Vista and nVRaid - installation guide and troubleshooting

[Fernando 1]

@ all users with an nForce SataRaid system:

Preliminary notes for users, who are here for the first time:

This thread has got a big volume with a lot of sites and hundreds of replies. There is no reason to waste time and to read them. All you need to know is layed down in this first post. If I get any new information, which might be important or useful, I will edit it into this post! So this first post usually will always be up-to-date (unless I am not at home for a while).

When I started this thread in May 2006 (MS had just released the public Beta version of Vista), I could not imagine, that my guide "How to get Vista installed onto nForce SataRaid systems" would be that pupular for such a long time even after the official release of Vista's final version. My primary intention for writing this guide was to help other owners of a LEGACY mode nForce4 SataRaid system to get Vista installed at all and to avoid similar frustrations as I had during the whole Vista Beta test period. The current guide version refers to all users with any kind of nForce SataRaid system, who have problems with the Vista installation or just want this OS with the newest/best nForce IDE drivers from scratch.

Some general infos regarding the support of the various nForce Raid systems by nForce IDE drivers:

• Both Vista versions (x86 and x64) have in-box nForce S-ATA and Raid drivers, but the Vista RTM drivers v.8.22 (dated 10/03/2006) and the Vista SP1 drivers v8.33 (dated 11/02/2006 and shown as v8.30 within the Device Manager) have only poor performance and do not support all nForce Raid systems.
  
• Many nForce4xx/5xx/6xx SataRaid systems are fully supported by Vista's in-box nForce IDE drivers. Users with such compatible nForce S-ATA and RAID Controllers don't need to load any separate nForce IDE driver or patch to get Vista installed onto their system by booting off DVD, but they should, if they want a perfectly running Vista from scratch.
  
• nForce2 Raid, nForce3 Raid and nForce4 PataRaid systems are not supported at all by the currently available Vista nForce IDE drivers. Nevertheless there is a (painful) way to get Vista x86 and even Vista x64 installed onto nForce3 SataRaid and nForce4 PataRaid systems (for details see below).
  
• nForce SataRaid systems on mainboards with the option to create S-ATA and P-ATA RAID arrays simultaneously (=LEGACY mode nForce SataRaid systems) are not fully supported by Vista's in-box nForce IDE drivers. Affected users will realise that, when Vista's Setup routine will not detect the RAID devices/partitions automaticly. This doesn't happen until these users have loaded special nForce IDE drivers or a patch (for details see below).
  
• Both Vista x86/x64 versions need Vista nForce IDE drivers during the installation. nForce IDE drivers, which are designed for Windows XP/XPx64 do not work unless the Vista installation is started from within a running XP/XPx64 partition.
  
• If you are going to install Vista SP1 (32/64bit) by booting off DVD, you will only be able to load WHQL certified textmode drivers. Not digitally signed drivers can only be installed from within a running Vista SP1.

Guide for a perfect install of Vista x86/x64 onto nForce SataRaid systems
(works with "old" Legacy type nForce4 SataRaid systems too)
Last update: 07/15/2008


A. Clean installation

Preparations:

As none of the Vista versions (not even the Vista SP1 slipstreamed one) has nForce SataRaid drivers "in the box", which are suitable for all nForce chipsets, users with an old (= Legacy type) nForce Raid array have to download special nForce SataRaid drivers and to store them somewhere for loading them during the Vista installation - without these additional drivers Vista won't detect the RAID and their partitions. Users with other nForce chipsets may need to download better nForce IDE drivers too, if they want an error free OS with acceptable performance from scratch.
Important for newbies: Before you continue reading this guide, you should verify, if you really have an nForce RAID system. There are a lot of nForce chipset mainboards with different RAID controllers (mostly from NVIDIA and Silicon Image). Assure yourself, that your S-ATA hdd's are connected to the nForce RAID ports and not to other RAID connectors as Sil3114, otherwise your RAID won't be detected by loading any nForce SataRaid driver mentioned within this guide.

