GPT, AHCI, Win 8.1, IRST Intel Rapid Start: Unknown error

dusf

New Member
Messages
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My laptop is an Asus Zenbook UX32A with an Intel® HM76 Express Chipset and 4GB of RAM. It has a 465GB HDD, and 22GB SSD. It supports Intel Rapid START Technology and Intel Rapid STORAGE Technology as Asus offer out of date Windows 7 x64 drivers for those technologies - I have called them about this and they told me they will not support clean installs, and no Windows 8 recovery media is available but I want a clean install anyway. Some months ago I did a clean install of Windows 7 and could never get these technologies to work and I am now experiencing the same problem on my clean Windows 8.1 install. Windows 8.1 is installed on a 100GB GPT partition of the HDD.



The guides I have been using:


http://download.intel.com/support/m...pid_start_technology_user_guide_for_uefi1.pdf



http://download.intel.com/support/chipsets/sb/intel_smart_response_technology_user_guide.pdf



The Intel Rapid Start guide instructs I first make sure Intel Smart Response Technology installed, and the guide for that wants me to enable RAID in the BIOS. There is no RAID option in the BIOS, only IDE and AHCI, the latter of which I have selected. I continue anyway and run the Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RAID) setup - I have tried various versions from the ASUS site and the Intel site including an Intel NUC AHCI version. A few minutes after restarting the Intel Rapid Storage Technology manager appears in the system tray, and it opens up fine but there is never an accelerate option like in the guide, instead I see this:

Intel Rapid Storage - Status.jpgIntel Rapid Storage - Manage.jpg

I continue onto the Intel Rapid Storage Technology Guide for UEFI mode anyway. It instructs me to go into the BIOS options Advanced and Power section, find the option for Intel Rapid Start Technology and enable it setting the Hibernation Timer to immediately but those options are definitely not in my BIOS, just like the RAID option, and I check each restart during my attempt to install all of this. I then run the Command Prompt as administrator:


C:\windows\system32>diskpart


Microsoft DiskPart version 6.3.9600


Copyright (C) 1999-2013 Microsoft Corporation.
On computer: BANSHEE


DISKPART> list disk


Disk ### Status Size Free Dyn Gpt
-------- ------------- ------- ------- --- ---
Disk 0 Online 465 GB 365 GB *
Disk 1 Online 22 GB 22 GB

DISKPART> select disk 1


Disk 1 is now the selected disk.


DISKPART> convert gpt


DiskPart successfully converted the selected disk to GPT format.


DISKPART> list disk


Disk ### Status Size Free Dyn Gpt
-------- ------------- ------- ------- --- ---
Disk 0 Online 465 GB 365 GB *
* Disk 1 Online 22 GB 22 GB *


DISKPART> create partition efi size=4096


DiskPart succeeded in creating the specified partition


*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************


Some non-official guides say the partition size should be larger so I have tried 4396 but it made no difference. I have also read instead of the 'create partition efi size=4096' command I should be using something like 'create part MSR size=4300' but this also made no difference.


*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************


DISKPART> list partition


Partition ### Type Size Offset
------------- ---------------- ------- -------
Partition 1 Reserved 128 MB 17 KB
* Partition 2 System 4096 MB 129 MB


DISKPART> set id=D3BFE2DE-3DAF-11DF-BA40-E3A556D89593


DiskPart successfully set the partition ID.


DISKPART> detail disk


SanDisk SSD i100 24GB
Disk ID: {8C4539EA-CBAE-4016-BBF9-2ED02D409EF9}
Type : SATA
Status : Online
Path : 1
Target : 0
LUN ID : 0
Location Path : PCIROOT(0)#PCI(1F02)#ATA(C01T00L00)
Current Read-only State : No
Read-only : No
Boot Disk : No
Pagefile Disk : No
Hibernation File Disk : No
Crashdump Disk : No
Clustered Disk : No


There are no volumes.


