Windows 10: How to install Win10 on Dell XPS 410 without BSOD using BIOS 'Raid On'

The more I'm playing with it it is as good as a fresh install. The windows.old folder was so small compared to an upgrade. I'm happy with it so far.

 

That's excellent! When I get my upgrade, I will plan on doing the upgrade, then using the 'Reset my PC' without any personal folders or settings (just what you did) and then immediately create a new system image on my external hard drive. From what I have read, (and your feedback), I am more confident that I won't get blue screened (at least up to this point) because the system should have the necessary SATA Controllers/drivers to make it through the process--even on my older PC.

At least after that point, I can feel free to create a USB ISO install of Win10 in the future. And in the worst case scenario, I will always have my baseline system image to fall back on. So I think I should be fine--despite the temperamental nature of my BIOS with clean installs. I think you've helped solve my problem before it's happened....lol.

PS Yes this Dell XPS 410 has been a good one (built on the tail end of XP and Vista ready). And I've ran Win7 for years now on it with no problems. (I skipped Win8 so no experience ever using that). But that BIOS issue has been my one complaint about the system from the time this PC was new. There were posts all over the internet about it (going back to 2007) related to difficulties with the SATA controllers and Intel Matrix Storage Manager. It seemed fine with reinstalls of Dell's OEM versions of the OS--but the problems centered around retail versions of Vista/Win 7 and trying to get the system to take it without blue screening during the reinstall unless the user fell back on the ATA/Auto Detect setting in the BIOS--which was never the default setting for optimal hard drive performance.

 

Quick update for anyone reading this thread--I did a clean install of Win10 on Saturday. Fortunately, the installation media in Win10 played nicely with my RAID BIOS default setting and did not kick out the install. And when the install was finished, I was pleased to see that my Device Manager had all oft the needed drivers. It's ironic that I had a fit trying to get Vista reinstalled (when this PC was practically brand new)....and even had problems with the install of Win7 due to the RAID BIOS setting...but again everything went well with the installation of Win10.