This document describes installing native Serial ATA (SATA) drives on a computer that is using Windows Vista. Computers built for Windows XP use native-ATI technology to control hard drives, while Windows Vista uses native-Serial ATA (SATA) technology. Installing an ATI hard drive on a computer with WINDOWS Vista will cause compatibility problems.
Software Downloads. Connecting SATA drive to SAS controller The use of SATA hard drives on SAS controllers is made possible by the fact. ©2018 Seagate.
Also, if a computer is downgraded from Vista to XP, it may display an error message that the operating system cannot locate a hard drive. If the installer cannot locate a hard drive, it cannot install the XP operating system. The BIOS on a Vista computer is configured for a native-SATA environment and it cannot recognize ATI drivers. It may be possible to override or change the BIOS settings to allow XP to recognize the hard drive. note:Intel Sata Controller Driver
If you are considering downgrading a computer from Vista to the XP Operating System, see HP Notebook PCs - Problems with SATA Drivers When Downgrading From Vista to XP