GA P35 DQ6: RAID + WinXP = Trouble

[Twinflower]

I've just built my first computer since the days were Rambus was top-notch, and I think I might have gotten something wrong.

Windows XP refuse to load when RAID is enabled in BIOS. (That includes the windows installer, it gives a BSOD after loading setup files).

The SATA-controller need to be in IDE-mode in order for windows to load.

The disks are the following:
1x Samsung 160gb
2x Samsung 500gb (RAID1 -> 1TB)

Other specs:
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo e6850
RAM: Crucial 2x1024mb CL4
GFX: MSI GeForce 8800GTS

I have not updated the BIOS neither have I installed the SATA-drivers supplied on DQ6's homepage at gigabyte.com.tw (I will try that tomorrow when i get my hands on a usb drive)


(I've tried to search the forums for something similar, but with no results. Flame on if this is answered earlier)

 

[cd14]

I've just built my first computer since the days were Rambus was top-notch, and I think I might have gotten something wrong.

Windows XP refuse to load when RAID is enabled in BIOS. (That includes the windows installer, it gives a BSOD after loading setup files).

The SATA-controller need to be in IDE-mode in order for windows to load.

The disks are the following:
1x Samsung 160gb
2x Samsung 500gb (RAID1 -> 1TB)

Other specs:
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo e6850
RAM: Crucial 2x1024mb CL4
GFX: MSI GeForce 8800GTS

I have not updated the BIOS neither have I installed the SATA-drivers supplied on DQ6's homepage at gigabyte.com.tw (I will try that tomorrow when i get my hands on a usb drive)


(I've tried to search the forums for something similar, but with no results. Flame on if this is answered earlier)

You're in the process of loading Windows, correct?

There is the Gigabyte and Intel Raid controller on this board. If you use the Gigabyte, plug them into the purple SATA connectors otherwise use the orange connectors. Enable the raid device in the BIOS. There's one for the Gigabyte and Intel. Once that's done, create your raid array. Make your driver diskette and install Windows.

 

[Twinflower]

Understood.

But why do I have to do that if the disk where i'm installing windows is not a part of a raid-array?

secondly, theres a pre-install driver available that is supposed to be installed prior to windows ("press f6 to install scsi and raid-drivers"), may that be a sollution as well?

Anyways, I'll try what you're suggesting.
I hope that i can use a usb drive for something, cause i dont have any diskette drive

 

[Twinflower]

Ok, I've fooled around in the BIOS now, but I can't find a way to enable just one of the controllers. I have to raid-enable both controllers or none of them.

I've also connected the raid-disk to the Gigabyte-controller (purple), and the boot disk (160gb samsung) to the orange one.

My usb-stick should be around shortly (iæve borrowed it to someone), and the idea is to use that as a driver diskette when reinstalling windows.

 

[Twinflower]

Update:

I found an old floppy drive in some drawer, and i successfully installed the RAID-driver as described in the users manual.

I'm now re-installing windows.
(I didnt get this far yesterday)


Stay tuned

 

[Twinflower]

OK, after installing windows it goes back to refuse loading when RAID is enabled. The computer simply reboots right before the loading screen appears.

I think that i may be related to the fact that i didnt get the option to install the gigabyte raid drivers when installing windows.
(However, windows is installed on a disk thats connected to the intel-controller)

I'm now going to try to install the gigabyte drivers while in IDE-mode and hope for the best.


(This thread is evolving into a diary)

 

[Twinflower]

Latest update/summary:

Still, after installing both intel and gigabytedrivers, Windows refuse to load. When disabling RAID from BIOS, and setting mode to IDE, it works fine.
But, I got the 2x500gb stripe to work in windows after "activating" them using "computer management -> disc drives".
I dont know if that is "real" raid, or just something that windows is emulating or something else.
The disks come up as 1tb "dynamic" drive nonetheless.


This has been done from the beginning:

-Created RAID-diskette with both intel and gigabyte drivers on it, made by the menu.exe-file in /bootdrv on the Gigabyte driver CD.
-Installed windows, pressed F6 and installed the intel raid driver (I never got to choose the gigabyte one, no idea why)
-Windows Installation crashes on first boot (after phase 2)
-Windows loads normally when deactivating RAID from BIOS
-Installs gigabyte driver from windows when in IDE-mode
-Turns back to RAID-mode --> windows still won't load

Basicly



EDIT:
Even though it was not very clear, I *can* enable/disable the two controllers individually.
In the "integrated peripherals"-menu, the top choice: "SATA RAID/AHCI Mode" refers to the intel-controller, while the choice "onboard sata/ide device" refers to the gigabyte controller.

I have now deactivated RAID on the intel controller, and activated the gigabyte controller.

It works like a charm.