[Cor'e =)]

Hi Fernando, i have some new questions, hope you or others can help:

1) We have some new 8200 mobos, nVidia has new driver set v15.45, in which the SATIDE/SATARAID driver is v11.1.0.30, my question is do these new drivers fair better than what you are posting as a solution in post #1?

2) We have some old MCP55 (550 or 570Ultra AMD) mobos, nVidia has new driver set v15.46, in which the SATIDE/SATARAID driver is v11.1.0.30, my question is do these new drivers fair better than what you are posting as a solution in post #1?

3) Does anybody know where nVidia is hiding all the older drivers?? (I can't seem to find them on their website).

The OS will be WinXPPro x32, we will be booting to RAID sets. The textsetup.oem file for v15.46 appears similar to v15.25 minus some languages and some IDs (Our MCP55 PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_037F is still included). Your opinion is very welcome, if you think your own modded drivers are still better please let me know, tia! =)

This post has been edited by Cor'e =): 15 October 2009 - 02:27 PM

[Fernando 1]

@ Cor'e =):
Your questions are not easy to be answered, because there is no "best" driver for everyone's preferences and for all thinkable hardware combinations.
Nevertheless I will try give you a reply:

Cor'e =), on Oct 15 2009, 10:00 PM, said:

1) We have some new 8200 mobos, nVidia has new driver set v15.45, in which the SATIDE/SATARAID driver is v11.1.0.30, my question is do these new drivers fair better than what you are posting as a solution in post #1?

These new nForce IDE drivers are optimized for the actual nForce 7-9 series chipsets and maybe the best choice for users, who are running their SATA hdd(s) in AHCI Mode. Nevertheless I didn't yet put them into my guide, because the original and WHQL certified nForce IDE drivers v11.1.0.30 do not support all AHCI capable nForce chipsets.
This was the reason why I have already created a brandnew "modded" driverpack on the basis of NVIDIA's 15.45/15.46 sets. You can get the 32bit version for Windows XP from >here<.

Quote

2) We have some old MCP55 (550 or 570Ultra AMD) mobos, nVidia has new driver set v15.46, in which the SATIDE/SATARAID driver is v11.1.0.30, my question is do these new drivers fair better than what you are posting as a solution in post #1?

For users with an MCP55 chipset I still recommend to take the nForce IDE drivers v9.99.09, because this way they will get the best possible performance.

Quote

3) Does anybody know where nVidia is hiding all the older drivers?? (I can't seem to find them on their website).

You can find all old nForce driversets, which were released for Windows XP before 2008, within >this< FTP site (or within the subdirectories named "64" and "standalone").
The newer, but already outdated nForce chipset driver sets are hidden for public, but you can get them nevertheless, if you know the set version number. Example: Open the website for the WinXP set 15.45 (it's >here<). If you then go on top of your browser and replace the digits "15.45" by any other set number (example: "9.64"), you usually will get the download page of that version.

This post has been edited by Fernando 1: 15 October 2009 - 03:45 PM

[Cor'e =)]

Okay, i just DL'd your v7 modded drivers for 1), but i have some additional Q's regarding your answer. Thank you for answers to 2) & 3). =)

Fernando 1, on Oct 15 2009, 02:21 PM, said:

These new nForce IDE drivers are optimized for the actual nForce 7-9 series chipsets and maybe the best choice for users, who are running their SATA hdd(s) in AHCI Mode. Nevertheless I didn't yet put them into my guide, because the original and WHQL certified nForce IDE drivers v11.1.0.30 do not support all AHCI capable nForce chipsets.

1.1) What were the last (known good) modded or original nForce drivers to support AHCI?

1.2) Since i'm doing RAID, does AHCI have any effect in my situation? I've always assumed AHCI was underlying all RAID drivers, i've never known that there existed popular IDE RAID drivers, i thought this was just a mis-labling on nVidia's part...

