Notebooks & Netbooks

[Chris_C]

I've got an Aspire 5253. How do I find out if it's 32 or 64 bit? It came with Win 7 but I'm not sure which version. Also, I've been told it only has 2 GB RAM, that I should not upgrade to Win 8 unless the RAM is 4 GB. Can new RAM be installed in the laptop?

[Sharanji]

hi...

To find out if your computer is running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows 7 do the following:

Open System by clicking the Start button, right-clicking Computer, and then clicking Properties.

Under System, you can view the system type.

If "64-bit Operating System" is listed next to System type, you’re running the 64-bit version of  Windows 7.

If "32-bit Operating System" is listed next to System type, you’re running the 32-bit version of  Windows 7.

Here's the weblink to check the system requirements for windows 8  Windows 8 requirements

Download and run Crucial's Crucial System Scanner Tool. This program will tell you everything you need to know about your computer's memory requirements (maximum RAM, largest amout per slot etc) and will even make recommendations for you!

[Chris_C]

Thanks for your reply. I'm also wondering about the architecture of the laptop. The laptop belongs to a friend. The Win 7 was not working properly so her relative installed an unauthorized copy of Win 8 Professional 32 bit - no CD or product key. I bought a copy of Win 8.1 Home Premium but was having difficulty installing the new software. I took it to a repair store but the computer froze up when they tried to install Win 8.1 64 bit. They tried 32 bit and that was taking a long time. I called Acer Support last night. They said the laptop works better with Win 7 as Win 8.1 deally needs 4 GB RAM. The laptop only has 2 GB RAM. I called the store to ask if they could instead reinstall Win 7 but they had finished installing Win 8.1, I don't want to ask them to undo it. I will try the laptop to see how it works, but would you recommend reinstalling Win 7 or will it be ok to use Win 8.1? Also, I thought this laptop had 64 bit architecture, how do I find out for sure? I know this is somewhat complicated but thanks for your help!

[Chris_C]

Thank you, I was able to solve the problem. I was able to expand the memory from 2 GB to 4 GB and replaced Win 8.1 32 bit with 64 bit.

[Chris_C]

I recently upgraded an Acer Aspire 5253 laptop from Win 7 Home Premium to Win 8.1 Home Premium. I also expanded the memory from 2 GB to 4 GB so it will work optimally. I downloaded the Acer drivers for Win 8.1 64 bit for this laptop  but in some cases there are 2 drivers for the same device - 2 touchpad drivers & 2 wireless LAN drivers for instance. Should I install all the drivers or just one for each device? if just one, how do I know which driver to use?