Windows 7 Install

I have an Aspire E1-522 5423 that runs Windows 8.1 UEFI /GPT with no problem. I am trying to install Windows 7 UEFI / GPT instead but am unsuccessful. Have installed from a hard drive partition, bootable UEFI USB stick, bootable USB hard drive and DVD. Every time it freezes after installing at the windows logo ‘Starting windows’. Under safe mode it freezes at Classpnp. I can install under legacy but this is not what I want. After installing under legacy I can convert the hard drive to GPT but Windows 7 runs but with the screen totally black. I know its running as you can hear the start-up sounds. Could someone confirm that Windows 7 should run under these conditions and if so some idea where I am going wrong please?

Thanks

Accepted answers

All comments

sjordash

Still looking for help as to wether I can install Win7 on this please?

JordanB

I don't have that computer, but I will tell you the steps that I would take to try to get Windows 7 on it as UEFI GPT. No idea if it will work. My procdure will wipe out your hard drive including your recovery partition, so proceed at your own risk. Hopefully you have a Windows 8 recovery factory default backup USB already made. Otherwise you'll need to buy them from Acer for around $45.

1. Install latest BIOS.

2. load BIOS defaults...save and exit (UEFI should be the default)

3. reboot

4. go in to bios and disable secure boot and enable boot menu. Save and exit

5. insert your windows 7 USB drive and reboot

6. select your USB drive from the boot menu

7. access a command prompt from Windows 7 installer tools

8. follow the diskpart clean procedure in link below. After you type "clean" and hit the enter button, you can also type "GPT" and hit enter. Then exit out of there.

http://forum.crucial.com/t5/The-Cru/Reset-your-SSD-to-factory-settings-Windows-DiskPart/ba-p/162503

(the instructions are for SSD but works on HDD too)

9. Install windows 7

I have no idea if the procedure above will work, it's just what I would do personally if I was trying to install Windows 7 as UEFI GPT. Basically I don't know if your BIOS supports windows 7 as UEFI GPT.

IronFly

i suspect that Win7 UEFI/GPT installation is not supported by BIOS/Hardware.

JordanB

Yeah, I would just stick with Windows 8.1 for now. It's not worth messing with windows 7 since Windows 10 is going to be available for free in about 60 days +/-

orbsplateau

Technically, yes, you can install Windows 7 64bit (but not 32) on a GPT partitioned drive on a UEFI-based system.

Win 7 doesn't need a UEFI system to read a GPT parition (e.g. on an external drive), but you'll need UEFI if you want to install / boot from a GPT partition.

For maximum compatibility, I have installed Win 7 on an MBR disk with legacy mode enabled in BIOS, but this was by choice.

For all your questions regarding Win 7, Win 8, MBR, GPT, and UEFI I would consult Microsoft's own comprehensive FAQ and article on the topic:

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/dn640535%28v=vs.85%29.aspx

Here's a relevant quote:

"Can Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows Server 2008 read, write, and boot from GPT disks?

Yes, all versions can use GPT partitioned disks for data. Booting is only supported for 64-bit editions on UEFI-based systems."

sjordash

Thanks for this but still left with the issue of if it will install on the Acer E1 or is there something incompatable with the E1?

Quick Links

Top Members

Weekly

Puraw 265

Jack22 160

RenanVilela 95

Diya1811 90

GAMING6698 75

Swift Series Intel^® Evo™

Game Pass

Acer Corner

Gaming on Chromebook

Swift Series Intel® Evo™

Game Pass

Acer Corner

Gaming on Chromebook

Swift Series Intel^® Evo™