AHCI : Enable in Windows 7 / Vista

I've been trying to narrow down a problem I've been having with restoring a disk image of my SSD in a standalone environment, namely a recovery disk or USB stick. I have the controller defined as AHCI in my BIOS. Restores which used to take minutes can now take hours. Looking through different posts on the Web I've seen reports of the same problem. Many people claim that setting the controller to IDE in the BIOS and then rebooting to your particular standalone restorer fixed the speed issue.

I haven't tried this yet but will when I need to do a restore. Just wondering if I can get verification of this from the resident Gurus here?

This is what I got from my motherboard maker support:

To install AHCI drivers properly (required for hot swap):
1. Enable AHCI mode in BIOS (under chipset – southbridge).
2. Format the hard drive.
3. Boot to CD, to Install Windows.
4. During the installation Windows will not recognize any drives, and will prompt you to install the third party AHCI drivers.


support@biostar-usa.com
626-581-1055 menu select 2
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From: bock_d@bellsouth.net [mailto:bock_d@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Monday, February 13, 2012 4:11 PM
To: support@biostar-usa.com
Subject: << BIOSTAR Technical Support Request FORM >>


=================================================
Question:
How to install AHCI (SATA HOT-SWAPPABLE) drivers in Windows 7 x64?
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Email:
bock_d@bellsouth.net
Model / BIOS / PCB:
790GXE / /
OS:
Win 7 x64
Name / Country / Local Dealer:
Donald Bock / USA /
CPU:
AMD
Memory / Speed & Size:
/
VGA Brand / Model:

HDD / Size:
/
Power Supply:

Other Device:

=================================================

Will the above AHCI work as described or do I need to do what Biostar Support wrote?

I have NOT enabled AHCI in BIOS yet; this install of Windows 7 was STRAIGHT OFF.

To give a heads up, would you mind giving EXPLICIT details? Thanks. Donald.

Can I still proceed with the process of turning the mode to AHCI? on Regedit, it was already at 0. sorry if its a repeated comment.

sry9681 said:

Can I still proceed with the process of turning the mode to AHCI? on Regedit, it was already at 0. sorry if its a repeated comment.

The 'start' entry in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services simply enables the AHCI driver in Windows 7 or Vista (source). So if it was already on 0, you shouldn't have any need to change it.

In this case, I'd recommend a backup with your favourite backup software (or if you don't have any, create a fresh Restore Point), then go into the BIOS and try enable AHCI. If it fails to boot, then we can start looking at why.

I was able to get into the BIOS after a good week of windows 8 not letting me. Aparently i bought this computer with AHCI mode on. well that is a relief! thank you anyway!

sry9681 said:

I was able to get into the BIOS after a good week of windows 8 not letting me. Aparently i bought this computer with AHCI mode on. well that is a relief! thank you anyway!

Windows shouldn't have anything to do with you accessing the BIOS, it's loaded before the OS... But either way, glad you figured it out. :)

Yes, true, Windows 7 and Vista can find the AHCI drivers to LOAD BEFORE OS startup; it jut looks funny with a black text screen showing Loading AHCI driver...then Windows finishes boot.
- dbseven

I have enabled AHCI in bios and reg. HOW or WHERE can a actualy see the AHCI driver, have looked in device manager nothing ?