Please explain this to me, much appreciation. =)

This post has been edited by Cor'e =): 15 October 2009 - 04:12 PM

[Fernando 1]

Cor'e =), on Oct 15 2009, 11:44 PM, said:

1) What were the last (known good) modded or original nForce drivers to support AHCI?

The last and good nForce SATA AHCI drivers for XP are the nForce SATA_IDE drivers v11.1.0.30. You will find a link to my latest modded nForce drivers within my previous post (I have edited the link while you were writing your new questions). My "NF4-7 Actual Driverpack v7.0" is optimized for AHCI users, but should work with all other NF4-7 chipsets too (except nForce4 RAID systems, which don't like the actual nForce IDE drivers v10.x.x.xx and v11.x.x.xx series at all).

Quote

2) Since i'm doing RAID, does AHCI have any effect in my situation? I've always assumed AHCI was underlying all RAID drivers, i've never known that there existed popular IDE RAID drivers, i thought this was just a mis-labling on nVidia's part...

RAID and AHCI are different things. Since you have an MCP55 chipset mainboard, which is not able to fully support the AHCI features, you will not get any benefit by installing an nForce SATA driver, which is optimized regarding AHCI.

This post has been edited by Fernando 1: 15 October 2009 - 04:09 PM

[Cor'e =)]

Fernando 1, on Oct 15 2009, 03:02 PM, said:

Cor'e =), on Oct 15 2009, 11:44 PM, said:

1.1) What were the last (known good) modded or original nForce drivers to support AHCI?

The last and good nForce SATA AHCI drivers for XP are the nForce SATA_IDE drivers v11.1.0.30. You will find a link to my latest modded nForce drivers within my previous post (I have edited the link while you were writing your new questions). My "NF4-7 Actual Driverpack v7.0" is optimized for AHCI users, but should work with all other NF4-7 chipsets too (except nForce4 RAID systems, which don't like the actual nForce IDE drivers v10.x.x.xx and v11.x.x.xx series at all).

Quote

1.2) Since i'm doing RAID, does AHCI have any effect in my situation? I've always assumed AHCI was underlying all RAID drivers, i've never known that there existed popular IDE RAID drivers, i thought this was just a mis-labling on nVidia's part...

RAID and AHCI are different things. Since you have an MCP55 chipset mainboard, which is not able to fully support the AHCI features, you will not get any benefit by installing an nForce SATA driver, which is optimized regarding AHCI.

Yes, IDE & AHCI & RAID are different drivers, but for example Intel's RAID loads its RAID driver(s) on top of its AHCI driver(s) on top of M$'s IDE. What's nVidia doing when it loads its RAID drivers? I assume nVidia's SATAIDE == IDE, SATARAID == RAID, and you've created a "SATAAHCI" for AHCI functionality. (BTW, this Q is in regards to the 8200 mobos i spoke about in the original 1), we're out of sync a just a little, you may want to go back a few posts/edits and read again).

This post has been edited by Cor'e =): 15 October 2009 - 04:30 PM

[Fernando 1]

Cor'e =), on Oct 16 2009, 12:20 AM, said:

Yes, IDE & AHCI & RAID are different drivers, but for example Intel's RAID loads its RAID driver(s) on top of its AHCI driver(s) on top of M$'s IDE. What's nVidia doing when it loads its RAID drivers?

You should not compare NVIDIA's AHCI and RAID drivers with Intel's ones. Things are different and more complicated with NVIDIA's textmode drivers. Contrary to Intel, where there is just 1 single driver named IASTOR.SYS managing both RAID and AHCI, NVIDIA has 2 different IDE drivers, the RAID driver named NVRD32.sys (formerly: NVRAID.SYS) and the SATA driver named NVGT.SYS, which has "normal" SATA driver functions, but additionally does support the AHCI features, if the AHCI Mode is enabled within the BIOS.

Quote

I assume nVidia's SATAIDE == IDE, SATARAID == RAID, and you've created a "SATAAHCI" for AHCI functionality.

