Thinkpads Forum

I've done a clean install of Windows Vista Business SP1 on a T61 laptop.

It's configured to boot in Compatibility Mode and boots just fine that way.

When I change to AHCI mode in the BIOS, it won't boot.

It seems like the drivers for the SATA hard drive controller that come with Vista do not work with AHCI mode.

Now, I did backup all the preinstalled drivers and have attempted to install the one in the IMSM folder:

Note: these are the "iaachi" and "iastor" files.

But Vista claims that the drivers are already up to date:

"The best driver software for your device is already installed."

Intel(R) ICH8M 3 port Serial ATA Storage Controller - 2828

I right click on:

- ATA Channel 0
- ATA Channel 1
- Intel(R) ICH8M 3 port Serial ATA Storage Controller - 2828

Nothing updates - essentially same message as above in all cases.

How can I install the driver that will allow me to use AHCI?

you don't need to change to compatability mode with Vista, just do ACHI and Vista boots just fine. I have my T60 (sig) and i installed SP1 Integrated from MSDN just fine also.

I just tried it again:

SATA Controller Mode Option - AHCI = BSOD

SATA Controller Mode Option - Compatibility Mode = boots just fine.

I'm running Vista Business SP1 - downloaded from Volume Licensing Center.

Try reinstall Vista under AHCI setting. The compatibility mode is for OS that do not have SATA driver built-in, e.g. XP without SP2 slipstream. Vista can support AHCI mode just fine.

I found this link on the MS site which should help you without having to reinstall Vista:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922976

In essence, you have to turn on the MSAHCI service via the registry before changing the BIOS setting:

1. Exit all Windows-based programs.
2. Click Start, type regedit in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.
3. If you receive the User Account Control dialog box, click Continue.
4. Locate and then click the following registry subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Msahci
5. In the right pane, right-click Start in the Name column, and then click Modify.
6. In the Value data box, type 0, and then click OK.
7. On the File menu, click Exit to close Registry Editor.