Get the newest/currently best nForce S-ATA and Raid drivers from scratch

The installation of a proper running Vista onto nForce4, nForce4xx, nForce5xx and nForce6xx SataRaid systems has been enormously improved by NVIDIA's official Vista x86/x64 nForce chipset driver packages v9.46 (release date: 12/17/2007) and v9.64 (release date: 03/18/2008):

• The WHQL signed nForce S-ATA and Raid drivers v9.98 (dated 08/09/2007) were part of the nForce chipset driver package v.9.46 (Links: Pack 9.46 for Vista x86 and Pack 9.46 for Vista x64). Although these Vista 32/64bit packages primarily were designed for NF7 series chipset mainboards, the included nForce IDE drivers are fully compatible with nearly all nForce chipsets from NF4 up. Many users with different nForce chipset mainboards have reported, that the nForce IDE drivers v.9.98 are running flawlessly and giving nForce SataRaid systems more performance than all previously available ones (inclusive Vista's in-box nForce IDE drivers v.8.22/8.33). For users with an nForce4 RAID system I recommend to download the 32/64bit version of my recently created "Special Vista WHQL Packs for NF4 RAID users", which contains the original 9.98 IDE drivers, but in combination with the newest and best Ethernet and SMBus drivers. You can get these completely WHQL signed Vista 32/64bit driverpacks here.
  
• NVIDIA's newest nForce IDE drivers v10.3.0.21, which were part of their recently withdrawn official chipset driver packages v15.17/15.18, seemed to be better for some NF chipsets than the 9.98 ones, but they caused a lot of problems with nForce RAID systems. That is why I do not recommend to take them.
  
• My recommendation:
  If you want a rock stable Vista with the best possible performance, I recommend to use the nForce IDE drivers v9.99.09, which were part of NVIDIA's official chipset driver packs v9.64 (Links: Pack 9.64 for Vista x86 and Pack 9.64 for Vista x64). Since the other nForce chipset drivers of the 9.64 packs are not as actual and good as the IDE drivers, I recommend to look into this thread and choose the "Vista Performance Pack" version, which is the best suitable for you. Users with an MCP51, MCP55, nForce 680i or nForce 7.xx series chipset mainboard can use the original WHQL signed nForce IDE drivers v9.99.09 from scratch. For other users I recommend to install Vista by loading the IDE drivers v9.98 and to update them later by using my specially prepared "NF4-7 Performance Pack", which contains these perfectly running 9.99.09 IDE drivers with customized INF files to make them compatible with all NF4-7 chipsets inclusive nForce4 RAID systems.

This is what you need:

a) For the installation of Vista x86 :

• Preparation of the actual 32bit nForce IDE drivers
  If you want to get Vista or Vista SP1 installed with the actual nForce S-ATA and RAID drivers from scratch, you only need the SATARAID and maybe the SATA_IDE folder of the 32bit nForce chipset driver package, which contains the IDE driver version of your choice. All the other nForce drivers and the RAIDTOOL can be installed once Vista is up.
  
  For the purpose of an easy and safe driver loading process I have prepared and uploaded 2 small packages with different nForce IDE driver versions:
  • special pack for MCP51/MCP55/NF7 series chipset mainboards: For RAID users with an nForce 430/410 (=MCP51), nForce 590/570/550 (=MCP55), nForce 680i or nForce 7.xx chipset chipset mainboard I recommend to download this package containing the WHQL signed nForce IDE drivers v9.99.09, which probably are the best you currently can get.
    
  • for all other nForce chipsets from NF4 up: Since the newer WHQL signed nForce IDE drivers either do not work with all nForce RAID systems (v10.3.0.21) or are not compatible with all NF4-7 chipset mainboards (v9.99.09), I recommend to download this package, which contains the well approved 32bit nForce IDE drivers v9.98 dated 08/09/2007.
  
  Both packages contain just the needed SATARAID and SATA_IDE driver folders.
  
  Unzip the downloaded package and copy the entire SATA_IDE and SATARAID subfolder (as separate folders, don't mix the files) onto an empty USB stick, onto your customised Vista DVD (by using a tool like vLite) or copy the content (all files) of the SATA_IDE and the SATARAID folder onto different floppy disks named "SATA_IDE" and "SATARAID" driver disks.

b) For the installation of Vista x64 :

• Preparation of the actual 64bit nForce IDE drivers
  If you want to get Vista x64 or Vista x64 SP1 installed with the actual nForce S-ATA and RAID drivers from scratch, you only need the SATARAID and maybe the SATA_IDE folder of the 64bit nForce chipset driver package, which contains the IDE driver version of your choice. All the other nForce drivers of the pack and the RAIDTOOL can be installed once Vista is up.
  