All actual nForce IDE drivers have a SATA_IDE and a SATARAID folder, neither NVIDIA nor me ever have created a folder named SATA_AHCI. When I have written about the nForce "SATA AHCI" driver, I meant the regular nForce SATA driver named NVGTS.SYS running in AHCI Mode.
Nevertheless you are not totally wrong. The new generation of SATA_IDE driver folders, which have a file named TXTSETUP.OEM (important for the installation of the SATA driver as AHCI textmode driver), should have been renamed to "SATA_AHCI". This would make clear, that such folder might not be the best choice for nForce chipsets, which do not support AHCI.

This post has been edited by Fernando 1: 15 October 2009 - 05:18 PM

[Cor'e =)]

Good, that helps my understanding more, may i correctly assume that:


A) All nVidia based mobos allow IDE Mode in BIOS, and the OS will need M$'s IDE default driver, and not use nVidia's driver from the SATA_IDE folder?

B) Any nVidia based mobo that allows AHCI Mode in BIOS (and if configured as so) will need an AHCI driver from nVidia's SATA_IDE folder?

C) Any nVidia based mobo that allows RAID Mode in BIOS (and if configured as so) will need a RAID driver from nVidia's SATA_RAID folder, and it will not need an AHCI driver from nVidia's SATA_IDE folder?


Tia, i'm atm choosing the best nVidia RAID drivers to slip via nLite for the 8200 based mobos, so your help is being appreciated here. =)

This post has been edited by Cor'e =): 15 October 2009 - 06:41 PM

[Fernando 1]

Cor'e =), on Oct 16 2009, 02:38 AM, said:

A) All nVidia based mobos allow IDE Mode in BIOS, and the OS will need M$'s IDE default driver, and not use nVidia's driver from the SATA_IDE folder?

The user can decide, if he wants to use the generic MS IDE drivers or the "IDE Mode" nForce SATA driver (the MS "Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller" and the "NVIDIA nForce Serial ATA Controller" are fully compatible). Users, who want to get the nForce SATA driver installed from scratch, have to integrate the suitable SATA_IDE driver folder as PnP driver.

Quote

B ) Any nVidia based mobo that allows AHCI Mode in BIOS (and if configured as so) will need an AHCI driver from nVidia's SATA_IDE folder?

Correct.

Quote

C) Any nVidia based mobo that allows RAID Mode in BIOS (and if configured as so) will need a RAID driver from nVidia's SATA_RAID folder, and it will not need an AHCI driver from nVidia's SATA_IDE folder?

Mostly correct, because the SATARAID driver folder contains the needed RAID and SATA driver.
Only exception: Users with a LEGACY Mode nForce RAID systems (nForce2/3/4) will not get Windows XP installed onto their RAID by just integrating the SATARAID driver folder. They need to take either the LEGACY driver folder (if available) or the SATARAID driver folder (as textmode) and additionally the SATA_IDE driver folder as PnP driver, because otherwise the SATA driver will not be installed. It's not the SATA driver, which is missing, but the associated INF file, which only is present within the SATA_IDE (and LEGACY) driver folder.

[Cor'e =)]

Thank you, it's very clear from what you've said, i very much appreciate it, thanks Fernando. =)

[krzysiek033]

Hi. I have a ASUS M3n72-D mb. I cant get AHCI to work. When I change drivers in windows the system wont boot anymore. I tried to integrate drivers in the instaler but still it wont detect any drives. I tried to use orginal AHCI drivers from ASUS with no luck.

[Fernando 1]

@ krzysiek033:
Welcome at MSFN Forums!

Are you running any Windows OS now?
If yes, have a look into the "IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers" and - if present - the "Storage Controllers" (or "SCSI and RAID Controllers") section of the Device Manager. Which Controller names do you see?

krzysiek033, on Oct 26 2009, 02:08 PM, said:

I have a ASUS M3n72-D mb. I cant get AHCI to work. When I change drivers in windows the system wont boot anymore.

