I have spent many hours researching this. Anybody else have the same board. Here are the specs:

Vista build 5231

Intel D945GTP MB

Pentium D 2.8 GHz

2 GB DDR

SATA 2 in IDE mode

WD120 GB drive

Intel graphics media accelerator 950 with 256 MB memory

Latest BIOS update 3659

Vista will not install on the formated SATA drive or an IDE drive with XP installed. Setup starts and prematurlly reboots and comes up to Boot manager error 0xC0000185. All I have found on this error indicates a bad SCSI drive or improperly terminated but, as it won't go on the IDE drive either and, I have been able to install it on the same SATA drive on an Intel D865GLC MB with a 2.4 GHz. Also, as I said, I do not have the BIOS in SCSI mode.

The great Intel refuses to aknowledge my emails even though I have told them the IT department I am in intends to buy 150 or so of these MB.

I have identified a half dozen or so BIOS settings that "may" make a difference-when I get time to experiment. But, chances are I'll be stuck until either MS or Intel resolves the conflict.

Anybody have any knowledge of this?

One more thing, When I try to restart setup from Boot manager it returns, can not find HAL. It looks like setup can not build the HAL

can you try the SATA drives in SATA mode, you may have find a driver for it boot correct but that may help. check your BIOS settings that you think may help also, it is likely the cause it in there

Thanks, yes I have tried that and the results are the same. Also, Vista never presents you with the F6 option to install drivers.

when you load vista during the HD drive configuration of the wizard you can load the drivers for your SATA HD controller

i guess i should ask how far through the installation you get, if you can get your CD key entered and then get to the HD selection part, you can load your SATA drivers there. if it doesn't recogonize it then, you will have to wait for the company that makes the SATA controller or intel to make dirvers that will work with vista

In BIOS setting, go to "Driver Configrations"items, change "Enhance" to "Legacy"

try it

Turn off "RAID" items

In BIOS setting, go to "Driver Configrations"items, change "Enhance" to "Legacy"

try it

Turn off "RAID" items

Yes, one of the first things I tried, didn't work.

thanks

when you load vista during the HD drive configuration of the wizard you can load the drivers for your SATA HD controller

i guess i should ask how far through the installation you get, if you can get your CD key entered and then get to the HD selection part, you can load your SATA drivers there. if it doesn't recogonize it then, you will have to wait for the company that makes the SATA controller or intel to make dirvers that will work with vista

How far I get depends on how I try to install. From a boot disk I don't even get to the splash screen. Starting setup from an XP installation, I do get to the drive selection screen. But, here again, I am never presented with the F6 option. Does setup respond to an F6 input at this point?

Another thing, according to Intel you don't need to do an F6 to install additional drivers unless you are in SCSI or AHCI mode. I have tried both ways with no success.

Also, there is still the issue of not even being able to install to an IDE drive on the IDE controller. Not even on the SATA connection.

Next time I get the time I plan to turn off the CPU dualcore BIOS setting.

thanks.

In BIOS settings "Advanced"items, the S.M.A.R.T Mode ,

Do you see the HDD in yours?

pls double check HAL

there is no F6 prompt for drivers anymore when you load up the PE, it should find the SATA driver weither it be in IDE mode or SATA mode, during the installaion, i know this is an older pic from an older build but same idea, there is a driver button here where you can load the required drivers if you Sata card hasn't been picked up yet, also have there been any Bios releases for this MB?

Intel MB BIOS updates

try those also see if they help at all

you have to do the first one then the second one

In BIOS settings "Advanced"items, the S.M.A.R.T Mode ,

Do you see the HDD in yours?

pls double check HAL

Yes

there is no F6 prompt for drivers anymore when you load up the PE, it should find the SATA driver weither it be in IDE mode or SATA mode, during the installaion, i know this is an older pic from an older build but same idea, there is a driver button here where you can load the required drivers if you Sata card hasn't been picked up yet, also have there been any Bios releases for this MB?

Intel MB BIOS updates

try those also see if they help at all

you have to do the first one then the second one

BIOS is the latest available, did that before ever trying to install.

If, I start the instalation from XP I get to a similar window, all HDs show up, event the SATA. But, and I don't know why this build would be different, I don't get the choices below the list of HDs: i.e. Format, Delete, load driver. Of course, yours is a single drive with multiple partitions, where mine is two drives with one partition each, or one drive with same.

Thanks

Problem SOLVED

First, my thanks to all for their input, It was very helpfull in determining if I was missing something or not.

Intel came out with a new BIOS update on 4/10, I flashed the BIOS the other day and Vista installed without a hitch!!!!!!! . So, if anyone happens to be using an Intel 945GTP MB make sure you have BIOS version 86A.3813.EB.

Thanks again

glad to here it was fixed!!!