  For the purpose of an easy and safe driver loading process I have prepared and uploaded 2 small packages with different nForce IDE driver versions:
  • special pack for MCP51/MCP55/NF7 series chipset mainboards: For RAID users with an nForce 430/410 (=MCP51), nForce 590/570/550 (=MCP55), nForce 680i or nForce 7.xx chipset mainboard I recommend to download this package containing the WHQL signed 64bit nForce IDE drivers v9.99.09, which probably are the best you currently can get.
    
  • for all other nForce chipsets from NF4 up: Since the newer WHQL signed nForce IDE drivers either do not work with all nForce RAID systems (v10.3.0.21) or are not compatible with all NF4-7 chipset mainboards (v9.99.09), I recommend to download this package, which contains the well approved 64bit nForce IDE drivers v9.98 dated 08/09/2007.
    
  
  Both packages contain just the needed SATARAID and SATA_IDE driver folders.
  
  Unzip the downloaded package and copy the entire SATA_IDE and SATARAID subfolder (as separate folders, don't mix the files) onto an empty USB stick, onto your customised Vista DVD (by using a tool like vLite) or copy the content (all files) of the SATA_IDE and the SATARAID folder onto different floppy disks named "SATA_IDE" and "SATARAID" driver disks.

Additional preparation tips:

• It is a good idea to prepare an empty partition of your Raid array for the later Vista installation before beginning with the Vista Setup by booting off the DVD. This preparation is not really needed, but it makes it easier for you. (You can create, delete and format any RAID partition during the Vista installation too. You will get these options when the Vista Setup shows the correct list of your existing partitions and you have hit the "Advanced" button).
  Run any OS of your Raid and create a new partition (minimal space requirement: 20 GB, better are 25 - 35 GB) or do a quick format of an equivalent and not needed existing partition. Be aware to format the designed Vista installation place with NTFS file system.
• If you have an nForce4 SataRaid system and are going to install Vista forthe first time, I recommend to download a small image file, which may be needed as emergency reserve while installing Vista (if the worst comes to the worst and your RAID will not be detected at all). Download it from here, unzip it and burn the ISO file as bootable CD. There are abviously still a few LEGACY mode nForce4 SataRaid systems, which are not supported by the actual nForce IDE drivers. In this case you will need this bootable Emergency CD. The method has been developed and published by nForcerHQ member hwti in November 2006.

After you have completed the preparations, you can begin with the installation.

Preconditions (very important!):

• Vista can be installed onto each available spacious partition, but the active boot partition (normally on drive C) has to be within the nForce RAID array and should have the NTFS file system.
  Suggestion: Before you begin with the Vista install you should check, if both preconditions are fulfilled. If drive C is not within your nForce RAID array, you have set the wrong boot order of the HARD DISK DEVICES within your BIOS. The RAID has to be set as bootable (within the RAID configuration tool) and as first bootable HDD (within BIOS).
  
• As the nVRaid BIOS (newer name: MediaShield IDE ROM) is part of the mainboard BIOS, you should check, if you have flashed the latest available mainboard BIOS version.
  
• Vista needs a rock stable system during the installation. If you have an overclocked system or critical RAM sticks, you will get BSOD's, missing files or sudden reboots during the Vista installation.
  Suggestion: Set the default BIOS timings before you begin with the Vista Setup.
  
• Users with a S-ATA connected DVD device reported about problems during the Vista installation onto an nForce SataRaid array.
  Suggestion: If you get troubles during the install, borrow an IDE-connected DVD device just for the Vista installation.
  
• Users reported about problems during the Vista installation, when the Setup routine detected other storage devices (RAIDed or non-RAIDed hdd's, USB devices, card readers etc.) outside the RAID array.
  Suggestion: Unplug all storage devices outside the active RAID array and disable all unneeded controllers within BIOS before you begin with the installation of Vista.

Installation procedure:

If you have a LEGACY mode nForce4 S-ATA RAID system (P-ATA=IDE RAID systems may not be supported by this method), you will be able to get Vista installed by booting off the Vista DVD even when your RAID is not automaticly detected. It probably will be detected after having loaded the prepared SATA_IDE drivers.

