How do I change Windows XP to use AHCI disk mode rather than IDE mode for Dual boot?

I wouldn't use Windows Update for any drivers unless I had to. Like Taupo Tech says, they can (and do) screw things up. The best place for drivers is the manufacturer's website.

Tricky           

Actually, that is true for Xp and sometimes with Vista. However, Windows 7 is a whole new ball game when it installs drivers or updates. They are the actual driver for the device in question. For example, if I have an Nvidia graphics card Windows update installs the same Nvidia driver that is offered on the Nvidia website. If I am updating Windows Xp drivers I use a driver software program, Driver Genius. Works like a charm every time. Be ware of many of the driver programs however. Some are simply not what they claim. DriverMax is another good one. :-)

But, if you do use Nlite, be aware that if you're slipstreaming XP, you should slipstream it in XP. Or whatever version of Windows you're slipstreaming

I have Windows 7 Ult. X64 and use Nlite often to slipstream. I personally have never had an issue and cannot imagine why an issue would arise. The process works from the Windows Xp folder which you intend to slipstream.

Win 8 supports dual monitors

That is a feature of your graphics card. Not Widows 8. I have used dual monitors in Win Xp for a long time using Nvidia gpu.

If you are still having issues with too many boot options go into msconfig while in Xp an delete the invalid entries. That will solve that instantly. :-)

So what resolution are you trying to get on these monitors?? And whats the resolution on now??

I didn't install any ATI drivers for this (HD4550) (because it didn't have any on the AMD site only the Win7 drivers)). Didn't install these (well didn't try, just in case it killed something lol)

And the res is still @ 1920x1080 (this is an HD monitor). Thats using WIn8 drivers

But, I've just found out there are now Win8 32/64 bit drivers for it (the card is a legacy device) according to AMD. So, even if I install the Win8 drivers, I may not get all of the features it supports

Doesn't really worry me tho. I don't use 2+ monitors or play games on it. Thats what the Xbox is for

Windows drivers are generic drivers. It doesnt matter WHAT (version of Windows is installed, or WHAT the device is).

They're limited in what they can do.

It's like printer drivers. Windows 8 may have some of the latest printer drivers already. It doesn't mean everything on the printer (like printing / scanning) is going to work with them

Which can be a bugger if the manufacturer's site doesn't have Win8 drivers. Even tho some sites say Windows 8 has built in printer drivers

You maybe stuffed, if you want to use all of the printer's functions. You may have to buy a new printer, that's got Windows 8 drivers on the site

So, yup if it's an AMD/ATI card, its better if you get them from whatever site. I wouldn't rely on the WIndows drivers.

The only driver I've downloaded from Windows update is the ACPI one, thats about it And the mouse / keyboard. Which haven't affected anything. Anything else, I would go to the manufacturer's site.

I wouldn;'t rely on Window update for ALL drivers. They can stuff things up

Thanks, Taupo!  Good advise.  I have to admit that Windows 8 worked right out of the shut. And installed very quickly. That's something that was not true with XP. You  had only very basic functionality and had to install chipset drivers, USB drivers, Controller drivers, display drivers, etc. 

So I guess you are saying I should do all of that anyway?  And Windows 8 won't crash and burn? :-)  I don't trust it yet and I don't entirely trust the other manufactures either to have the correct drivers for Win8!

Kelly

I'm probably over cynical but I'd still rather go to nVidia's site to get it though. :)

(I have kept probably over 99% of all drivers I have downloaded going back to 2000)

I've already done Windows 8 builds and installed manufacturer's (mainboard) drivers after initial installation without issue. Admittedly only Intel builds so far.

If your graphics is not permitting the native resolution of your monitor you should install the manufacturer's graphics card drivers which should solve the problem (assuming that they say they are Win8 compatible).

Tricky