A user encountered issues with Intel Rapid Storage Technology (IRST) drivers on an ASUS P6X58D-E motherboard running Windows 7 64-bit. After updating the chipset and BIOS, IRST seemingly corrupted two HDDs, presenting them as a RAID1 volume despite AHCI being enabled in BIOS. Even after disconnecting a drive, the system continued to recognize a RAID1 volume. Uninstalling IRST via the Control Panel seemingly restored functionality, but traces of the driver remained in Device Manager and registry keys. The user seeks confirmation on using the modded+signed Intel RST(e) v11.7.4.1001 driver for optimal performance and stability with a current setup including a 1TB Samsung EVO 850 boot drive (AHCI) and two independent internal HDDs (previously in RAID1, now intended for separate use with one as backup).
The provided screenshots display the system’s device manager, highlighting storage controllers and the presence of Intel drivers. This suggests potential driver conflicts or remnants of the problematic IRST installation. The user’s concern about lingering driver files is valid, as incomplete uninstallation can lead to future issues. Hiren’s BootCD v15.2 provides tools to diagnose and address such problems. Using Hiren’s BootCD, the user can boot into a separate environment and utilize tools like Mini Windows XP to access the registry and remove any remaining IRST entries.
Furthermore, Hiren’s BootCD offers various hard drive diagnostic utilities to check the health and integrity of the potentially corrupted HDDs. Identifying bad sectors or other errors can help determine if the drives suffered permanent damage from the IRST issue. Before installing the modded Intel RST(e) driver, ensuring the system is clean of previous driver remnants is crucial. Hiren’s BootCD offers a safe and effective way to achieve this, minimizing the risk of further complications. The Mini Windows XP environment allows manual driver removal and registry cleaning, providing greater control over the process.
In conclusion, while the modded Intel RST(e) v11.7.4.1001 driver might offer performance improvements, resolving underlying driver conflicts is paramount. Utilizing Hiren’s BootCD v15.2 to thoroughly remove old drivers and diagnose potential hard drive damage is recommended before proceeding with any new driver installations. This proactive approach ensures a stable and optimized system configuration, maximizing the longevity and performance of the hardware. Hiren’s BootCD provides a comprehensive toolkit for troubleshooting and system maintenance, making it an invaluable resource for addressing similar driver-related challenges.
