How to enable the controller of this disk in the BIOS. How to properly enable usb ports in BIOS. How to find out which mode - IDE or AHCI - is currently installed

Good day.

Quite often I am asked about how to change the AHCI parameter to IDE in Laptop BIOS(computer). Most often they encounter this when they want to:

Check HDD computer program Victoria (or similar). By the way, such questions were in one of my articles: ;

Install "old" Windows XP on a relatively new laptop(if you don’t switch the parameter, the laptop simply won’t see your installation distribution).

So, in this article I want to look at this issue in more detail...

Difference between AHCI and IDE, mode selection

IDE is an obsolete 40-pin connector that was previously used to connect hard drives, disk drives and other devices. Today, this connector is not used in modern computers and laptops. This means that its popularity is falling and it is necessary to use this mode only in certain rare cases (for example, if you decide to install the old Windows XP OS).

The IDE connector has been replaced by SATA, which is superior to IDE due to its increased speed. AHCI is an operating mode for SATA devices (for example, disks) that ensures their normal functioning.

What to choose?

It is better to choose AHCI (if you have such an option. On modern PCs it is everywhere...). You need to choose an IDE only in specific cases, for example, if SATA drivers are not “added” to your Windows OS.

And by choosing the IDE mode, you seem to be “forcing” a modern computer to emulate its operation, and this certainly does not lead to an increase in productivity. Moreover, if we are talking about a modern SSD drive, when using it, you will get a speed gain only on AHCI and only on SATA II/III. In other cases, you don’t have to bother installing it...

You can read about how to find out what mode your disk is operating in in this article:

How to switch AHCI to IDE (using the example of a TOSHIBA laptop)

For example, I’ll take a more or less modern laptop brand TOSHIBA L745 ( By the way, in many other laptops the BIOS settings will be similar!).

To enable IDE mode in it, you need to do the following:

1) Go to the laptop BIOS (how this is done is described in my previous article:).

3) Then, in the Advanced tab, go to the System Configuration menu (screenshot below).

4) In the Sata Controller Mode tab, change the AHCI parameter to Compatibility (screen below). By the way, you may have to switch in the same section UEFI Boot to CSM Boot mode (so that the Sata Controller Mode tab appears).

Actually, it is the Compatibility mode that is similar to the IDE mode on Toshiba (and some other brands) laptops. You don’t have to look for the IDE lines - you won’t find it!

Important! On some laptops (for example, HP, Sony, etc.), IDE mode cannot be enabled at all, since manufacturers have greatly reduced the functionality of the device BIOS. In this case, you will not be able to install on your laptop old Windows (however, I don’t quite understand why to do this - after all, the manufacturer doesn’t release drivers for old OS anyway...).

If you take an “older” laptop (for example, some Acer) - then, as a rule, switching is even simpler: just go to the Main tab and you will see Sata Mode in which there will be two modes: IDE and AHCI (just select the one you need, save BIOS settings and restart your computer).

This concludes the article, I hope that you can easily switch one parameter to another. Happy work!

Computers are complex devices that rely on many different elements to operate. One of them is a SATA controller. What is this device? How to work with it? How to take care of its performance? Here is an incomplete list of questions that will be considered as part of our article.

Is a technology by which storage devices such as hard drive and optical wire can exchange data via high-speed cable with motherboard. It is optimal to use the connector with the lowest number. SATA0 or SATA1 are considered ideal. It is possible to use other ports.

When working with hard drives, you must initially use SATA0. It is installed on system media. Each subsequent one must have a number one more and so on. If you have multiple hard drives and use RAID mode to increase storage space, one wire is connected to the connector, and then everything else is connected to the controller.

Operating modes

Controllers determine how the hard drive will communicate with the motherboard. There can be three principles of interaction:

Operating mode of the SATA IDE controller. The simplest option. With it, the hard drive functions as IDE or PATA. In this case, it has limited potential and is also not very fast. But this mode is very valuable if it is necessary to ensure compatibility of interaction with equipment that is already outdated. It can also be used in cases where the computer has only one hard drive and there is no need to use various drive functions.
Operating mode of the SATA AHCI controller. In this case, the use of advanced drive functions becomes possible. An example is Native Command Queuing and hot swapping. Also a significant advantage is the high speed of interaction (when compared with the previous option).
RAID controller operating mode. With this setup, multiple separate hard drives can be used to create a single storage array. It is characterized by redundancy of information, as well as higher performance. The first is achieved through the creation backup copy hard drive, and the second - disk space striping. When this mode works, AHCI also functions together with it.

Notes

Initially, you need to set the operating mode in which the SATA controller for a laptop or computer will function correctly, and only then deal with the operating system. After all, if you do this later, the OS may not work correctly, even to the point of failure. So, this may happen due to the disk driver being disabled or the wrong BIOS setting being used.

Causes of malfunctions

Let's say your PC stops working with its hard drive. This malfunction may have several reasons:

Cables are loose.
The hard drive has failed.
The SATA controller does not work or is very slow.

In the first option, you need to check the tightness of the cable. In the second case, the device most likely needs to be replaced. And in the third - set correct settings. Administrator rights are required for such changes. If they are, then you can begin to solve the problem.

How to enable the SATA controller in the computer BIOS?

First you need to go into the BIOS. There is no single standard - each machine uses a separate special key for this. To find out, you need to read the instructions on the screen that appear immediately after turning on the computer. Moreover, for a guaranteed result it must be pressed more than once.

After logging in successfully, you need to find the Integrated Peripherals item. If it is not there, then any one that is consonant in meaning will do. It contains all the parameters that relate to internal capabilities motherboard. Now you need to find the Onboard SATA Controller. If it's not there, just look for any entry that says "SATA controller." This parameter can only be set to Disabled and Enabled (disabled and enabled, respectively). You need to make sure that it is activated.

To save changes, you can press F10 and the enter button. If you do not do this, the system itself will offer to perform these actions. After this, you should restart the computer and go into the BIOS again to make sure that the hard drive has been detected. You can understand this thanks to the Standard CMOS Features item. Now we know how to enable the SATA controller. Let's look at the modes.

AHCI connection

This is done using the same BIOS. To make changes, go to the control window. After that you need to look for IDE, AHCI or RAID. They must come with SATA. Also, on some devices, the word “MODE” is used additionally. We disable the mode that we do not need, and, on the contrary, enable the necessary one (this is also done by changing Disabled to Enabled and vice versa).

If, when you try to change the mode, a message is displayed stating that no disk is located, it means that the necessary drivers are missing. Therefore, you will need to log into the operating system and install them with administrator rights first. This can also be done using the OS installation disc. But still, the first option is less time-consuming. Also remember that changes you make to the basic I/O system must be saved for them to take effect. How to do this was discussed in the previous paragraph.

Overall, here's how to switch the SATA controller to AHCI mode or another as necessary. In this case, it is important to strictly follow the instructions so as not to touch anything unnecessary. Now let's take a look at two options that may come in handy when setting up your computer. Moreover, the main topic of the article has already been revealed, and we will now deepen our knowledge.

SATA Controller Mode

This option is used to specify the operating mode. We have already discussed this. Now let's pay attention to how and what works in this case. If you set the IDE mode, there will be no need to use additional drivers when working with equipment that uses this technology. RAID mode is compatible with all operating systems starting from Windows 2000. The only peculiarity is that outdated media for drivers will be required here (if the equipment is of the same year as the operating system). Otherwise, their role can be successfully performed by a Flash drive or CD. But it makes sense to talk about creation only if there are at least two hard drives. Their work will be positively influenced by the same brand and volume. And if the parties and firmware match, these are already ideal conditions for using this mode.

ANSI is more new technology and is not compatible with older (relatively) systems. Due to the fact that this mode has a positive effect on the performance of the equipment, it is recommended to focus on it. Moreover, if RAID and ANSI can still be launched on representatives of operating systems and computers starting from the 2000 generation, they will not help with Windows 9x: there are simply no drivers that would combine the work software and equipment. Please note that changes must be made before the OS is installed. If you change the mode when the operating system is already installed, you can find on your computer “ blue screen death”, which will display information about the error and the impossibility of correct operation. If you don’t want to see him and demolish the OS, then you should forcibly change the controller driver to one that will work with the new settings.

History of development

The first of the family of controllers is rightfully considered SATA 150. It is an interface that uses a serial data bus. It operates at a frequency of 1.5 GHz, thereby providing a throughput of 150 Megabytes per second. The standard has spread due to a number of advantages that previous developments did not have. Thus, the architectural advantages of the bus, the small size of connectors and cables, ease of use and overall reliability of the connection played a role. Also, when connecting two devices to one port, there are no conflicts or problems.

The second generation of SATA 300 provides operation at speeds of 300 Megabytes in one second. In theory, both options are compatible, but problems cannot be ruled out. But, in fairness, it is worth saying that even the most modern hard disks We haven’t yet learned how to operate faster than 130 Megabytes per second, so there’s not much point in chasing numbers in this case. So there is no difference when using controller types. All that matters is which one connects first.