As long as the AHCI or RAID Mode is enabled within the BIOS, the OS needs appropriate AHCI resp. RAID drivers. Otherwise you will not be able to boot the OS anymore.

Quote

I tried to integrate drivers in the instaler but still it wont detect any drives. I tried to use orginal AHCI drivers from ASUS with no luck.

Which ASUS driver did you take and how did you integrate it?
By the way: The AHCI/RAID drivers, which I am offering within my guide, are almost newer and possibly better than those you get from the mainboard manufacturer. Furthermore the use of them is much easier, because I have already prepared them for being integrated into a Windows XP CD.

[krzysiek033]

Fernando 1, on Oct 26 2009, 08:49 AM, said:

@ krzysiek033:
Welcome at MSFN Forums!

Are you running any Windows OS now?
If yes, have a look into the "IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers" and - if present - the "Storage Controllers" (or "SCSI and RAID Controllers") section of the Device Manager. Which Controller names do you see?

Im running drives in IDE mode so I have:
Under IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers:
2x Primary channel IDE
2x Secondary CHannel IDE
2x Primary dual channel PCI IDE

Under SCSI and RAID COntrollers:
SCSI/RAID Host Controller

krzysiek033, on Oct 26 2009, 02:08 PM, said:

I have a ASUS M3n72-D mb. I cant get AHCI to work. When I change drivers in windows the system wont boot anymore.

As long as the AHCI or RAID Mode is enabled within the BIOS, the OS needs appropriate AHCI resp. RAID drivers. Otherwise you will not be able to boot the OS anymore.

Quote

I tried to integrate drivers in the instaler but still it wont detect any drives. I tried to use orginal AHCI drivers from ASUS with no luck.

Which ASUS driver did you take and how did you integrate it?
By the way: The AHCI/RAID drivers, which I am offering within my guide, are almost newer and possibly better than those you get from the mainboard manufacturer. Furthermore the use of them is much easier, because I have already prepared them for being integrated into a Windows XP CD.

I intergrated 32bit nForce SATA_IDE driver v10.3.0.46 WHQL drivers now not nothing changes.

This post has been edited by krzysiek033: 26 October 2009 - 09:50 AM

[Fernando 1]

krzysiek033, on Oct 26 2009, 05:46 PM, said:

I intergrated 32bit nForce SATA_IDE driver v10.3.0.46 WHQL drivers now not nothing changes.

That would be correct, if you have an nForce SATA system running with enabled "AHCI Mode".
Are you sure, that the SATA Controller, where your hdd is connected,
a ) is a NVIDIA nForce one and
b ) is running in "AHCI Mode"?

EDIT. Now I have realized your answers. This was not easy, because you have quoted the whole text inclusive your reply.
You obviously are runinng your SATA Controller neither in AHCI nor in RAID Mode.

If you want to get Windows XP installed without using the advanced SATA features of AHCI or RAID (that means with your current BIOS settings), you should boot off the original Windows XP without hitting F6 or having integrated any textmode driver.
If you want to run Windows XP in AHCI Mode, you have to do the following:
1. Enter BIOS and change the SATA Controller settings to "AHCI Mode".
2. Put your already prepared Windows XP CD with integrated nForce SATA_IDE driver 10.3.0.46 into the CD/DVD drive and boot off it.
3. Choose the partition where you want to get Windows XP installed (should be formatted previously).
4. Let the XP Setup do its work.
5. Enjoy Windows XP running in AHCI Mode.

This post has been edited by Fernando 1: 26 October 2009 - 10:37 AM

[krzysiek033]

Fernando 1, on Oct 26 2009, 11:21 AM, said:

krzysiek033, on Oct 26 2009, 05:46 PM, said:

I intergrated 32bit nForce SATA_IDE driver v10.3.0.46 WHQL drivers now not nothing changes.

