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View Full Version : Acer Extensa EX4420-5817 with XP??

Balanovich
10-07-2008, 09:48 PM
hi

I bought an Acer Extensa EX4420-5817. It has vista. I hate vista.
Can I format it and install windows XP ? I was told I couldn't because most of the drivers won't work with XP because Microsoft made it so.
And then I was told I could install XP... ... so I'm here:p
Can someone explain this whole vista driver exclusivity please.

I went on the Acer site to check info, I didn't get any. I tried to download drivers, I selected my laptop and they offered me many drivers. Some for Vista and some for XP, but NONE where for the actual model I selected. It sucks, but it's acer. The drivers were clearly a model that was not mine.

If I can't put XP on it, can I delete all the Acer program they put on it?
There are a lot of them... Acer network manager, Acer screen saver, Acer toolbar, Acer pointless program to help in case your to dumb to find windows' control panel etc etc ...
I don't want the laptop crashing because I expressed my dislike of Acer. (Especially since it's actually my girlfriend's laptop and she needs it.)

Thanks
awaj
10-07-2008, 10:05 PM
Welcome to http://pcguide.com/ubb/pcgubb.gif

You can try to find the drivers for the laptop in XP. I feel your pain when you say you want to get rid of the Acer software as well... If finding the drivers is a pain, you can re-install Vista (by buying a new copy of vista unfortunately) and install only the drivers. You could try XP too, but that would cost money (or getting your hands on a legit CD for a short while.) and use a program like Driver Genius to download the drivers a little easier.

I am sorry, but those are the cheapest ideas I have. Someone else may have better ideas though.
mjc
10-07-2008, 10:20 PM
The drivers are there on the Acer site...but there are options, so you need to know some of the specifics...like is an Atheros chipset network card or a Broadcom one? Bison webcam or Suyin?

Most of that should be findable within Vista...just look at what is actually used as far as the devices go...grab a paper and pencil and write that info down.