SATA Floppy failed HELP

[Bill]

The created Floppy failed during driver install with XP Pro  sp3.  System reports an 'unexpected error'  and I have tried several times, to no avail.  Seems I have 2 options: go somewhere like Best Buy or a local(?) computer store and let them create a new floppy or do something called slip-streaming.

The notebook has a DVD/CD-RW drive.  I however have no experience or a clue.  I found a site named howtogeek.com via google that has instructions including using nLite and maybe WINIMAGE (?).  I also have to locate Intel Matrix Storage (drivers) for the WD v-raptor.
North and South bridges are both Intel on the Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R motherboard.

What kind of disks to I need for the DVD?
Are the drives likely to be on the WD, Intel, or Gigabyte site?

Thoughts?
Thanks,

Bill

EDIT: I found the drivers on the Gigabyte site and was successful (I think) in extracting them to a new folder on the notebook.

I'd appreciate it if someone would look at the slipstream instructions at howtogeek.com or provide some others to create the XP install disk.  And also a recommedation on brand and type of disks to burn. 
The DVD drive is a MATSHITA, if that matters.

Thanks,

Bill

[pat]

Will look at that site, but the last time I slip-streamed an XP disk I used autostreamer.

http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=223562

Have not tried it with SP 3 though.

You will need the complete SP 3 download.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5B33B5A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4&displaylang=en

[Bill]

Pat,

Thanks, the MS XP Pro disc came with sp3 on it. Its only a couple of months old.  Does this process create a complete duplicate of the XP disc with the SATA drivers so that when it finishes all of XP is installed with options to format the HD and create partions?

JA, Thanks, I will go shopping!

Edit:  Everything I've read talks about CDs not DVDs.  I bought Maxell DVD-Rs(that or Memorex was available.)  Should I have gotten CD-Rs.
Also, I don't have either DVD or CD buring software like Nero that I am aware of, but I'm assuming that would be necessary?
Recommendations? Is there shareware or Freeware I can download?

2nd Edit:  A quick Google says Nero 8 Ulitmate is available from CNET free and ver 9.0.9 is available elsewhere.  Yes?
Reviews on CNET suggest Nero 7 is a better version and smaller.
So, CD-R or DVD?  the nLite program doesn't mention DVD at all.


Bill

[pat]

Bill,
I don't think you need to use the F6 option to install windows if your motherboard is set up correctly. If you review the BIOS options, Integrated Peripherals, if the three SATA options are set to disabled, the default option, the OS should install as if it were installing to a normal PATA drive.

If however you want to use the native drivers for the SATA device you would then change the options around some and do the F6. I see no reason you could not use a USB flash drive if you don't have a floppy.

Alternately you could make a disk with the drivers on it. See these sites for some reference.

http://jcalcote.wordpress.com/2008/01/05/installing-windows-xp-on-a-sata-drive/

http://www.nliteos.com/index.html

pat

[Bill]

Thanks Pat.  The beast lives!  I was able to slipstream the drivers on a CD using nLite.  First attempt worked. 

I appreciate all the help.

Bill