SATA problem

Discussions about using Windows guests in VirtualBox.
Post Reply
Peter2
Posts: 6
Joined: 10. Sep 2010, 08:30
Primary OS: MS Windows XP
VBox Version: OSE other
Guest OSses: Windows XP Pro x86

SATA problem

Post by Peter2 »

Hi.
I've searched the forum and I know how to install SATA device in Windows XP after installation.
But the problem is that I want to test directly my Windows XP installation modified with nlite and with SATA drivers slipstreamed.
Installing with a Ide controller works 100%. But if I move the vdi HDD file to a SATA controller and try to install it fails.
Specifically the text mode setup is ok but in Gui mode setup after a few minutes I get a blue screen. It's not saying about some file, just usual stuff.

I have been taken screenshots at regular interval, here is the last one before it happened:
Image

A few secondes later:
Image

Offtopic: It would be nice that a screenshot function (one that takes images) would be added to the interface. Maybe even one that captures movies...

Host OS: Windows XP x86 SP3 latest updates.
VirtualBox version: latest 3.2.8-64453.
Guest OS: Windows XP x86 SP3 latest updates slipstreamed using nlite.
Oh, the SATA drivers are slipstreamed with the Driverpacks application, not with nlite.

Maybe some of you will say that why do I need to use SATA instead of Ide. I just want to be thorough before starting to install on the real computer.

So, is there something that I can do to make this work or is it a limitation of VirtualBox...?

Thank you in advance for any useful reply.
Best regards, Peter
mpack
Site Moderator
Posts: 39134
Joined: 4. Sep 2008, 17:09
Primary OS: MS Windows 10
VBox Version: VirtualBox+Oracle ExtPack
Guest OSses: Mostly XP

Re: SATA problem

Post by mpack »

Why are you asking for support here about an issue with an nLited XP installation CD? Your problem has nothing to do with VirtualBox, you should ask your questions on an nLite or Microsoft site.

As you seem to be aware, XP out of the box does not support SATA drives, and trying to install the OS on one will lead to obvious difficulties. It doesn't sound like you have succeeded in overcoming that, and like I said: here is not the place for you to get support on that.
Peter2
Posts: 6
Joined: 10. Sep 2010, 08:30
Primary OS: MS Windows XP
VBox Version: OSE other
Guest OSses: Windows XP Pro x86

Re: SATA problem

Post by Peter2 »

mpack wrote:Why are you asking for support here about an issue with an nLited XP installation CD? Your problem has nothing to do with VirtualBox, you should ask your questions on an nLite or Microsoft site.

As you seem to be aware, XP out of the box does not support SATA drives, and trying to install the OS on one will lead to obvious difficulties. It doesn't sound like you have succeeded in overcoming that, and like I said: here is not the place for you to get support on that.
I don't think so.
This is not a nlite/WindowsXP/Driverpacks problem but VirtualBox problem.
Why do I say that..?
Because today I tested this installation CD on 3 computers (so far) with different SATA controllers and it worked fine. Just tested, because I have license for only one copy.
I also tried to install only XP + SATA drivers (no nlite modifications). Worked fine on real computers, in VirtualBox is not.
Plus I also read in this forum about others who had problems with SATA during installation and they were advised to install on IDE and to change to SATA afterwards.
But if you still think I'm wrong I will apologize and go elsewhere.
fixedwheel
Volunteer
Posts: 1699
Joined: 13. Sep 2008, 02:18

Re: SATA problem

Post by fixedwheel »

Peter2 wrote:I also tried to install only XP + SATA drivers (no nlite modifications).
its supposed to work w/o nlite modification: what errors do you get?
Worked fine on real computers, in VirtualBox is not.
real computers operate SATA in IDE emulated or in AHCI mode, virtualbox only operates in AHCI mode. Use the virtual IDE controller for IDE emulation ...
Peter2
Posts: 6
Joined: 10. Sep 2010, 08:30
Primary OS: MS Windows XP
VBox Version: OSE other
Guest OSses: Windows XP Pro x86

Re: SATA problem

Post by Peter2 »

its supposed to work w/o nlite modification: what errors do you get?
I made of screenshot with the blue screen and add it to my first post. Btw, I had to pause VirtualBox so I can take it - that's why is black not blue.
real computers operate SATA in IDE emulated or in AHCI mode, virtualbox only operates in AHCI mode. Use the virtual IDE controller for IDE emulation ...
Ok, I understand and I knew about that Bios setting but on real computers I want to use SATA AHCI. So I want to test the installation CD in VirtualBox with SATA AHCI.
mpack
Site Moderator
Posts: 39134
Joined: 4. Sep 2008, 17:09
Primary OS: MS Windows 10
VBox Version: VirtualBox+Oracle ExtPack
Guest OSses: Mostly XP

Re: SATA problem

Post by mpack »

Peter2 wrote:This is not a nlite/WindowsXP/Driverpacks problem but VirtualBox problem.
Why do I say that..?
As Fixedwheel has already pointed out, real motherboards which use a SATA chipset also include an IDE emulation feature - which is enabled by default - precisely in order that a standard XP installation (as well as earlier OS types) will succeed and not require SATA drivers. On such a system you would typically then install m/b specific XP SATA drivers, then turn off the IDE emulation in the BIOS. Or, most people I expect just leave it in IDE emulation mode.

The VirtualBox BIOS does not provide an IDE emulation mode. Such a mode would make no sense since the hardware itself is emulated, and why have two layers of emulation? I don't see this being changed, so I suspect you are out of luck.
Peter2
Posts: 6
Joined: 10. Sep 2010, 08:30
Primary OS: MS Windows XP
VBox Version: OSE other
Guest OSses: Windows XP Pro x86

Re: SATA problem

Post by Peter2 »

mpack wrote:As Fixedwheel has already pointed out, real motherboards which use a SATA chipset also include an IDE emulation feature - which is enabled by default - precisely in order that a standard XP installation (as well as earlier OS types) will succeed and not require SATA drivers. On such a system you would typically then install m/b specific XP SATA drivers, then turn off the IDE emulation in the BIOS. Or, most people I expect just leave it in IDE emulation mode.

The VirtualBox BIOS does not provide an IDE emulation mode. Such a mode would make no sense since the hardware itself is emulated, and why have two layers of emulation? I don't see this being changed, so I suspect you are out of luck.
Like I said, I know about IDE emulation feature. But I didn't use it on those 3 computers. Windows XP installed directly on SATA AHCI.
You're right, having two layers of emulation makes no sense. But luckily I don't want that; just to install directly like I did on real computers.

Oh, btw, I have seen computers that don't have "IDE emulation" for SATA :roll:
Post Reply