Conclusion

The SATA controller is, of course, an important part of any computer. It is a device that allows us to access data that is valuable. Also worthy of special attention is the success the developers of this part were able to achieve in terms of performance. In addition, this suggests that there is significant reserve for increasing the capacity of hard drives without improving data transfer technology, which makes it unlikely that it will become obsolete and unnecessary in the next few decades.

Hello to all blog readers. Often, novice computer users have problems with work hard disk, because the operating modes of the hard drive are set incorrectly.
Modern motherboards usually have a host controller installed to connect interface drives Serial ATA(SATA). At the same time, however, such a controller is often able to work with old hard drives and other types of interface storage devices Parallel ATA(PATA or IDE). Today we’ll look at how to set these modes correctly. BIOS, she's the same basic input-output system, ensures that the computer starts booting and gives operating system ability to work with equipment.
In particular, it is in BIOS produced turning on and off many devices - for example, hard drives.

Instructions

1. When connecting a hard drive BIOS usually determines it independently,
There shouldn't be any problems with this.
But considering that hard drives have different interfaces - old IDE and new SATA, you should check the settings and, if necessary, set necessary. If they were previously exhibited IDE, then disk SATA the computer will see But the hard drive will work significantly slower than it should.
2. To add to settings BIOS any changes to the basic I/O system
You have to log in first. Usually, when the computer starts, a prompt appears - for example,
Press F2 to enter setup.

If there is no such prompt, try the following keys:
Del, Esc, F1, F2, F3, F10. Sometimes key combinations are used, for example: Ctrl+Alt+Esc,
Ctrl+Alt+Del, Ctrl+Alt+Ins, Fn+F1.
3. After logging in BIOS you need to find the right line to change the settings.
Considering that the versions BIOS there are different, look for mentions in the tabs SATA, IDE,AHCI. Having found them, he will change e IDE on SATA by selecting the required value from the list. The required value can also be indicated as SATA AHCI MODE or AHCI MODE.

In some cases, you just need to set the item IDE meaning disabled (disabled),
and y SATA put enabled(included).
4. After setting the required values save changes, by pressing F10.
In the window that appears, select Yes or enter Y and press Enter.
After a reboot, the disk will operate in the required mode.
5. Sometimes the user tries to change BIOS meaning SATA on IDE, since when
attempt install OS the system reports that it was not found not a single disc.
Cause this is what lies behind it in the absence on the installation disk SATA drivers.
One solution to the problem is temporary disk transfer in IDE mode,
but it would be better to just find a newer one installation disk with Windows.
On discs with Windows 7 and Windows XPSP3 this problem no longer occurs.
6. If that doesn't work, try IDE put jumper in mode cable select

A SATA in mode AUTO, Then The computer will prioritize on its own.
7. Don't forget that you have SATA drives another power connector,

Than disks with IDE- interface.

You may need a power adapter to connect.
8. Jumpers on SATA drives not related to positioning disk
(primari or slave). This jumper is speed limiter transfers
data for compatibility with more " old"motherboards.

How to optimally configure the BIOS, read

I have already mentioned more than once in my articles SSD drive x, said that they are faster than usual and with their help you can upgrade your computer. And it would seem that installing them is a trivial thing, what could be simpler, remove the old hard drive, install a new SSD , install Windows on it and rejoice, but in reality everything is not so simple. The fact is that in order to squeeze maximum speed from an SSD drive (otherwise why use it), you need to switch to AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface) mode in the BIOS. And this is where the surprises can begin...

So, I have old computer, who decided to upgrade and install an SSD drive. I switched the AHCI mode in the BIOS. To do this, I went into the BIOS (press the Del or F2 button (there may be other keys depending on the motherboard model), when turning on the computer) in the "Main" menu and selected "Sata Configuration".

And in "Configure Sata as" I selected "AHCI"

I saved the settings, restarted the computer and started installing Windows. But that was not the case, an error occurred:

I started changing the BIOS settings, even updated its version , the result was the same - this error constantly appeared. In the end, I decided to select IDE mode in the BIOS and install Windows.
The installation was successful, then I decided to try switching back to AHCI mode in the BIOS, but a similar trick failed and Windows simply did not boot (in principle, I expected a similar result). Then I decided to do this - switch back to IDE mode, go into Windows and change the mode to ACHI in the registry editor.

Having returned to IDE mode, Windows booted successfully; now you need to make changes to the registry. To do this, open the registry editor - press the key combination "Win" + "R" and enter regedit.

In the registry editor, go to the path "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Msahci", find the "Start" parameter, open it by double-clicking. In the "Value" field, enter "0".

