Enable AHCI controller for Sata drive

[eddie88888]

I installed XP Pro sp3 on my Compaq Presario V3000 laptop by Disabling the SATA Native Support in the BIOS (v. F39).

Now I want to enable the AHCI controller so that I can install the SATA driver for my internal HDD.

I have Intel 945 chipset and ICH7-M/U southbridge.

The problem is that ACHI controller does not show in my (updated) BIOS.

Does ICH7-M/U have an AHCI controller, and if so, how can I enable it.

I have the full "Speccy", if the above is not enough info.

Thanks Eddie

[Mumbodog]

1. AHCI needs to be enabled during install of XP.

2. Flash the bios back to the old version, enable AHCI, then install XP.

You will need to slipstream the sata driver into the XP install CD.

.

[eddie88888]

Mumbodog,  Thanks for the reply.

I understand about slipstreaming the sata driver.  My problem is how to enable the AHCI controller.

In my BIOS, both old and updated versions, only "Sata Native Support" can be enabled or disabled,  there is no function for AHCI.  So slipstreaming the Sata driver with Sata Native enabled results in blue screen, and slipstreaming with Sata Native disabled results in a Win installation using IDE, not AHCI, connectors for the hard drive.

[Mumbodog]

Sorry I mis-understood that part, If the bios does not have the ability to enable AHCI, then there is not much you can do.

I have read articles of hacking the HP bios image to enable this feature, then flash using this modded bios, but is it extremely difficult and could brick the laptop if not done correctly.

[CherylG]

SATA Native Support is the option you need to enable. If you are getting a blue screen with it enabled then you have not created your slipstreamed cd correctly.