Actually, you don't need to update the Install CD, at least not beyond SP1 (for large disk compatibility). Once the Repair Install is done, you'll have to re-apply any updates to XP to install whatever updates (or Service Packs) are missing.My XP disk is sp1 or 2 but it's sp3 on the drive so I guess I need to slipstream it to that on the cd as well? Will this make it like a fresh install, losing updates & other data or can I stop it after getting the drivers installed?
. . . I bought a SATA card (PCIE) but it seems I need to load the drivers for it before it will work. Can I connect the boot drive to the external SATA port on my laptop to load them?
You started out with an apparently dead disk controller. Is it possible your disk is dead or your cabling is bad, instead? I've installed several PCI SATA disk controllers with Silicon Image controller chips and I've never had a problem loading the drivers or seeing the disk.I found my mistakes but when setup loads windows & I select Enter to setup now it still can't see the HDD.
make sure in your BIOS that 'add in cards' or something like that is set in the boot order?
You started out with an apparently dead disk controller. Is it possible your disk is dead or your cabling is bad, instead? I've installed several PCI SATA disk controllers with Silicon Image controller chips and I've never had a problem loading the drivers or seeing the disk.