• Important: If you are using an USB stick for driver loading purpose, you have to remove it after finishing the driver loading, otherwise Vista will try to get installed onto your USB stick!

Here is the way how to start:

• Boot off the Vista DVD.
• When you are asked where you want to get Vista installed, you may either see already your RAID device(s) and RAID partitions or not.
• The next steps depend on the ability of Vista Setup to correctly recognize the nForce RAID partitions by its own or not.

Here is the way how to continue:

Alternative A:
Vista Setup shows all your RAID and non-RAID devices correctly

In this case you obviously don't have a LEGACY mode nForce chipset and don't need to load any nForce IDE driver to get Vista installed. If you want the newest and best nForce IDE drivers from scratch, you should do the following:

• Hit the "load driver" button.
• Point to the SATARAID driver folder content of your prepared USB stick or floppy disk. You will get a popup window with all compatible nForce devices.
  Attention: Be aware of loading the correct driver package (Vista x86 needs x86 drivers, Vista x64 needs x64 drivers!).
• Select one after the other or at once (via Strg+A) all shown compatible devices and let Vista Setup load all related drivers.
• After having loaded the drivers (maybe you have to hit the "Refresh" button), you should verify, if Vista Setup still shows all hard disk devices and RAID partitions of your computer.
• Highlight the partition where you want Vista to get installed.
  Notice:
  At this point of the Vista installation you have the opportunity to load all other new nForce chipset drivers (contrary to the F6 option of former operating systems), for example the Ethernet and SMBus drivers of the actual Vista 32/64bit nForce chipset driver package v15.17. They are compatible with all NF4-7 chipsets.
  
• Hit the "Continue" button.
  
• The rest will do Vista Setup by its own.

Alternative B:
Vista Setup doesn't show your RAID and non-RAID devices correctly
You obviously have a LEGACY mode nForce RAID system, which is not supported by the Vista built-in nForce IDE drivers. Users with such nForce SataRaid system need to load the content of a special nForce SATA_IDE driver folder to let Vista Setup detect the RAID devices and partitions.
Here is the way to proceed for users with a LEGACY mode nForce SataRAID system (nForce PataRAID or mixed Sata/PataRAID systems are not supported by the available Vista nForce IDE drivers):

• Hit the "load driver" button.
  Attention: Be aware of loading the correct driver package (Vista x86 needs x86 drivers, Vista x64 needs x64 drivers!).
• Point to the SATARAID driver folder content of your prepared USB stick or floppy disk. You will get a popup window with all compatible drivers.
• Select one after the other or at once (via Strg+A) all shown compatible devices and let Vista Setup load all related drivers.
• After having loaded the drivers (maybe you have to hit the "Refresh" button), you should verify, if Vista Setup still shows all hard disk devices and RAID partitions of your computer.
• If your RAID devces and RAID partitions are not recognized after having loaded the compatible SATARAID drivers, you have to additionally load the content of the prepared SATA_IDE driver folder.
• Hit the "Load Driver" button again. Point to the SATA_IDE folder and select "NVIDIA nForce Serial ATA Controller" and load it.
  
• After having loaded the drivers (maybe you have to hit the "Refresh" button), you probably will see all hard disk devices and RAID partitions of your computer.
  If this is not the case (very uncommon), you have to restart the Vista installation and do the following:
  a ) Boot off the Emergency CD you hopefully have prepared (see above),
  b ) When prompted, remove the CD, insert the Vista DVD and press a key.
  c ) The computer will now boot Vista Setup from DVD with legacy SATA Controller support. The RAID and its partitions will be detected (you don't need to load any special drivers). Choose the partition where you want to get Vista installed.
  d ) Attention: When Vista Setup is going to reboot the first time, you need to use the same trick again (otherwise you will get a BSOD): Remove the Vista DVD, insert the Emergency CD, then boot. When prompted, remove the CD, reinsert the Vista DVD and press a key.
  e ) The Vista installation will finalize without any problem.
  
• Highlight the partition where you want Vista to get installed.
  Notice:
  At this point of the Vista installation you have the opportunity to load all other new nForce chipset drivers (contrary to the F6 option of former operating systems), for example the Ethernet driver v67.80 and SMBus drivers v4.64 of my actual Vista nForce chipset driver packages. Theses drivers are compatible with all NF4-7 chipsets.
  
