Re-writing BIOS and using a BOOT menu from USB

[jojo]

I was contemplating making a HD switch using some SS relays and a multi switch, but sadly, I'm no longer able to solder to a necessary standard.

Buying a decent HD switch is rather expensive, but may come up later.

In the mean time, I've been switching between my W7 drive and my XP drive, by entering the BIOS and altering the priority of each drive.

Is this likely to cause any problems for my BIOS?

I understand that the BIOS can theoritically be rewritten several hundred thousands of times. Would appreciate an opinion.

A preferred option would be a BOOT menu. Does anyone know of a method of installing a BOOT menu into a USB flash drive. That would then be first BOOT and simply run a BOOT menu. DOS might be the way to do this. Any suggestions?

Would appreciate some advice on these two points.

[jojo]

I have FreeDos installed as a BOOT USB using RUFUS but it doesn't recognise SATA drives. I'm loathed to turn off AHCI, since I understand it is necessary for TRIM support in W7.

I tried a version of Puppy Linux, but it took ages to load and crashed in any case, probably because the USB drive isn't big enough.

That only leaves a method of getting DOS to recognise SATA drives.

Any ideas be really grateful.

[jojo]

Had a look and not really sure I can turn off AHCI. No indications it is there at all.

[vikingken]

I've been using the BIOS to select the boot drive for years, I prefer it to a dual boot. Its never done any harm, as far as I'm concerned its what the BIOS are there for. SOLDERING!!!!!! I wouldn't put a soldering iron in the same room as a computer, them days went out with the fall of the Roman Empire.

[jojo]

Thanks Ken. The option of a menu on a USB stick seems to be a non-starter, sadly. None of the DOS versions seem to have SATA support.

I would have liked to make the switch myself, but as I said, along with my charm and good looks, my ability to hold a soldering iron is a thing of the past.

I did find this: www.amazon.co.uk/ORICO-HD-PW4101-Drive-Switch-Controller/dp/B005NVU1S2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406380533&sr=8-1&keywords=hard+drive+switch

It isn't expensive, but I don't have the spare funds right now.

Thanks again for your information.