Setting Intel RST to RAID stops DVD working

[idata]

I have built a new PC based on an ASUS P8P67 Deluxe motherboard. During the boot process I entered the EFI BIOS version 2001 (which incorporates Intel Option ROM version 10.5.0.1034) and changed the SATA Option from AHCI to RAID so that I establish a RAID 1 array for my data. Whilst in the BIOS setup I was able to see my DVD drive and set it to be my first bootable device and set my system HDD (not my RAID 1 data array) as the second boot device.

I then wanted to install an operating system so I placed my Windows 7 installation DVD in my DVD drive and rebooted my PC. The boot up process went according to plan and when presented with the Intel Rapid Storage Technology screen I created my RAID 1 data array and rebooted. Again the boot process went according to plan EXCEPT that it stopped and showed only a flashing cursor. No further progress was made.

I have conducted numerous tests and discovered that it is stopping at my DVD and not offering me opportunity to install my operating system. I have also established setting the SATA option to AHCI instead of RAID within the EFI BIOS screen resolves this problem and an operating system can then be installed. However, obviously, I cannot then set up a RAID array because the SATA option is set to AHCI. This is a catch 21 situation!

Can anyone please comment upon this problem and perhaps offer a solution?

Message was edited by: Chevalier to clarify the BIOS version being used.

[idata]

Do you have the latest BIOS update?

There was a BIOS released this month http://usa.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_1155/P8P67/# download http://usa.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_1155/P8P67/# download

If that doesn't work, you can always create a USB Windows 7 Installation Disk by using your Windows CD on a different system. Then you can boot to the thumbdrive to perform the installation (if you think it's caused by the DVD drive) http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msstore/html/pbPage.Help_Win7_usbdvd_dwnTool http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msstore/html/pbPage.Help_Win7_usbdvd_dwnTool

[idata]

Thank you for your response.

The latest BIOS release (2001) is already installed.

Interestingly, I have been told that BIOS 1606 did not show this problem because it had Intel OPROM 10.1.0.1008. However, BIOS 2001 uses Intel OPROM 10.5.0.1034 which, again I am told, actually causes this problem. I was hoping that someone on these Forum's could confirm whether this is true?

In the meantime, I shall try your kind suggestion. However, not having a functioning DVD at boot is a serious restriction which I should not just accept!

[idata]

Hi millersh,

I have now done as you suggested and have now installed Windows 7 64 bit. That is the good news.

After a while the operating system reported that Windows 7 update had a set of updates (there were about 60!) amongst which were firmware updates for my Canon printer etc. I am informed that these updates should be saved to a DVD and then installed during the boot process!! Oh no - not another problem. I am now checking with the manufacturers to see if I can use some other method since my DVD does not work at boot.

I also use Acronis to create backups for my system. Guess what.......I need to use their DVD to create/restore backups at boot. I am now talking to Acronis to see if their is a solution to this too.

In essence the workaround that you kindly provided has worked but not having a working DVD at boot is terribly restrictive.

Thatk you for your advice.