• Hit the "Continue" button.
  
• The rest will do Vista by it's own.

Things to do and to pay attention to after the successful Vista installation:

• Vista will grab drive letter C: wherever you try to install it. This is not a big problem, because the content of your "normal" C: drive will not be touched. You still will be able to boot into the OS which was installed on drive C: prior to the Vista installation.
  
• Don't be astonished or afraid, if you see a new systray icon named "Safely Remove Hardware". This is not an issue, but a feature! Some of the new Vista nForce S-ATA drivers are supporting the hot-plugging ability and this is shown by the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon. If you don't want to see the icon all the time, you can hide it by using the hide icon option within the "Properties" of the Task Bar. I do not recommend to remove the icon permanently (you will find some how-to-remove guides, if you google for "Safely Remove Hardware" and "remove icon").
  
• It is a good idea to install the actual and suitable Vista nForce chipset driver package after having completed the Vista (32/64bit) installation.
  Recommendation:
  • For all Vista users with an NF4-7 chipset mainboard I recommend to install one of my actual "Performance Packs" for Vista 32/64bit (look here), which contain the currently best nForce IDE (v9.99.09), Ethernet (v67.80) and SMBus (v4.84) drivers.
    Users with an MCP51, MCP55, nForce 680i or nForce 7.xx chipset mainboard can run the installer of the suitable 32/64bit "Special WHQL Performance Pack" with completely WHQL signed components.
    All other users, who want to get the newest/best nForce chipset drivers, have to take the 32/64bit version of my "NF4-7 Performance Packs" (with customized INF files to make them compatible with all NF4-7 chipsets).
    If you want to get the nForce IDE drivers installed (and the RAIDTOOL where appropriate), you may have to check the "MediaShield" option (depending on the installer version).
    
  • Warning:
    • If you have an nForce4 RAID system, you should check, if the nForce IDE drivers of the package do fully support your LEGACY mode SataRaid system BEFORE YOU ARE GOING TO UPDATE/INSTALL THEM.
      
    • Do not accept any update of the nForce SataRaid drivers offered by the Windows Update Service unless you have got the information, that this will be safe! Many users reported about severe problems after having updated their nForce SataRaid drivers this way.
  
  Important:
  How to safely update the nForce SataRaid drivers of a running Vista x86/x64:
  • Warning: The update of the nForce IDE (S-ATA/RAID) drivers is dangerous, because this is a severe modification of the system with a lot of changes within the registry. There is always the risk, that the reboot into Vista will fail after the update. Exactly this is the main reason why I suggest to load the newest/best available nForce IDE drivers during Vista Setup.
  • Advice: Before you are going to update any mass storage controller driver, you should do a backup of your running Vista partition by using a tool like Acronis True Image 10.0 (good idea, Cythrawl!).
  If you are going to update the nForce SataRaid drivers and just follow the advices of Vista's driver update pop-up windows, you probably will get a BSOD.
  Warning: DON'T REBOOT UNLESS YOU HAVE UPDATED ALL RELATED DEVICE DRIVERS!
  
  Here is the exact procedure (detected by TheMaxx32000) for an update of the nForce S-ATA and RAID drivers:
  • Open the "Device Manager", select "View" and check the "Show hidden devices" option.
  • Search for devices named "NVIDIA nForce Serial ATA Controller" (within the "IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers" or "Storage Controllers" section) and update ALL listed devices with the said name by loading the SATA_IDE driver folder of your prepared new nForce driver package. DO NOT REBOOT!
  • Open the "Storage Controllers" section and update ALL listed the "NVIDIA RAID Controller" devices and ALL listed devices named "NVIDIA RAID DEVICE" by loading the SATARAID driver folder of your prepared new nForce driver package. DO NOT REBOOT!
  • Check the driver version of all previous mentioned devices to verify, that all of them have properly updated drivers.
  • NOW YOU CAN REBOOT.
  • Have fun with the updated nForce S-ATA and RAID drivers.
  Notice:
  1. If you are trying to load any modded or not yet WHQL certified driver, you have to enforce the driver update by choosing twice the second driver loading option ("Browse my computer ...." and "Let me pick ...."). Otherwise Vista will give a message, that it has already installed the best driver software.
  2. If you want to update just the RAID driver, you have to do all steps shown above except the second one.

