XP SP2 installing on SATA

[GraemeM]

Hi,
I know when I installed windows xp pro before I couldn't install it on my SATA harddrive. THe only way was to pass drivers through a floppy (which is kind of a problem since my floppy drive doesn't work). However, this was pre SP1, and I just ended up installing on an IDE harddrive and then cloning it over.

I'm wondering with XP SP2 realeases, if these drivers will be automatically installed so I can install directly to a SATA harddrive? My university will give me XP SP2 for free, and I'dl like to take this 12gb IDE harddrive out of my computer, but I need to know if I will still need it for installs?

Thanks,
Graeme

Edit: if it helps the harddrive is a 74gb SATA WD Raptor

[RJ]

Hi,

you need to try it. I'm sure SP2 includes drivers for some controllers, but certainly not all of them. I don't know which controller you have, so you need to try it.

If SP2 does not include the drivers for your sata controller, you can download them and integrate them as well.

Note: This is not SATA only, it applies to PATA as well. If the mainboard supports sata natively, you don't need drivers, if you're using an extra controller chip or card, you do.

RJ

[GraemeM]

Originally Posted by RJ Hi, you need to try it. I'm sure SP2 includes drivers for some controllers, but certainly not all of them. I don't know which controller you have, so you need to try it. If SP2 does not include the drivers for your sata controller, you can download them and integrate them as well. Note: This is not SATA only, it applies to PATA as well. If the mainboard supports sata natively, you don't need drivers, if you're using an extra controller chip or card, you do. RJ

well its an Asus A8V motherboard so I think it would be pretty common (just not at the time when the first XP came out)

I think it's on the same controller as the IDE, which worked fine. Anyways I'll give it a try tonight.

[GraemeM]

Alright I tried it and of course it didn't work!

Anyways, what did you mean by "If SP2 does not include the drivers for your sata controller, you can download them and integrate them as well." (remembering that I don't have a floppy to load the drivers from during install)

[glc]

Spend the 10 bucks for a new floppy drive.

[GraemeM]

Originally Posted by glc Spend the 10 bucks for a new floppy drive.

the floppies fine, I suspect it's the power supplies line to the floppy. I've tried two floppy drives, two motherboards, two cables, and nothing.

[glc]

Try a different power connector?

[RJ]

Anyways, what did you mean by "If SP2 does not include the drivers for your sata controller, you can download them and integrate them as well."

Ever heard of the slipstreaming process, by which you can integrate SP2 into your Windows CD ? So that you have XP SP2 right after installation and don't need to install SP2 afterwards ?

You can do the same with the drivers for your controller. You can integrate them into your Windows XP CD, then you can install XP on your SATA drive, as your Windows CD will have the necessary drivers.

RJ

[GraemeM]

oh really you can do that? I wish I had known that a couple years earlier. Anyways I'll look into that and ask you if I have any problems. Thanks a lot.

[GraemeM]

http://www.maximumpc.com/2005/01/how_to_slipstre.html has a good tutorial

[GraemeM]

oh one thing though. Is it possible to add newer Windows Updates toi the CD or only the service packs?

[RJ]

You can slipstream the updates as well. It works the same way as with a service pack (with the /integrate option).

RJ

[GraemeM]

oh really, that's awesome

You've solved my problem (well let's hope at least) and also made me realize I could do something else (with adding the updates).

Thanks a lot.