Random BSOD in WIndows 7 Kernel-Power Event ID 41

I could not find a setting on the onboard controller (Intel ICH8...) in the BIOS. When the system boots it displays some info about the drive configuration but it goes by too quickly for me to really read it thoroughly. It says something about ACHI there but I'm not sure what it's set at. In setup each drive says "non RAID Disk but on booting each drive is followed by the statement "This drive is controlled by the RAID BIOS"...

Oh and the current VIA Drivers are included in Windows 7. I downloaded the latest drivers from VIA when I installed 7 but didn't need them for everything to work. 7 says the most recent driver version is already installed.

I opened my case to double check how I had things connected. The only thing connected to the VIA controller is the Zip drive. My other HDDs are connected to the motherboard which is using the Intel ICH8 controller. I had the Zip drive disabled in 7 anyways so I went ahead and disabled the VIA SATA / IDE Controller in 7 too. It still works fine in XP.

In my configuration utility the are options to create RAID delete RAID and Change RAID disks but when I try to open those menus I get a message that says "there are no RAID disks" (not word for word but something to that extent). Under another section where it says "RAID" the entry says "none detected"?

The VIA card is PCI. The PCIE slot is only used for my video card.

Not sure how to add screen shots here?

Not really interested in paying to upgrade to 7 pro. I know about VM but opted not to go that route because my studio software in XP would have to be reconfigured and I'd have to transfer everything and risk losing hours upon hours of work. It works fine as it is (XP that is) Obviously 7 is not liking something about my set up...

Windows installed the drivers I think. I tried to update everything when I installed 7 and even before. My initial attempt to install 7 in April failed. My disk was scratched and it is 7 straight without SP1. It hung up while installing and at first I could get into 7's repair utility but the OS would not boot. I downloaded (legally) Windows 7 SP1 install package ISO from Digital River (?). Mounted it to DVD, wiped the hard drive and installed again. It installed and came up smooth as silk. I'm using my original certificate on the same version of 7. Had to call Microsoft to Activate but I assure you and them it's legit. (Just not sure 7 thinks it's legit on my system?). I'm not getting any other problems except my keyboard sometimes doesn't get recognized at boot up (?). It's rare but I had to reboot a few times in since the install to be able to log in from the keyboard. Lights are on but no response.

Does disabling the VIA controller render it irrelevant in 7?

I have my disks set up to not sleep in 7 for trouble shooting purposes. I don't let the system sleep. I also don't keep it on constantly like many of people do. I shut down and walk away.

I may be having multiple issues because of the failing old 250 drive.

I'm a musician and a hobbyist hardware geek. I do experimental music and spend sours recording and editing. I hate to have to disconnect it but I could. Do you think it is worth the effort there to rule it out? Could do the same with the XP drive?

If you have a link to how I can show you my Device Manager layout I will try to upload the image. I don't do forums much but I'm sure I could figure it out if it would help?

Thanks Essenbe. It means a lot...

Hi Golden. I know how to open device manage. Just not sure how to post the screen. Thanks for stopping by.

Essenbe, Thanks for understanding. ;-)

No yellow triangles. Only the symbol over my VIA card to show it's disabled. My Zip drive had the same before I rechecked the physical connections. No need for the controller card if it's for the Zip which I am not using at all in 7.

Here's my device manager screen.