Force Windows to use DMA and not PIO mode for transfer CD drive <-> computer?

[Peter Eisenman]

I installed on my Laptop WinXP Prof.
In the HardwareManager I changed for the IDE channels the transfer mode from
"PIO only" to "Use DMA if possible".

Unfortunately (after a reboot) WinXP (and the hardware) uses still PIO mode (as indicated
in the HardwareManager just below the previously mentioned setting).

Hmmm, the Sony-Laptop is rather new (3 years old). Could it be that the hardware limits
the transfer mode? Is there a way to detect if the hardware supports DMA mode in general?

Or is it a matter of an outdated driver?

How can WinXP force to use DMA mode? Maybe a matter of the BIOS?

Peter

 

[R. McCarty]

First, you need to determine the actual Chipset in use. If it's 3 years
old it most certainly should support UDMA mode 3 or 4. If you
check Device Manager, under the IDE/ATAPI controller how is
the parent controller identified ? (Intel, VIA...)
You can use Everest Home Edition (Inventory Tool) to determine
the notebook's hardware specs.
http://www.lavalys.com/products/download.php?pid=1&lang=en&pageid=3
Once you know the Vendor/ID for the Chipset, download the
latest Chipset driver package and install. After reboot then recheck
the IDE controller Pri/Sec, Advanced (TAB) and review the mode
settings. Sometimes it's necessary to remove both the Pri/Sec and
then reboot to allow XP to re-enumerate the controllers/devices.

You would also want to check BIOS setup to make sure the IDE
controller is using DMA and that detection is set to AUTO.

Was this an upgrade or a clean install ? - If an upgrade you may have
had the Intel Application Accelerator software installed. This is a
known issue with upgrading to XP. Did you run the Upgrade Advisor
before the upgrade to check for incompatible hardware/software ?