Slow performance on HDDs, could they be in ATA?

There are two modes SATA controllers run it, IDE emulation, and AHCI. Which mode the SATA controller uses is usually done though the BIOS. Beware switching AHCI on with an operating system already installed, rarely if ever works. If AHCI was on and installation of Windows stop[ed or never commenced it does not have the driver and must be put on a floppy or usb key before starting.

Eliah said:

Right, yesterday having installed the Win7 x64, haven't noticed any glaring driver deficiencies yet.

However, I have a sneaky suspicion that my HDDs are now working in ATA mode.. Is there a way for me to confirm/deny this for certain, and if so, how do I change it?

I haven't installed any SATA/DHCP/Chipset drivers yet - the action center didn't pop up any messages about them, so I assume that they have been installed correctly by Windows already..

I'm running it on a about year-old laptop, if it helps, so Windows should have the drivers - it's not as if the tech is outdated or too new..

So, is it reasonable to consider that Win7 has put the HDDs in ATA mode, and if I want to turn SATA back in, what drivers do in need to check?

To check your current driver:
Click the Start orb, then 'controll panel', then 'Device Manager', then expand 'Storage controllers', under it will be your SATA Mode driver. Copy that or a screen shot. Let us know what it is listed there.

Changing the SATA Mode is best done at the OS installation but, possibly can be done with the OS installed. Some people can do it on their computers and others have difficulties, depends on the computer mostly.
Reply if you would like info on trying this switch, that is if you need to, check your setting as above or in BIOS. In your BIOS it might be under 'Advanced' tab and 'SATA Mode', see if you have any options there. Not sure on an Acer.

For more information about your computer you can try the computer information programs from Dont Know What Hardware You Have..??.

I use SIW, System Information for Windows. It gives you alot of information on your computer. There is a Win7 version now.