Reformating a partition and Nand

[idata]

For the Intel X-25, to reformat the hard drive does it require a special utility to make the Nand in it like new or will a regular format do the job?

[mmokk]

parsec wrote:

If you format your SSD on Win 7, it will send the TRIM command(s) to your SSD, but I'm not sure if that is equivalent to a full secure erase.

they're not the same thing, but for the purpose of installing an operating system, there's no real reason to choose a full secure erase over a quick format with windows 7 on a trim capable drive.

[idata]

Thanks everyone.I will set up Vista the same as I did with Win 7.Using an external floppy and install the latest vista RST drivers during the OS's initial installation using the F6 option.Hopefully all will go smoothly .

[idata]

redux wrote:

It is not possible to be in AHCI mode in the BIOS and IDE in the OS

Well, I've actually seen this myself, but the actual mode the PC was in was IDE. This situation occurs when installing an OS in IDE mode, and then later setting the BIOS to AHCI, with the registry edit not done. I've seen this in several mother board's BIOS, and is just one of those weird situations. The BIOS allowed me to do this, but the MS AHCI driver does not load upon reboot, as I'm sure you know.

I mention this only to point out to some readers that simply setting the BIOS to AHCI does not guarantee the result will be a file system in AHCI mode. There are other factors that must be accounted for.

Or did your statement have a purpose I am missing?

[idata]

Thanks parsec.Again ,that's why I feel setting the Bios in AHCI ,and applying Intels RST drivers during the install is so important.Changing the BIOS after an install will normally cause blue screen.I think the registry edit you mention is for the Intel driver package that can be applied after the OS is installed.Correct me if I'm wrong.

[mmokk]

Infocus wrote:

Thanks parsec.Again ,that's why I feel setting the Bios in AHCI ,and applying Intels RST drivers during the install is so important.Changing the BIOS after an install will normally cause blue screen.

you can install the drivers at setup if you want, but it is not strictly necessary unless setup cannot detect your drive. you won't be getting a blue screen, because you won't be changing the sata mode. why would you need to? simply set the sata mode you want to use (ahci), then run setup and install windows. it is just that simple. if for some reason in the future you'd like to switch modes, then you may need to worry about the registry settings.

I think the registry edit you mention is for the Intel driver package that can be applied after the OS is installed.

the registry setting is needed only if you switch sata modes in the bios and the os blue screens as a result. this can happen if you, for example, install windows in ide mode and then later switch to ahci. but if you are installing windows in ahci mode to begin with, and you plan on staying in ahci mode, then you won't be switching sata modes. no need to worry about blue screens or registry settings.