That's it, the system can be rebooted and AHCI mode can be set in the BIOS. As a result, everything worked, the SSD disk worked in ACHI mode. Windows booted successfully and worked many times faster than with a regular hard disk.

So, if your old computer has stopped pleasing you with its speed work - installation SSD drive, in my opinion, perfect solution. But don't forget about the minimum size random access memory- 2GB and a processor, preferably 2 cores of at least 2 GHz.

I hope this article helped you avoid the mistake:

Installing Windows on this disk is not possible. Possible equipment of this computer does not support booting from of this disk. Make sure that the controller for this drive is enabled BIOS menu computer.

And it helped to upgrade your computer and increase its performance and performance.

When replacing a hard drive with a new one, it happens that the system cannot detect it. The hard drive is connected to the computer, but it is not in the list of available hardware. Sometimes, to correctly display connected devices, you need to change some settings in the BIOS. With the correct BIOS configuration, all hard drives will be displayed automatically.

You will need

Computer running operating system

Instructions

Turn on the computer, and immediately after turning on, without waiting for the operating system to start loading, press the “DEL” key. You will find yourself in the BIOS menu. Go to the "MAIN" tab and press "Enter". A menu will appear showing the optical drives and hard drives connected to the computer. Find in the list of equipment required hard disk. If it is not there, select the number of the “SATA” connector to which it was connected and click “AVTO”. The system will now search for equipment connected to this connector. If the hard drive was detected by the system, click on the “save end exit” command. The computer will restart and the hard drive will be available in My Computer.

If the system fails to detect the hard drive, the controller is most likely turned off SATA interface. Find the line “SATA configuration” and in the “controller” tab select “enable”. Then perform the operation described in the paragraph above.

If you just accidentally turned off the hard drive in the BIOS, the easiest way to turn it back on is to reset the settings. Enter the BIOS and select the line (Load Default). The computer will restart and the hard drive will be accessible again.

After displaying in BIOS hard disk, you will need to update data about connected devices in the operating system. Turn on your computer and wait Windows boot. Right-click My Computer. Select the "Properties" command. Then go to Device Manager. Click on the line that displays the names of your system. This is the computer name that was registered when Windows installation. Simply put, this is the top line, right-click on it and select the “Update Hardware Configuration” command. The system will scan the connected devices, and the hard drive will be available for use.

Tip added on February 28, 2012 Tip 2: How to enable the disk in the BIOS The situation when the computer does not see the disk is quite rare. In this case, the user may need to open the BIOS and set the correct settings. Knowing how to do this will allow you to return your computer to working condition.

Instructions

First, assess the situation that is causing the problem on your computer. For example, it worked properly, then the next time it was turned on it stopped loading, while BIOS disk not visible. This situation is accompanied by the text DISK BOOT FAILURE. INSERT SYSTEM DISK AND PRESS ENTER. That is, the system does not see the disk, and therefore cannot boot from it.

Enter the BIOS by pressing Del or F2 when the system starts. The specific key depends on the computer model (can also be F1, Esc, F11, F12). Go to the Standard CMOS Features menu and make sure that the disk is really not detected - in this case, there will be a None entry everywhere.

In this case, it will not be possible to “turn on” the disk, since it is not detected at the hardware level. That is, there is some kind of physical malfunction: the disk itself, the power or data cable is faulty, or the motherboard may be faulty. You can check the health of the disk by connecting it to another computer. Remember that a working disk does not need to be turned on; the system finds and detects it automatically.

You may encounter a situation where the system does not see the disk when installing the OS - a message appears that the disks were not found. The problem is typical for laptops and fairly old Windows distributions that do not have SATA drivers. The best option in this case, find a newer distribution in which these drivers are present.

Changing settings in the BIOS may be required when installing a new OS if not boot menu(usually called by pressing the F12 key). In this case, you need to select the disk from which to boot from in the BIOS. Find the tab with the lines First boot, Second boot, etc. In the First boot line, set to boot from CD and save the changes - menu item SAVE AND EXIT SETUP. The computer will now begin loading the OS from the CD. Remember that when installing, immediately after the first automatic reboot, you should enter the BIOS again and return to the original settings. Without this, the OS installation from the CD will begin again.

If the disk is visible in the BIOS, but Windows does not find it, then the problem is most likely in its type file system. For the disk to become visible, it must be formatted in the type of file system that you use. For Windows XP and Windows 7 this is NTFS. Use the program to format Acronis Disk Director. It is better to use the version downloaded from a CD. After formatting and reboot Windows will begin to see the disk.

How to enable a disk in the BIOS - printable version