I've done it before. We've all done it before. The Windows XP installation program doesn't recognize your SATA drive. Solution: you hit F6 and pop in a floppy containing the drivers you got off the drive's manufacturer's website.

Well, I wanted to install XP (SP1 by the way) on a Fujitsu 40-gig SATA (MHV2040BH) I had lying about. Of course the installation process doesn't see the drive. Problem: I can find no Fujitsu SATA drivers...anywhere...for any Fujitsu SATA drive.

Curious thing is, I didn't even need a driver disk to install XP SP2 on these drives on a different motherboard; THAT installation recognized the SATA drive with no problem.

My next ideas would be to:

a) Buy an IDE drive for $40 and just install on that.
or
b) Buy a copy of XP SP2 for $90.

Any thoughts on Fujitsu SATA drivers, or other solutions?

If you have access to a copy of SP2 you don't need to buy a new one, all you need is the number from the XP disc you're trying to use.

Another option would be to prep the drive with something like Western Digitals Data Lifeguard tools.

Quote: Originally Posted by AntiM If you have access to a copy of SP2 you don't need to buy a new one, all you need is the number from the XP disc you're trying to use. Another option would be to prep the drive with something like Western Digitals Data Lifeguard tools.

Eeeeexcellent...

Your first suggestion was going to be the first thing I tried. Glad to know it should work. Thanks!

You don't need drivers for the DRIVE, you need drivers for the SATA CONTROLLER on the motherboard.

Quote: Originally Posted by Joose You don't need drivers for the DRIVE, you need drivers for the SATA CONTROLLER on the motherboard.

I was beginning to suspect that. Which is probably the route I need to go since trying to install WinXP SP2 on one of these drives failed just now. So the score is:

Installing Winxp SP2 on an Fujitsu 40-gig SATA on my old Asus A7N8X: failed.
Installing Winxp SP2 on an Fujitsu 40-gig SATA on my new PC Chips A33g: success!

You see how this is a trial-an-error process for me?

So the consensus seems to be that I need to head over to the nForcer's message boards and find myself a SATA controller for my Asus board.

Thanks, Joose.