Install Windows XP on SATA Hard Disk – Part 2

This is the second post in the “How to Install Windows XP on SATA Hard Disk” series. Unless you’ve read the first post, please go to: How to Install Windows XP on SATA Hard Disk Part 1

Make sure you have 2 hours of undisturbed access before proceeding.

FORMATTING THE HARD DISK :
You need to format your hard disk completely before installing Windows XP, because by default, in all computers bought after say 2006, SATA hard disks are used, and Windows XP doesn’t have drivers for SATA capability. So, we need to disable this feature.

Get a Windows Vista or Windows 7 installation disk and start the installation process.
First of all insert the CD/DVD and restart your computer.
When you reach the stage when you need to select a drive for installation, individually delete each drive by going through Drive Options at the bottom right and clicking on delete.

Now, all your drives have been deleted.

Then create as many drives as you want (the maximum allowed is usually 4) with at least 10GB space in one of the drives, where you will install Windows XP.

After creating the drives, remove the installation disk (CD or DVD) and exit installation.

Now, while restarting your computer, go to BIOS setup.

Here, you will need to change the hard disk option :

FROM

SATA(Serial Advanced Technology Attachment)
or AHCI(Advanced Host Controller Interface)

TO

Legacy or ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment)

This can be done in specific ways on different computers.

For HP/Compaq :

Press F10 while booting
Go to System Configuration
Go to SATA Native Support, change to Disabled.
Save and Exit

For Dell :

Press F12 while booting
Go to Onboard Devices
Go to Flash Cache Module : Change to OFF
Go to SATA options : Change to ATA
Save and Exit

Here is the remaining part of the “How to Install Windows XP on SATA Hard Disk” series.
How to Install Windows XP on SATA Hard Disk Part 3