DISKPART> exit


I then confirm in Windows Disk Management I can see the 4GB Healthy Primary Partition on the SSD. I reboot to allow the BIOS to pick up the partition, which still has no IRST or RAID options, and then I run Rapid Start Technology Installer_3.0.0.1053 and reboot again. Just like Intel Rapid Storage Technology before it, the Intel Rapid Start Technology manager is running in the system tray, and when I click it it tells me it is turned on BUT when I click on settings it notifies me 'An error occurred while loading the configuration information for Intel Rapid Start Technology' and sometimes once open it warns 'Intel Rapid Start Technology detected software-based whole disk encryption on this system. Intel strongly recommends disabling Intel Rapid Start Technology to help preserve the security benefits of your drive encrytion software. Click "OK" to disable Intel Rapid Start Technology of "Cancel" to keep Intel Rapid Start running' and I just close that window - I have no drive encryption setup, no Bitlocker, and the only security software I have are Avast Free, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free, and Comodo Firewall Free. The Intel Rapid Start Technology manager does load up, and I am able to see it is set on with the timer set to on and and 0 mintues but even after more restarts, I get the same errors.

It is only natural to think I might have missed the BIOS options for RAID so please see the pictures below:

20140123_113137.jpg20140123_113203.jpg20140123_113224.jpg

I had the same problem following the MBR Intel Rapid Start guide when I tried this before converting the Windows system partition from MBR to GPT. Maybe I am using the wrong drivers? Maybe I am not supposed to be able to select RAID in BIOS? If you have any idea what I might be doing wrong, please please comment - this is keeping me awake at night!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1, Ubuntu 13.10, Debian 7, and Kali 1.0.6
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Zenbook UX32A
    CPU
    Intel i5 3317U
    Motherboard
    Intel® HM76 Express Chipset
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 4000
    Browser
    Firefox and Chrome
    Antivirus
    Avast Free ad Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free
Your not running a RAID Array so you won't do anything with the IRST drivers, UEFI GPT does use part of the driver but there is nothing that you control in a normal single drive set up.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro MC
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus G75VW / Z97 Pro
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-3610QM / I7-4790K
    Motherboard
    Z97 Pro
    Memory
    16 GB Hyundai HTM315156CFR8C-PB PC3-12800
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVIDIA GeForce GTX 670M (GF114M)
    Sound Card
    VIA 6.0.10.1600
    Screen Resolution
    1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 850 Pro 256, Samsung 850 Pro 1TB
    Internet Speed
    30 down 3 up
    Browser
    Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    NIS and Malwarebytes
There are so many things to cover it is hard to know where to start. But from one Intel site, your chipset is not listed as one to be used with the Intel Smart Response technology. This info may be out of date, and possibly you have a reference that states otherwise.

If it is usable, the process includes setting the SATA controller to RAID, which you know. If you don't have that option, then you can't use the Smart Response.

The Rapid Start technology needs an way to turn it on in the Bios. I believe you indicate that option is also not in your bios. Both of these situation might go back to your chipset not being capable.

Windows 8 already has a version of the Rapid Start type of configuration.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Grown
    CPU
    i7 3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z77 -v Pro, Z87-Expert
    Memory
    16 G
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX 680 Classified (2)
    Hard Drives
    Kingston SSD 240 GB
I checked your chipset and the Intel site states it is not RAID capable, so not capable of Smart Response. However, it states it is capable of Rapid Start. It appears ASUS did not give you the option in the Bios to enable the Rapid Start, but on my desktop Z87 it is on the Advanced Tab under PCH configuration.

I do not know if you can set up Rapid Start without the Bios option, but I will do some testing in the next couple of hours.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Grown
    CPU
    i7 3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z77 -v Pro, Z87-Expert
    Memory
    16 G
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX 680 Classified (2)
    Hard Drives
    Kingston SSD 240 GB
I just installed the Rapid Start technology on my system by following the directions you indicate.

I did have the option to enable or disable Fast Start showing in the bios.

Since I have 8 GB of memory, for the partition, I used more than 8162 or 16,384, which is 4 times the 4096 number or 16 x 1.024. Just keeping it tidy... ;)

Asus did have the Rapid Start software for 8.1 on their website. I do not see that option for the UX32A, which probably indicates something in itself. As you mentioned, it was available for Windows 7, but I would not use that software. I don't really see any SATA type drivers for Windows 8. I also looked on the Intel site and could not find any software for your chipset.