B. Upgrade from Windows XP to Vista x86

The upgrade from XP to one of the available Vista versions is very easy:

Run Windows XP SP2, insert the Vista DVD, enter the special Vista CD Key and choose the option "Upgrade".
If you want to upgrade your running XP partition to Vista Pre-RC! or RC1, you don't need to prepare any IDE drivers (and you won't have no chance to load them). Vista will automaticly take the nForce SataRaid drivers from your XP installation. This exactly may be the problem for you.

After a lot of tests with Vista 5536 Pre-RC1 and my nForce4 AMD SataRaid system I discovered some details, which might be interesting for users with a similar hardware configuration:

• The Upgrade from a running XP - installed onto an nForce4 RAID - to Vista x86 was possible, but I only succeeded, when I used an XP partition, which was running from scratch with WHQL certified SataRaid drivers.
  
• If I tried to upgrade an XP version with not digitally signed nForce SataRaid drivers, the upgrade failed.
  
• The same thing happened, when I tried to upgrade an XP version, which was installed itself with LEGACY type SataRaid drivers and updated later by WHQL certified versions. Vista obviously looks into the first OEM.INF files of the WINDOWS\INF directory. If it finds any Raid or Sata drivers, which are not digitally signed (as OEM1.INF or OEM2.INF etc.), the upgrade will be aborted. It even does not help to delete these INF files. In this case I got a BSOD, when I tried to upgrade to Vista.

Good luck!
Fernando

Personal statement:
On January 31st, just after the official presentation of Vista by Microsoft, I have sold my good, but LEGACY mode NF4 SataRaid system. Now I write from a new computer system with Intel chipset, Intel Core2Duo processor and Intel ICH8 SataRaid array. As a consequence I am not able anymore to test everything myself before I give special advices to forum members or modify my guide because of actually released new drivers or new findings of other users.
That is why I asked nForcersHQ forum member Cythrawl if he would like to continue my work within this topic and he agreed. Cythrawl is a well known expert of nForce SataRaid systems and owner of exactly the same motherboard I had.
Nevertheless I will continue taking care for this topic and will try to help where I can.


Annex I
For users with an nForce2 or nForce3 SataRaid system:

As I mentioned above, it is not possible to get Vista x86/x64 installed onto an nForce2 or nForce3 chipset SataRaid system by booting off the Vista DVD, because
a) none of the currently available Vista nForce IDE drivers is fully supporting nForce2/3 chipsets and
b) Vista Setup doesn't accept any Windows XP (32/64bit) drivers, when booting off DVD.
Nevertheless it is possible to get a proper running Vista x86 onto nForce2/3 SataRaid systems and even Vista x64 onto nForce3 SataRaid systems, but the way is complicated. In each case you will need a running Windows XP (for the later install of Vista x86) or Windows XP x64 (for the later install of Vista x64) within your nForce SataRaid array. A second "must-have" are special nForce2/3 compatible nForce IDE drivers, which have to be installed with XP 32/64bit from scratch and can be used with Vista 32/64bit. The driver choice is the biggest problem, but it seems to be solved.

Here is the description of the best and approved way to succeed:

A. Clean install of Vista x86/x64 onto an nForce3 SataRaid system

The following guide is mainly based on the findings of nForcersHQ Forum member stu222, which he primarily layed down here. The way he succeeded seems to be currently the best method to get a proper running Vista x86 and the only known method to get Vista x64 installed onto an nForce SataRaid system.

Preconditions: You will need at least not only the Vista x86/x64 DVD and an nVRaid BIOS v.4.81, but additionally

• 2 empty partitions within your RAID array (1 of them will be available again after having finished the Vista installation),
  
• Windows XP (if you want to get Vista x86 installed) or Windows XP x64 (if you want to run Vista x64) and
  
• the appropriate nForce SataRaid drivers.
  I recommend to take the LEGACY driver folder of the brandnew nForce IDE drivers v.6.99, which was modified by Squall and customised by me according the test results of stu222 (see above). You can get these already prepared small driver package here:
  for XP (and later Vista x86)
  for XP x64 (and later Vista x64).

