ok got 2 problems. i connected my new wd 250 gig drive, i also went tru the utility software that came with it, and select set up the drive and everything seem fine. first it said that i'd have to set it to 137 gig cause the motherboard have to support 48bit something. second i try to install windows and then it get to a point and says that windows can't not detect the drive. i check and double check the cables connect and reconnect and still the same. making me crazy help please

You need your motherboard SATA drivers on a floppy or flash drive.

As XP first starts to setup follow the prompt to PRESS F6 for drivers.

As to the limit here is an explanation:

http://www.48bitlba.com/faq.htm

XP SP1 overcame this limit but your motherboard raises other questions.

thanks for your response jphree. i do have the cd with the drivers so u saying i shuld copy the drivers on a flash drive, i also downloaded the drivers from the net. which one is better. about the 48bitlba i need to read more about it, i am a bit confused with tht, don't know if i need to install drivers for it or if my mobo supports it. my ffirst mistake was to buy a sata11 instead of a sata1 hard drive.

SATA II have jumpers to revert to SATA I.

The most recent drivers are the best. All you need is the SATA/RAID/SCSI drivers. They are usually separated out and labeled as such.

Then when you install XP you will see right at the beginning on the bottom "Press F6 for drivers". Press F6 then in a few minutes it will prompt you to insert the disk/drive. If you have a floppy drive this is usually the best method. Otherwise we hope your motherboard USB is recognized.

ok man i got an old floppy drive i had. now the files on the cd i guess is to big for the floppy so i got the same file from the net and downloaded to desktop, then copy and paste to floppy now when installing windows after i press f6 it ask me to insert the floppy then it says file not recognize. what type of file should it be?

From your motherboard CD or website it should be listed as SATA/RAID drivers.

Did you format the floppy first?

What is the make and model of the motherboard?

oops i screwed up i guess i didn't really put all the files on the floppy. file size is 4.66 mb am i screw now.
my mobo is a asus p4g8x deluxe with a 478 socket.
do u think if i put the jumper and switch it to sata1 150 transfer rate would help some.
i am getting frustrated now man, the mobo won't read the flash drive

I see this from ASUS:

Version V1.0.0.22 2002/11/01 update

Description Silicon Image Serial ATA driver version V1.0.0.22 and Utility V1.0.0.12

File Size 4.37 (MBytes)

Did you try to fit it on a floppy?

If your motherboard sees the drive than SATA II is fine. Windows will not see any SATA ports without the drivers.

Unfortunately the USB is not usually recognized until Windows is installed.

so what can i do now since i can't fit the file on a floppy. and yeah when the pc is startingup i can see the drive, in the post or whatever you call it. should i try and put the jumper anyways

Setting it to SATA I will do nothing here but ultimately half the speed of your drive.

I am downloading those drivers to see if I can see what is inside.