That would be correct, if you have an nForce SATA system running with enabled "AHCI Mode".
Are you sure, that the SATA Controller, where your hdd is connected,
a ) is a NVIDIA nForce one and
b ) is running in "AHCI Mode"?

EDIT. Now I have realized your answers. This was not easy, because you have quoted the whole text inclusive your reply.
You obviously are runinng your SATA Controller neither in AHCI nor in RAID Mode.

Do the following: Try to boot off the original Windows XP without hitting F6 or having integrated any driver.

I can install XP with my mb set to IDE mode with no problems. When I set it to AHCI, winXP installer wont detect any drives, With or without integration.

This post has been edited by krzysiek033: 26 October 2009 - 10:36 AM

[Fernando 1]

krzysiek033, on Oct 26 2009, 06:35 PM, said:

I can install XP with my mb set to IDE mode with no problems. When I set it to AHCI, winXP installer wont detect any drives, With or without integration.

Then you have done something wrong.
Are you sure, that your hdd is a SATA one and connected to a NVIDIA SATA Controller?
Have you really done the needed AHCI settings within the BIOS?

Since you obviously are still able to run Windows XP, you may give me the HardwareID's of your currently running "Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller" (Device Manager > "IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers" > right-click onto "Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller" > "Properties" > "Details" > "Property" > "HardwareID's").

[krzysiek033]

Fernando 1, on Oct 26 2009, 11:45 AM, said:

krzysiek033, on Oct 26 2009, 06:35 PM, said:

I can install XP with my mb set to IDE mode with no problems. When I set it to AHCI, winXP installer wont detect any drives, With or without integration.

Then you have done something wrong.
Are you sure, that your hdd is a SATA one and connected to a NVIDIA SATA Controller?
Have you really done the needed AHCI settings within the BIOS?

Since you obviously are still able to run Windows XP, you may give me the HardwareID's of your currently running "Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller" (Device Manager > "IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers" > right-click onto "Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller" > "Properties" > "Details" > "Property" > "HardwareID's").

Im sure its Nforce because mainboard's chipset is nforce 750a

Attached File(s)

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This post has been edited by krzysiek033: 26 October 2009 - 10:55 AM

[Fernando 1]

@ krzysiek033:
The HardwareID's you have posted belong to the NVIDIA MCP72 PATA Controller.
That would mean, that your hdd is a native IDE (=P-ATA) and not a SATA one.
If I am right, you will not be able to set your hdd to AHCI Mode, because the AHCI features are not supported at all by PATA hdd's.

EDIT: Do you see any other Controller within the "IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers" section? If yes, give me the related HardwareID's too.

This post has been edited by Fernando 1: 26 October 2009 - 11:18 AM

[krzysiek033]

Fernando 1, on Oct 26 2009, 12:09 PM, said:

@ krzysiek033:
The HardwareID's you have posted belong to the NVIDIA MCP72 PATA Controller.
That would mean, that your hdd is a native IDE (=P-ATA) and not a SATA one.
If I am right, you will not be able to set your hdd to AHCI Mode, because the AHCI features are not supported at all by PATA hdd's.

EDIT: Do you see any other Controller within the "IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers" section? If yes, give me the related HardwareID's too.

Thats probably because its set to IDE mode. I have two Seagate HDDs. ST31000333AS and ST3320620AS. They are both SATA.

I dont have any other devices other that I listed above.

[Fernando 1]

krzysiek033, on Oct 26 2009, 07:32 PM, said:

Thats probably because its set to IDE mode.

"PATA" and "SATA (IDE Mode)" are really different, but maybe the informations I have regarding the DeciceID of the MCP72 IDE/SATA Controllers are wrong (they are from NVIDIA).

Quote

I have two Seagate HDDs. ST31000333AS and ST3320620AS. They are both SATA.

OK.

Quote

I dont have any other devices other that I listed above.

Where is your CD/DVD drive connected?

[krzysiek033]

My DVD Drive is connected as a SLave in the IDE connector. Mb have onlz one IDE connection on it.