Hi there,
I would like to use fit-PC 3 Pro to dual-boot Windows 7 and Windows XP. I would like to install Windows 7 on an mSATA drive and Windows XP on a HDD. I would like to be sure that this idea is perfectly workable before spending any money.
As there are no AHCI drivers for Windows XP, the BIOS will need to be set to 'IDE mode'. So am I correct in thinking that Windows 7 will also need to be used in 'IDE mode'?
Will 'IDE mode' effect the performance or compatibility of an mSATA drive?
If 'mSATA' is selected as the boot device, I assume that Windows 7 (installed on the mSATA drive) will have no problem accessing the HDD, but will Windows XP (installed on the HDD) have any problems accessing the mSATA drive?
Are there any other potential problems with this idea that I am missing?
Thanks very much for your help
Andy
mSATA and HDD Dual-Boot
Re: mSATA and HDD Dual-Boot
You don't have to install Windows 7 in IDE mode. Just don't forget to switch back to IDE while booting Windows XP.As there are no AHCI drivers for Windows XP, the BIOS will need to be set to 'IDE mode'. So am I correct in thinking that Windows 7 will also need to be used in 'IDE mode'?
Operating in IDE mode, will lack the SATA special commands for the SATA drives.Will 'IDE mode' effect the performance or compatibility of an mSATA drive?
mSATA drive is seen like SATA device by OSIf 'mSATA' is selected as the boot device, I assume that Windows 7 (installed on the mSATA drive) will have no problem accessing the HDD, but will Windows XP (installed on the HDD) have any problems accessing the mSATA drive?
We haven't tested such configuration, but I don't see a problem with such a setup. May be other users share their experience.Are there any other potential problems with this idea that I am missing?
Gabriel Heifets
Fit-PC2/3/IntensePC support.
Fit-PC2/3/IntensePC support.