Windows 7: Changing SATA from Compatibility mode to AHCI

Hi, back with another issue on a different computer.

I'm installing Seven on a WinXP machine and completed the install, but forgot to change the SATA setting in the bios from "compatibility mode" to AHCI. Now when I change it, windows gives me bluescreen on boot.

I'm dumbfounded that Windows Seven startup repair can't fix a problem this simple, but it completely failed, wasn't even able to find a problem.

I was thinking it might be easier to just reformat and begin the install over again, or startup in safemode and install the intel SATA drivers... assuming it will let me boot into safemode with AHCI enabled.

Is there another alternative here?

Thanks.


ps. On the other computer (different thread), I'm going to wait till I have several hours of uninterrupted time, in case I need to begin over installing all the windows versions one at a time. I'll reply with any success/failure on that thread later in the week.

Not to worry - Windows 7 actually already has a generic AHCI driver; it just needs to be enabled before you change the mode in your BIOS.

Microsoft provides a step-by-step guide for doing so, which involves nothing more than setting a single registry value.

Error message when you start a Windows 7 or Windows Vista-based computer after you change the SATA mode of the boot drive: "STOP 0x0000007B INACCESSABLE_BOOT_DEVICE"

Let us know if you need help with anything else.

A few steps to go through before making the change in the bios,

AHCI : Enable in Windows 7 / Vista

Thanks guys.

Can you tell me the easiest way to enable it in XP too? I've added the SATA drivers to my windows XP setup disc using nLite, since XP won't let you slip the drivers in from CD or usb (floppy disc only), hard to believe that hasn't been patched.

I'd like to be able to do it on an already installed XP though.

Thanks

The basic idea is the same for XP, except it doesn't have an AHCI driver at all. So you need to kinda wedge one in manually before rebooting and changing the BIOS option.

Here's someone who figured out how: HOWTO: enable AHCI mode after installing Windows - PC Perspective Forums