Installing a SATA Drive on ASUS - clean slate on discussion

[mt2568]

Hey Everybody -

I know my problem is very similar to a thread already out, but that discussion is a mess and I need some help straightening things out...

My System:

AMD 64 3200+
1 GB Kingston
9800 Pro
Asus K8V SE Motherboard
80 WesternD SATA Drive

I basically need help with installing a SATA drive...

First Question:

Does the SATA cable go on SATA1, SATA2, Pri_SATA, or Sec_SATA?

On SATA1 I get an error saying FastTrak drive not connected, BIOS not installed...
ON Pri Sata, it says no array, hard drive not detected....

Once we get beyond that first problem, I need to know how to actually set up this hdd on the comp...

Your help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Dowfen]

This is what I did:

1) Disable the PROMISE RAID controller in the BIOS.
2) Plug the SATA drive into the Pri_SATA plug.
3) Put the VIA raid driver onto a floppy disc.
4) Hit F2 when windows starts and use the disc for driver.

I can't remember if there was a setting in the BIOS needing to tell it it's only a single drive.

I don't remember it being that hard...not sure about that error though? Is there a VIA raid config utilit that you can enter upon bootup? Again, my memory is not that great.

Eric

 

[AtTheGates]

Basically the same as what Dowfen said. Pri_SATA, sata drivers on a floppy, hit F6 when prompted during install. You may also need to change the boot order.

 

[mt2568]

You guys know this comp doesnt have windows on it right now right?

After inspecting the mobo a little bit I can tell you that I have a VIA controller, not Promise, does that change anything?

When you say hit F6 during install...you are referring to WinXP and at what time during install should this be done?

BTW - I now have the VIA drivers on disc.

 

[AtTheGates]

Originally posted by: mt2568
When you say hit F6 during install...you are referring to WinXP and at what time during install should this be done?

It is near the beginning of the install. Screen is blue and is copying some files. Says something about Press F6 for SCSI drivers at the bottom of the screen. Just hit F6 a few times right after the install starts. And yes I was refering to Windows XP.

 

[mt2568]

Alright I'm following you guys' instructions...

There's one stupid problem though...

When XP setup tells you to press F6 I do it a thousand times and it doesn't do anything...the setup continues by asking you to hit F2 (hitting F2 works, but thats not what I want) for system recovery...what's going on?

 

[Dowfen]

Are you using a USB keyboard? I mean, it shoudl work, but you might try a PS/2 keyboard and see if that helps. Forgot you said that F2 works...shoot. Hmmm, is this a full version Windows XP? Is it Pro or Home? Not that it matters, just curious.

Does the VIA controller recognize the drive when it's booting up?

I've never had F6 not take you to the add third party devices. Maybe someone else will shed some light on this problem, I'm certainly curious why that's not working though.

 

[AtTheGates]

First off, I checked out your board. You have 2 sets of sata. SATA1 and 2 are run by the VIA driver and Pri_SATA and SEc_SATA are run by the Promise controller. Both sets of drivers are available on Asus's website. Make the floppy for which ever one you choose. The Promise one's are shown being used in the installation pictures. I would get the Promise SATA drivers and plug it in Pri_SATA.
Nothing should happen when you hit F6. Atleast not for a while. When it is done loading everything it will ask you to put in the disk with the drivers. Just hit F6 a few times and it will show eventually.

 

[Xiun]

I actually just answered this at another forum. Link is here. Hope that helps ya

 

[mt2568]

Thank you so much for replying

Thanks for clearing up the Promise/VIA

Now that I know the diff...does it matter which I pick? Moreover do I still need to disable the PROMISE RAID controller in the BIOS if I choose VIA?

 

[Dowfen]

So it's the other way around. I still disabled the promise driver because I didn't need it starting up when the PC boots if there was nothing attached to it.

 

[mt2568]

OK guys, I got through loading the drivers for VIA, now I have installed XP before but this problem is weird...

Hit F8 to agree to license agreement...I did so several times, even after scrolling all the way down to the bottom of the screen...wtf is going on?

NM i fixed it - this is a funky new keyboard

 

[wseyller]

I used the promise controller and have used both at same time. I used the via one for a backup drive for a little while. Has anyone confirmed which controller is better.

 

[mt2568]

Alright, XP Pro is now on my comp! Thanks for the help all!

Just one more question!

At bootup it says...

"Scanning IDE drives...FastTrak not installed on drive, BIOS not installed"

I know BIOS is installed b/c i used it, but I want the comp to stop doing this so it doesnt slow down my boot time...any suggestions?

 

[Xiun]

It means your promise controller isnt disabled. just go into the BIOS and disable it. If it says "Scanning IDE drives...FastTrak not installed on drive, BIOS not installed" that means nothing is using it, so theres no need for it to be on.