865pe-Neo2 Fis2R: Maxtor SATA config? & XP install

I have been struggling to successfully install XP pro (w/out file & stop
errors) with this MB. I'm not sure if its an issue with a) bio &/or Raid
configuration b) Memory incompatibility c) Incompatibility with Maxtor
diamond plus SATA HD d) combination of factors. My attempted set is:

P4 3.0ghz 800mhz FSB
Radeon 9600 PRO AGP8X
Antec True 550w
1 GB (512*2) Kingston PC3200 dual Channel 2-2-2-6-1
Diamonmax plus 9 160GB SATA

My goal is to use a single SATA drive & do a clean XP pro install. I have
tried to use the Promise controller first and got as far as setting up
Region & time zone setting, but the install gets to a page fault or stop
error (BSOD). I have tries the ICH5R as well with similar results. At some
points windows errors on coping certain files to HD. Something is definitely
unstable somewhere. The Maxblast tests show (& I believe) the drive is not
defective. (am using F6 & use diskette drivers for controller)

I believe (per tech support) I need and have configured a RAID as a striping
array.

Bios setting I have tried include:
Onchip ATA Mode: Legacy & Native
ATA config: diff combinations until CD ROM works
S-ATA enabled
P-ATA enabled
P-ATA channel sel: diff combinations
Combined Mode: S-ata 1st Channel
S-ata port def: P0 3rd-P1 4th (Promise)
Config S-ATA as raid: Yes & No
Onboard Promise IDE (yes when trying that controller)

I have tried a lot of different combinations (most with the raid set-up w/
fast track, some without) without success. I had no idea that setting up a
SATA install would be so confusing (raid options & bios settings) and
troublesome. Is it the Board? Is the Maxtor MSI combo twitchy? Is it that
SATA is still too new?

I think I read something (MSI web forum) that the Maxtor SATA driver were
not compatible with the ICH5R controller, though tech support didn't think
so.

I saw & ordered the "approved" Kinston PC3200 Ram for this board was the
KVR400x64C3AK2, I was sent the better HyperX DDR KHX3200K2 (1G kit). I'm not
sure if this mem would present a compat issue.

Has any one got a single Maxtor SATA drive to work with this board? Any
single SATA HD? If so what are your settings (profile)? Should I try a WD
Raptor?

I have not tried to install XP using the regular IDE (perhaps rule out
memory issue).

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanx in advance.

check the MSI bios version updates .. i think i recall seeing something in
reference to Maxtor in one of the fix updates

"XP User" <> wrote in message
news:8JCdnUz-...
> I have been struggling to successfully install XP pro (w/out file & stop
> errors) with this MB. I'm not sure if its an issue with a) bio &/or Raid
> configuration b) Memory incompatibility c) Incompatibility with Maxtor
> diamond plus SATA HD d) combination of factors. My attempted set is:
>
> P4 3.0ghz 800mhz FSB
> Radeon 9600 PRO AGP8X
> Antec True 550w
> 1 GB (512*2) Kingston PC3200 dual Channel 2-2-2-6-1
> Diamonmax plus 9 160GB SATA
>
> My goal is to use a single SATA drive & do a clean XP pro install. I have
> tried to use the Promise controller first and got as far as setting up
> Region & time zone setting, but the install gets to a page fault or stop
> error (BSOD). I have tries the ICH5R as well with similar results. At some
> points windows errors on coping certain files to HD. Something is
definitely
> unstable somewhere. The Maxblast tests show (& I believe) the drive is not
> defective. (am using F6 & use diskette drivers for controller)
>
> I believe (per tech support) I need and have configured a RAID as a
striping
> array.
>
> Bios setting I have tried include:
> Onchip ATA Mode: Legacy & Native
> ATA config: diff combinations until CD ROM works
> S-ATA enabled
> P-ATA enabled
> P-ATA channel sel: diff combinations
> Combined Mode: S-ata 1st Channel
> S-ata port def: P0 3rd-P1 4th (Promise)
> Config S-ATA as raid: Yes & No
> Onboard Promise IDE (yes when trying that controller)
>
> I have tried a lot of different combinations (most with the raid set-up w/
> fast track, some without) without success. I had no idea that setting up a
> SATA install would be so confusing (raid options & bios settings) and
> troublesome. Is it the Board? Is the Maxtor MSI combo twitchy? Is it that
> SATA is still too new?
>
> I think I read something (MSI web forum) that the Maxtor SATA driver were
> not compatible with the ICH5R controller, though tech support didn't think
> so.
>
> I saw & ordered the "approved" Kinston PC3200 Ram for this board was the
> KVR400x64C3AK2, I was sent the better HyperX DDR KHX3200K2 (1G kit). I'm
not
> sure if this mem would present a compat issue.
>
> Has any one got a single Maxtor SATA drive to work with this board? Any
> single SATA HD? If so what are your settings (profile)? Should I try a WD
> Raptor?
>
> I have not tried to install XP using the regular IDE (perhaps rule out
> memory issue).
>
> Any suggestions would be appreciated.
> Thanx in advance.
>
>
>