Installing the RAID drivers, Cd bootdrv Menu

Installing the RAID drivers

To install operating system onto a serial ATA hard disk successfully, you need to install the SATA controller driver during OS installation. Without the driver, the hard disk may not be recognized during the Windows setup process. First of all, copy the driver for the SATA controller from the motherboard driver CD-ROM to a floppy disk. See the instructions below about how to copy the driver in MS-DOS mode(Note1). Prepare a startup disk that has CD-ROM support and a blank formatted floppy disk.

Step 1: Insert the prepared startup disk and motherboard driver CD-ROM in your system. Boot from the

startup disk. Once at the A:\> prompt, change to the CD-ROM drive (example: D:\>). At the D:\> prompt, type the following two commands. Press ENTER after each command (Fig.1):

cd bootdrv

Step 2: When the controller menu (Fig.2) appears, remove the startup disk and insert the blank formatted disk. Select the controller driver by pressing the corresponding letter from the menu. Your system will then automatically zip and transfer this driver file to the floppy disk. Press 0 to exit when finished.

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Fig.1

Fig. 2

Step 3: After completing the steps, boot from the Windows installation disk to install the RAID drivers. Press F6 as soon as you see the "Press F6 if you need to install a third party SCSI or RAID driver" message, then supply serial ATA controller driver by this floppy disk. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

(Each time you add a new hard drive to a RAID array, the RAID driver will have to be installed under Windows once for that hard drive. After that, the driver will not have to be installed.)

(Note 1): For users without a startup disk.

Use an alternative system and insert the GIGABYTE motherboard drive CD-ROM. From the CD- ROM drive (example: D:\) double click the MENU.exe file in the BootDrv folder. A command prompt window will open similar to that in Fig. 2.

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Appendix

GA-K8NE specifications

The Gigabyte GA-K8NE is a motherboard that stands out in the realm of Socket 754-based systems, catering primarily to AMD's Athlon 64 and Sempron processors. Renowned for its stability and reliability, the GA-K8NE is ideal for users seeking to build a budget-friendly yet robust computing solution.

One of the main features of the GA-K8NE is its support for single-channel DDR400 memory, accommodating up to 2GB of RAM. This allows for decent multitasking capabilities, making it suitable for various applications from basic computing tasks to more demanding multimedia processing. The motherboard features two DIMM slots, ensuring flexibility in memory upgrades.

In terms of connectivity, the GA-K8NE is equipped with an array of PCI slots, including a PCI Express x16 slot for dedicated graphics cards. The inclusion of a Gigabit Ethernet controller enables high-speed internet access, essential for both gaming and media streaming. Additionally, users can take advantage of multiple USB 2.0 ports for peripheral connectivity, enhancing overall usability.

The GA-K8NE also includes a variety of storage options, featuring four SATA connectors for modern hard drives along with PATA options for legacy devices. This versatility ensures that users can integrate both contemporary and older storage technologies seamlessly.

When it comes to audio, the motherboard is integrated with Realtek's ALC655 chipset, providing 6-channel audio output. This feature enriches the multimedia experience, making it suitable for home theater setups or gaming applications where sound quality is paramount.

Another notable technology included in the GA-K8NE is Gigabyte's patented DualBIOS technology, which provides an extra layer of security against BIOS failures. Should a primary BIOS be corrupted, the backup BIOS can auto-recover, ensuring reliable system operation and peace of mind for users.

With its balance of performance, capacity for upgradeability, and key features like robust audio and solid networking capabilities, the Gigabyte GA-K8NE remains a commendable choice for budget-conscious users looking to build a capable home or office PC. Its combination of technological advancements and practical features makes it a noteworthy option in the competitive motherboard market.