Uninstalling IDE controller for PIO problem

[bongoman31]

I've searched and read threads for this issue; but still a little confused. I see recommendation to delete/uninstall 2nd IDE controller. In device manager, under IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers, I have 3 items: Intel 8280 1DB Ultra ATA....; Primary IDE Channel; Secondary IDE Channel. I see the problem in Primary IDE Channel, where my current transfer mode is listed PIO (Device 0). The info under Secondary Channel looks good. Do I delete the Primary IDE Channel?? Thanks.

[ammck55]

On your Primary IDE Channel-Device 0, which you state is set to "PIO" mode, have you already tried setting its transfer mode to "DMA if available"? That might be the source of your problem.

Don't worry about uninstalling the drivers/devices, Windows will pick them back up on reboot.

You didn't say whether or not you're experiencing reduced speeds while burning, but I assume this is the case as the DMA-PIO issue usually comes up under that circumstance.

ammck55

[bongoman31]

Thanks for fast reply... actually I was noticing issues on my home computer ( back-ups were sticking every few seconds on replay.) Ironically, when I checked it last night, it was not stuck on PIO mode. But, my laptop is. This is my primary ripping/burning device; but I haven't really noticed any issues. So, you could say, if it ain't broke.... But, this re-set seems pretty risk free, so I think I'll try it. Thanks. (I'll report back either way.) Oh, and yes, it is set to DMA if available, but still reads PIO below that.
I just did it; worked like a charm- Current transfer mode now reads Ultra DMA Mode 2. Maybe my rip/burn speeds will increase; I'll let you know.
THANKS

[video_magic]

Hi Bongoman.
You have 2 IDE channels, each of which can support 2 devices - one as master which will be at the far end of the cable from the motherboard & the other as slave which will be connected 'half-way' down the cable.

Some drives just don't work all that well together on the same cable (especially mixing old and new) and you might have to check the following:

(1) look at the jumper settings for each device
(2) See if their is a download available for a problematic drive to set it's mode or whatever.
(3) Look at your BIOS CMOS settings for drives and IDE - which you can get to as you first boot up your system normally by tapping Del or F2 - but do check your PC manual first.
(4) Try swapping other devices than the primary hard drive around on the cables remembering to change the master/slave settings when you do this each time of course.

You might want to take a DVD or CD drive out of the case and have a good look at the back and write down the jumper positions and also details like the model number for reference as well, same with hard drives, because it's difficult to see when the drives are in.