: this is a UK joke.
Note: this is a UK joke.
ASKER
Ah! A man with taste! Sadly, no - not that talented, mate!
As for where to get the drivers, you'll need to contact the manufacturer of your system to be sure you are getting the proper drivers for your machine. All you told us was Acer... but didn't mention any model numbers. I'd suggest going to Acer's web site and getting the drivers there.