XP can't recognize hard drive for OS install Solved/Closed

Question

Hello,

I am aware of the AHCI/SATA problem. Unfortunately for me, the laptop I'm working with has Phoenix BIOS, which doesn't allow me to alter any advanced BIOS options, including disabling AHCI. So I'm stuck without the ability to install XP on my new hard drive. If anyone has any suggestions or answers, it'd be much appreciated. Thank you in advance.

gsfilm · Accepted Answer

Hi. Found this thread after having BIG trouble trying raw installation XP on a HP/Compaq laptop (nx9420). Same symptom. After loading all drivers, the installation sw said it could not find any hd.  After googling a while I thought it had to be the SATA / AHCI issue.  Also have this very basic BIOS setup with very few setup possibilities.  After a couple of days trying Nlite and drivers an god knows what I got a fluke whim just to test switching "SATA native mode" OFF !   Heureka ! it worked.   Dont know if this is solution for genuine AHCI - issues, but it might be the solution for some of You also who found this thread.   // Peter

xpcman · Answer

You can use slipstreaming to add the SATA drivers to Your XP disk.  The trick is to find the right drivers, 

go to this site for info on nLite  a tool for slipstreaming. 

http://www.cse.iitb.ac.in/~chetandewan/papers/2k/Slipstreaming-Windows-Service-Packs.html

victorh2000 · Answer

I had the same problem with a GATEWAY DX4720-03 computer model and downloaded SATA_IDE drive from https://www.nvidia.com/Download/driverResults.aspx/32823/en-uk and install windows server 2003 with no errors.

you will need to slipstream the driver with nlite and change AHCI mode on Bios IF YOU CAN.
the driver is located at IDE/WINXP/SATA_IDE on the file.

good look!
Edit/Delete Message

Rahat · Answer

I did the same thing as suggested above xpcman however it still did not work.  When using the nlite I also included the intel chip drivers for my Gateway MX6214.  This was my third XP cd burn before I had it working correctly.  Cheers!

small student · Answer

dear same problem:
i ran through this problem, and I have tried every possible solution, even with fdisk,formatting, third party during setup,drivers, etc etc etc        for hell windows 
iam a doctor, and this is brain insult

very big advice--------------------------hell to windows   
i have changed to linux  in very easy way
now my laptop had ubuntu 9.04 and mandriva 2009 powerpack    and many other partitions of my work
believe or not ,       
swear god I did nothing , no drivers, no problems    ,nothing atall
my wireless,my display, audio, video,every thing is perfect
it is not advertisement , I have no time for that shut
it is what happened with me

Jdun · Answer

For those of you that have Aspire One (netbook) and window XP installer could not find HD problem.

You must switch the SATA Mode (BIOS) to IDE from AHCI.

Hit F2 at boot screen -> Main -> SATA Mode -> IDE

This will allow Window XP to see your SATA.

chaiz · Answer

i have an vista o.s I formatted vista but then too xp does not detect hard drive

dd · Answer

mine one is also pheonix
I have disabled it 
and I installed XP sp2

USMC6995 · Answer

The BIOS change to IDE on SATA worked! Thank you for the tip!

mtandy · Answer

I'm trying to install xp on and MSI laptop and the bios has not option to change the hard drive type.  Bios recognizes the hd but when trying to install xp it says there is no hdd present.  What do I do?

john · Answer

This is the only help I have found so far:

https://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows/resolving-setup-did-not-find-any-hard-disk-drives-during-windows-xp-installation/

thusee · Answer

i have built couple of pc's and never ran across this problem ever. I got a hp laptop from a friend to re install windows for them and I got the error mentioned above.

While I was in the middle of the nLite program I decided to keep looking and found this page. I reset the bios to Disable the sata and IT WORKED PERFECTLY!

THANKS OP! Was a good learn as well.

Akuma Re-Sa · Answer

thanks for this one...I'll already solve my problem..

Angkri · Answer

I disabled the AHCI in the bios and put SATA/ATA and it worked for me thanks....... Solved my problem......

Dlark · Answer

thank u thank u thank u thank u!!! u guys are great!! was stuck on this for 2 days straight!!! u saved my life!!

Rasty · Answer

thank u thank u thank u thank u!! u guys are really great!!! I love u all.. MUAHH!! it worked like magic... hahahah

Anna · Answer

Thanks so much guys! You are heaven-sent lifesavers!

Should I leave SATA mode at IDE for good? 

=D

XP can't recognize hard drive for OS install

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