To test, I rebooted and disabled Rapid Start in the bios and when the system came up, I got a message saying Rapid Start did not appear to be enabled.

Let us know if you get it working...
 

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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Grown
    CPU
    i7 3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z77 -v Pro, Z87-Expert
    Memory
    16 G
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX 680 Classified (2)
    Hard Drives
    Kingston SSD 240 GB
Thanks!

Firstly, thank you all for the multiple quick replies - I have been going out of my mind with this the last few days.

I am able to install and confirm Expresscache working on the remaining 18GB of the SSD, I have many times before, I was just holding off for now to work out what I am going to do IRST wise - if anything...

Your not running a RAID Array so you won't do anything with the IRST drivers

Okay, but if by not doing anything you mean I do not even install them could you offer any explanation as to why Asus would offer the Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver Version v12.6.0.1033 and the Intel® Rapid Start Technology Driver v2.1.0.1002 under the Windows 8 x64 >> Utilities section for my laptop at Notebooks & Ultrabooks - ASUS ZENBOOK UX32A

UEFI GPT does use part of the driver but there is nothing that you control in a normal single drive set up.

So I should install at least one of them then? If so, please advise by whether you mean Intel Rapid Storage Technology or Intel Rapid Start Technology?

There are so many things to cover it is hard to know where to start. But from one Intel site, your chipset is not listed as one to be used with the Intel Smart Response technology. This info may be out of date, and possibly you have a reference that states otherwise.

I have researched this again and multiple sources confirm HM76 does NOT support Intel Smart Response Technology, I think I am more relieved than anything else by this.

If it is usable, the process includes setting the SATA controller to RAID, which you know. If you don't have that option, then you can't use the Smart Response.

I had thought I must have done something wrong to make the RAID option not visible in BIOS, not least because I read 'Intel® Rapid Storage Technology10• With additional hard drives added, provides quicker access to digital photo, video and data files withRAID 0, 5, and 10, and greater data protection against a hard disk drive failure with RAID 1, 5, and 10.' from http://www.intel.com/content/dam/ww.../product-briefs/hm76-mobile-chipset-brief.pdf. Is it not strange there is no SATA option when the chipset brief mentions it?

The Rapid Start technology needs an way to turn it on in the Bios. I believe you indicate that option is also not in your bios. Both of these situation might go back to your chipset not being capable.

Yes, although I read for others the option only appeared when either Intel Rapid Storage/Start Technology were installed, this did not work for me. Again though, as in my reply to Clintlgm, if it is not capable did Asus just make a mistake putting the IR Start + Storage Technology Drivers on site I linked above for my specific model?

Windows 8 already has a version of the Rapid Start type of configuration.
Do you know what it is called?

Take a look at the Forum tutorial links:
Install Windows on MSATA (SSD) Drive - Windows 7 Help Forums

Are you suggesting I just install Windows 8.1 on the SSD? I have thought about it, there would

Install Windows on System with MSATA and ISRT - Windows 7 Help Forums

I need to look at this closer but it seems pretty much like what a tried, including not being able to select IRST from the BIOS.

I checked your chipset and the Intel site states it is not RAID capable, so not capable of Smart Response. However, it states it is capable of Rapid Start. It appears ASUS did not give you the option in the Bios to enable the Rapid Start, but on my desktop Z87 it is on the Advanced Tab under PCH configuration.

I do not know if such a thing exists, but could the BIOS that is there be replaced with some custom or generic BIOS that will allow it?

Also, worth noting I have read accounts of people saying the option only appeared in their BIOS to enable IRST after installing and/or configuring IRST (not sure if it was Start or Storage)

I do not know if you can set up Rapid Start without the Bios option, but I will do some testing in the next couple of hours.

