Interesting. I have a similar problem with SATA and XP. I can't get
the XP installation CD to boot if I configure the BIOS so that a SATA
drive is the first drive in the list of hard drives to boot from.
(After the "Setup is examining your hardware configuration" message, XP
setup hangs.) My system uses an Abit IC7-Max2 motherboard, and the SATA
drive in question is a Maxtor 6Y160MO. I talked with Microsoft at
length about the problem, and they insist it's a hardware issue.

I'd be interested in hearing from others who've tried to boot the XP CD
while having a SATA drive as the primary hard drive.

In article <3Jpqf.6384$vJ4.4132@trnddc07>, Christoffur050@Verizon.Net
says...
> My setup is ASUS P4P800SE MB 1 Gig Memory SATA ICH5 w/ 2ea Maxtor
> 6Y160M0 smart drives. The stupid CDROM won't boot up the XP install ...