Notice: If you are already running Windows XP on your machine, you may try to start directly with the Vista x86 installation, but you will probably get a better result with the later Vista installation, if you do previously a fresh install of XP by using the recommended nForce IDE drivers v.6.99 from scratch.

Step-by-step guide

1. Create a bootable Windows XP CD (if you want to get at least Vista x86 installed) or a Windows XP x64 CD (necessary for a later Vista x64 installation) with integrated LEGACY mode nForce IDE drivers v.6.99 by using a tool like nLite. Use the suitable (32/64bit) unzipped LEGACY driver package you have previously downloaded.
   
2. Install the just prepared OS (XP 32/64bit) onto an empty, NTFS formattet partition within your nForce RAID array. When XP 32/64bit is up, it's not necessary to install any software or additional driver.
   
3. From within the running XP 32/64bit partition insert the Vista DVD (x86 or x64) and choose "Custom Install".
   
   
4. Important: Although Vista Setup will show you already all existing RAID partitions, you have to hit the "Load Driver" button and to load all compatible drivers/devices from your prepared LEGACY mode nForce IDE driver package (32bit for Vista x86, 64bit for Vista x64).
   
5. Install Vista x86/x64 onto an empty, NTFS formatted RAID partition (if you want a real "clean" install).
   
6. The rest of the installation will run automaticly.
   
7. Once Vista is up, install the missing device drivers (you will get some of them via Windows Update).
   Warning: Don't let Vista Windows Update install any nForce S-ATA or RAID drivers (you will certainly get a BSOD by doing that).
   
8. Have fun with Vista on your nForce3 SataRaid system!

B. Clean install of Vista x86 onto an nForce3 PataRaid system
Here is the report from nForcersHQ forum member davesnothereman, how he succeeded to get Vista x86 installed onto his nForce3 PataRaid system:

davesnothereman wrote:

i will outline what i did to get vista installed on a pata raid 0 partition on my nforce3 pc. i was able to install vista 32 from xp 64 and had no problems whatsoever. i am now running dual-boot xp 64 and vista 32. 1. i downloaded the driver package for vista 32 that was recommended on the first page 2. unzipped to my desktop 3. ran the vista install from the dvd while running xp 64 4. when the prompt came up ton install addtional drivers, i browsed to the folder on my desktop where i unzipped the drivers and selected all of the drivers for installation 5. i finished running the vista installation without any other steps i didnt need to create a special cd, reinstall windows on a fresh partition, or even use the correct pre-vista os. (as mentioned, im running xp 64 and vista 32)

I am not sure, which driver package he meant at point 1, but it probably was this one.

C. Upgrade from XP to Vista x86 for users with an nForce2 or nForce3 SataRaid system
Alternatively it is obviously possible to upgrade an existing Windows XP partition to Vista x86 within an existing nForce2/3 SataRaid system. In this case users don't need to load extern drivers, but the XP partition has to be installed from scratch by using the official nForce3 SataRaid drivers of the chipset driver package 5.10 or 5.11.



Annex II
For users with an nForce4 PataRaid system:

It is obviously not possible to get Vista x86/x64 installed onto an nForce4 PataRaid array by booting off Vista DVD. Nevertheless it is possible to run Vista x86 and (not sure) Vista x64 with such LEGACY mode RAID system.

Recommended method:
If you want to install Vista x86 or Vista x64 onto your nForce4 PataRaid array, you should just follow the guide for users with an nForce3 SataRaid system and take the same LEGACY mode nForce IDE drivers v.6.99 (see Annex I). The specially customised LEGACY drivers are fully supporting nForce4 PataRaid systems too.

Other option::
nForcersHQ member Exosad found a method how to get Vista x86 working with nForce PataRaid partitions and datas. Precondition is an additional existing nForce SataRaid array.
Here is his guide (certified by nForcersHQ member Lucifer):
1. Download and extract the nForce chipset driver package v.6.86 for Windows XP (32bit), copy the files NVRAID.CAT and NVRAID.INF from the SATARAID into the LEGACY folder and then copy the content of the freshly prepared LEGACY folder onto an empty floppy drive or USB stick. Additionally you may download and store the modded Vista x86 RTM nForce SataRaid drivers from here.
2. Set the nForce SataRaid array as first bootable HARD DISK DEVICE within BIOS.

