Windows XP Clean Install
...
If you do not have a floppy disk drive, you can install Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver by the following alternative procedure (applicable to other SATA settings except RAID):
NOTE: If you select AHCI for Serial ATA (SATA) in the BIOS Setup Utility before installing Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver, your computer will not respond; it will only display a blue screen.
1. Power off the computer.
2. Power on the computer.
3. Press the F1 key to enter the BIOS Setup Utility when the ThinkPad logo is seen on the screen. The BIOS Setup Utility menu will be displayed. If a password prompt appears, type the correct password.
4. Select Config.
5. Select Serial ATA (SATA).
6. Select Compatibility.
7. Press the F10 key to save the new setup, and then select Yes.
8. Restart the computer.
9. Install Windows XP and Service Pack 2.
10. Download Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver from the Web site and extract the driver to C:\DRIVERS\WIN\IRST.
11. Go to C:\DRIVERS\WIN\IRST\PREPARE, and double-click install.cmd.
12. Power off and on the computer.
13. Press the F1 key to enter the BIOS Setup Utility when the ThinkPad logo is seen on the screen. The BIOS Setup Utility menu will be displayed. If a password prompt appears, type the correct password.
14. Select Config.
15. Select Serial ATA (SATA).
16. Select AHCI.
17. Press the F10 key to save the new setup, and then select Yes. The computer will reboot and Windows XP will start.
18. The "Welcome to the Found New Hardware Wizard" appears. Click No, not this time, and then click Next.
19. Select Install from a list or specific location (Advanced), and then click Next.
20. Select Search for the best driver in these locations. Then select Include this location in the search:, specify the path, C:\DRIVERS\WIN\IRST, and click Next. The "Completing the Found New Hardware Wizard" appears.
21. Click Finish.
22. When the "System Settings Change" window appears, click Yes. The computer restarts.