Thanks, I would very much appreciate it. The plan is to get Windows 8.1 exactly as I want it, then take an image of it with Clonezilla, resting assured I will never have to go through installing, configuring, and tweaking Windows 8.1 on this device again!:thumb:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1, Ubuntu 13.10, Debian 7, and Kali 1.0.6
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Zenbook UX32A
    CPU
    Intel i5 3317U
    Motherboard
    Intel® HM76 Express Chipset
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 4000
    Browser
    Firefox and Chrome
    Antivirus
    Avast Free ad Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1, Ubuntu 13.10, Debian 7, and Kali 1.0.6
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Zenbook UX32A
    CPU
    Intel i5 3317U
    Motherboard
    Intel® HM76 Express Chipset
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 4000
    Browser
    Firefox and Chrome
    Antivirus
    Avast Free ad Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free
Have you updated your bios lately? It shows one for January of this year available and a later update may have added some options.

I do see you have the Rapid Start software for Windows 8, but not 8.1.

Edit: Of course a later Bios may have removed an option as well.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Grown
    CPU
    i7 3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z77 -v Pro, Z87-Expert
    Memory
    16 G
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX 680 Classified (2)
    Hard Drives
    Kingston SSD 240 GB
I just installed the Rapid Start technology on my system by following the directions you indicate.

I did have the option to enable or disable Fast Start showing in the bios.

Since I have 8 GB of memory, for the partition, I used more than 8162 or 16,384, which is 4 times the 4096 number or 16 x 1.024. Just keeping it tidy... ;)

Asus did have the Rapid Start software for 8.1 on their website. I do not see that option for the UX32A, which probably indicates something in itself. As you mentioned, it was available for Windows 7, but I would not use that software. I don't really see any SATA type drivers for Windows 8. I also looked on the Intel site and could not find any software for your chipset.

To test, I rebooted and disabled Rapid Start in the bios and when the system came up, I got a message saying Rapid Start did not appear to be enabled.

Let us know if you get it working...


Thanks for running those tests, but I am not sure how I can use the information! Are you suggesting I try anything in particular? I notice the link I posted does not work, probably due to Javascript, but if you goto Asus Support, put in UX32A, and then select the Others category where the drivers are, there is Intel Rapid Storage and Intel Rapid Start *albeit* for Windows 8 rather than 8.1.

How about I reinstall Windows 8 and try get it working there before upgrading to 8.1? But without a RAID option do you think it possible it can even work? There are older versions of the BIOS, maybe I should try downgrading it?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1, Ubuntu 13.10, Debian 7, and Kali 1.0.6
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Zenbook UX32A
    CPU
    Intel i5 3317U
    Motherboard
    Intel® HM76 Express Chipset
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 4000
    Browser
    Firefox and Chrome
    Antivirus
    Avast Free ad Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free
Have you updated your bios lately? It shows one for January of this year available and a later update may have added some options.

I do see you have the Rapid Start software for Windows 8, but not 8.1.

BIOS is at 215, installed a few days ago, latest.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1, Ubuntu 13.10, Debian 7, and Kali 1.0.6
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Zenbook UX32A
    CPU
    Intel i5 3317U
    Motherboard
    Intel® HM76 Express Chipset
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 4000
    Browser
    Firefox and Chrome
    Antivirus
    Avast Free ad Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free
I don't think you are going to be able to get it working without a Bios option to enable the Rapid Start, even if you go back to Windows 8.

My edit on an earlier post brings up a situation where some option in the Bios, which may have been available in earlier versions, might have been removed in a later version.

Again, Windows 8 has its version of Rapid Start, called Fast Startup which is turned on or off from the Power Console options under "Choose what the Power Buttons Do".
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Grown
    CPU
    i7 3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z77 -v Pro, Z87-Expert
    Memory
    16 G
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX 680 Classified (2)
    Hard Drives
    Kingston SSD 240 GB
I might as well throw this in. When I was playing with the Smart Response technology, I tried using a SanDisk ReadyCache 32 GB SSD and had all types of problems. I did not realize the read and write speeds were so different.

After I switched to another SSD, an Intel 64 GB one, the system worked fine. I was able to get the technology working, just had data corruption problems later with the SanDisk.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Grown
    CPU
    i7 3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z77 -v Pro, Z87-Expert
    Memory
    16 G
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX 680 Classified (2)
    Hard Drives
    Kingston SSD 240 GB
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