3. Boot off Vista DVD. If Vista Setup does not recognise the nForce SataRaid array and partitions, load the modded Vista RTM nForce SataRaid drivers.
4. After the successful Vista installation run Vista and update PATA Controller with your prepared 6.86 package LEGACY drivers. Restart.
5. CDROM/DVD-drives are installed automatically. PATA-HDDs are recognized and a driver is needed. DO NOT INSTALL IT! Instead reboot again. Notice, that the system hangs. Press reset.
6. Manually update PATA-HDDs, Raid Class Controller and SATA Controller with the legacy drivers (nvraid.inf). In my case, all NVIDIA drivers now have English names and are dated 24.04.2006. After you updated all(!!) drivers reboot. In my case, there was a bluescreen, so reset.
7. Windows should start (man, was I surprised!!) and recognizes the SATA-HDDs. Drivers are installed automatically. Then reboot. Notice, that the system doesn't hang anymore!
8. Enjoy your Windows Vista with PATA-Raid!


Annex III
MediaShield/Raidtool installation guide:

The easiest way to get the Raidtool installed is by running the SETUP.EXE of the associated nForce chipset driver package, but by doing this all nForce IDE drivers of the package will be installed too (and maybe replace the better and currently working ones).
In these cases you have to use an other way to get full access to the MediaShield/RAID software (NVIDIA Control Panel) after having completed the Vista installation.
Here is the guide for the manually installation of the nForce Raidtool (on the basis of posts from nForcersHQ members TheMaxx32000 and Tweak_addict):

• Run Vista.
  
• Install the latest version of nTune.
  
• Search for the RAIDTOOL folder of the actual Vista x86/x64 nForce chipset driver package.
  
• Extract the content (all files) of the RAIDTOOL.CAB file into the C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32 folder.
  
• Search for the file "RegRaidSedona.bat" (formerly named "RegRaid.bat") within C:\Windows\System32, right click on it, choose "Run as Administrator" and run the BAT file to get the Raidtool Services registered.
  
• Search for the file "nvCplUI.exe" (formerly named "nvRaidman.exe") within the same folder and run it.

That should bring up the Nvidia Control Panel and the "Storage" item should be listed on the left window task list.
Suggestions:
1. It is a good idea to create a shortcut to the NVCPLUI.EXE (formerly NVRAIDMAN.EXE) onto the Desktop or into the Startmenu. This way you will get an easy access to the NVIDIA MediaShield Control Panel.
2. Additionally you should put a shortcut to the NVRAIDSERVICE.EXE into the Startup folder, if you want a continuous monitoring of the Raid health.

Last edited by Fernando 1 on Tue Jul 15, 2008 9:19 pm; edited 320 times in total

[peanut]

Is it me, or is it retarded that vista cant load the drivers off your HD when starting setup in windows xp?

[Fernando 1]

[aerospyke]

its also rather crappy that you have to try and install from windows. i hope this is just a beta thing or i'll be very upset. I keep being told to press F6 when its in the textmode of install when asking for help but i never see such a thing.

[phaTrx7]

Which nForce chipset is the most difficult to install w/ a RAID 0 Array on Vista x64? nForce3? nForce4? or nForce5?

[aerospyke]

i just found out why you specifically said to run windows XP x64 if u wanna install vista x64 and 32bit XP if u wanna install 32bit vista. .... i have 32 bit XP but want to install x64 vista. won't let me. anyone know how it can be done?

[Catkiller]

Same problem here, also trying to install vista x64 from XP x86.

Momentarely I try to install Win XP 64 bit Trial and after that trying to install Vista the way it is described here.
Don't now if vista accepts a trial version. I will post my "results" here when I'm done.

[aerospyke]

Sounds great Catkiller ... as i think it will be my last resort. I don't know how i'm going to try it out if i can't do it this way. COz I won't want to spend money buying it if i don't know what its like first hand.

[tommo123]

[tHE_dODGE]

To Fernando 1:
Greetings from Australia! Became a member just so I could write this. THANK YOU!!
I have been trying to load 64bit Vista for 3 days; always BSOD on reboot.

Thank you very much for your tutorial, and the links to real working 64bit drivers!! Cant say enough how much I appreciate you spending time to write what you did. Cheers!