It’s time to induce new life into my old Acer Aspire notebook. And what better way to do this than with a fresh install of Windows. Windows 7 has been around for a couple of months, and claims to run on, almost, the same hardware as Windows XP does. Well let’s put it to the test.
For some users upgrading to Windows Vista has been almost impossible. Due to the lack of drivers, compatibility issues etc. Microsoft claims Vista is 7’s predecessor, but some report it’s based on Windows Mobile/ CE.
I’m planning to install Windows 7 professional x64 on my platform. Note: the Aspire ships with an Turion 64 AMD processor.
Drivers
Acer supports a variety of platforms including: Windows XP, XP x64, and Vista. Though I’m not sure if Vista x64 is supported. Windows automatically sets up all of the drivers. Including display, videocard, and battery acpi.
Unfortunatly Acer has developed their own ACPI for WLAN & Bluetooth control. So it’s not possible to enable the radio for both devices. Linux users may be familiar with this type of problem. Although the driver is installed and working, it’s not possible to connect to any network.
Normally a program called: ‘LaunchManager’ implements these buttons. But it’s not possible to install it properly.
Installing Legacy pre-7 software
Download
If you’re working in x86 mode, get your hands on a version of ‘Launch Manager’ for Windows XP. Preferable via the Acer support FTP.
Else if you’re working in x64 bit mode, get your hands on a version for Windows XP x64. This program is also available on the Acer FTP.
Installation
Installing the program, enter compatible XP mode, and enable run as Administrator, using file’s properties menu.
Reboot
After completing the setup restart your computer, often ‘hotkey.sys’ will not be found, just ignore that for the moment. It’s caused by the lack of application permission.
Adjust permission, enable compatible mode
Goto the path of the ‘Launch Manager’ installation. Adjust all executables to compatible XP mode, and run as administrator.
Finishing
Start all programs within this folder manually. You’ll notice the WLAN button on the Computer starts to flash. When this occurs the installation was successful.
For this installation I’ve used a copy of Microsoft Windows 7 professional (64-bit). An Acer Aspire 5025. It’s the premium model of 5024 wlmi with a faster CPU. Launch Manager 1.0.8.3 for Windows XP 64-bit. And used out of the box Microsoft drivers shipped with Windows 7.
Useful links:
