I need a computer wizard
 

I'm trying to install Windows XP Professional on a Gateway DX4720-03. The problem is that the computer uses SATA, which apparently XP doesn't like. I get a BSOD stop code 7B when I try to install Windows.

So my solution was to download the nForce SATAIDE driver (http://www.nvidia.com/object/nforce_winxp64_15.26.html) and slipstream it into the Windows installation iso using nlite.

The problem is that now instead of going to a BSOD, the Windows installation says this file is not compatible with the x64 operating system. I'm completely perplexed as this is a 64 bit driver.

What do?

Throw away your current iso and get an xp sp2 iso. Will install without any bullshit slipstreaming required.

I am using an xp sp2 iso.

If you BIOS allows, perhaps you can change your drive to run in IDE mode instead of AHCI or whatever.

That was the first thing I tried, doesn't look like the BIOS has the option.

Edit: What I don't understand is that when I boot up with Windows and it fails during loading the driver, it says nvgts.sys isn't compatible with x64. But shouldn't the driver be nvgts64?

Edit 2: I found an iso with the SATAIDE driver built-in. If this doesn't work I'm just gonna install Windows 7 I guess. :(

If that drive had Vista or 7 on it before, you might need to fdisk the MBR before you throw XP on it.

Silly question maybe but is your WinXP installation iso a 64bit version?

It is.

Why Windows xp? I'd like to hear a valid argument.

I used it up until last year, and I'd still rather have a stripped down Win7 build on older machines.

Yeah of course. Just wanted to confirm the version of XP was 64 bit.


I've installed XP on many SATA hard drives without driver issues. You are sure that model has a NForce motherboard? I can't seem to find that spec when I search the PC model.