Install Windows 7 SATA controller driver  

At this point, neither.

I tried to follow Dell's steps for the bios install, but I don't know how to boot in DOS. Keep in mind that I am trying to install to a blank hard drive. I assumed I would have to have an OS installed before I could run DOS. Regardless, I tried every function key on separates boots in hopes that I would have a menu to select DOS. I also checked in Bios for DOS, but saw nothing. I don't know where else to look or how to do it. If DOS is possible without any OS, please steer me in the right direction.

If not, I assume the only way that I can install these files is to make the bootable or somehow extract the contents from the .exe.

I appreciate the help.

MS-DOS Bootable Flash Drive - Create

DOS USB boot drive - Vista Forums

Ok - good news/bad news.

Good news - the ms dos/flash solution worked and bios is updated to the latest, greatest (a04 to a17 so it was quite a jump)! There were no SATA drivers for the hard drive that I am using so nothing else was loaded.

Also, I was able to see the hard drive now in the 'partition section' of the software install.

Bad news is I still can't install Win 7. I am getting this error: 'this computers hardware may not support booting to this disk. Ensure that the disk's controller is enabled in the computer's bios menu.'

This hard drive is 'on' in the bios so I'm not sure what else to do in bios. Suggestions or thoughts?

I really appreciate your help!

Check the BIOS to see the setting for Sata Controller, IDE,AHCI or raid.

Dell OptiPlex 755 has a Intel Sata Controller, if you need them download from here:
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Sear...ntel%c2%ae+RST

SATA Driver - Load in Windows 7 or Vista Setup

theog said:

Check the BIOS to see the setting for Sata Controller, IDE,AHCI or raid.

It is set to AHCI, which I assume is what I need.

Honestly, I'm not sure if I need those drivers or not. Is there any harm installing something that is not necessary? How can I be sure/verify if I need them or not?

ernmorris said:

theog said:

Check the BIOS to see the setting for Sata Controller, IDE,AHCI or raid.

It is set to AHCI, which I assume is what I need.

Honestly, I'm not sure if I need those drivers or not. Is there any harm installing something that is not necessary? How can I be sure/verify if I need them or not?

AHCI is good.

If setup can find the HD, you will not need them.

Ok - I won't install any other drivers. But, unfortunately, I'm still in the same spot and receiving the same error. I'm at a loss!

ernmorris said:

Ok - I won't install any other drivers. But, unfortunately, I'm still in the same spot and receiving the same error. I'm at a loss!

Try loading the drivers.

theog said:

ernmorris said:

Ok - I won't install any other drivers. But, unfortunately, I'm still in the same spot and receiving the same error. I'm at a loss!

Try loading the drivers.

Ok - may as well.

I have to run out for a bit, but will give these 2 ( Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology &  64-bit Intel® RST Driver Files for F6 Install) a try since the OS I am installing is Win 7 64 bit. It will be late so as a courtesy I wanted to let you know since you wouldn't hang around for results.

Will post an update when I am done.

Thanks again!