How to UPGRADE from Vista to Windows XP on an Acer laptop

Step 7 You're done!

Congratulations, you now have a decent operating system on your spiffy new hardware! And it runs so much better. Remember, if you don't actually have Bluetooth on your laptop (Acer puts in a switch, but sells it lacking the module) then DON'T install the driver! It can cause issues.

The screenshot below is my Acer's desktop now. The next Instructable I post will explain how I got it to look like Vista, and some other tweaks you can do to speed up this or any other computer. Hope you found this helpful :)

Comments

[Treknology]

This is interesting. I bought two Acer eMachines (EM150) that only had XP on them (that's why I grabbed them). The machine is appallingly slow. So eventually I stripped and installed raw XP (without all the junkware), which reqired visiting the BIOS and disabling SATA back to IDE. I have a much older HP running the same specs: 2GB TwinCore 1.6GHz, 160 GB HDD and the EM250 sucks--even using a Linux disc to sort out partitions takes "forever". This is supposed to be "Netbook". It can't keep up with my broadband connection, it can't even play mp3 files without stuttering badly, and if you're stupid enough to try playing a DVD, getting a copy of the script by snail mail will be quicker. I strongly agree that winding back from Vista to XP is an UPGRADE !!!

[omitzu]

I have the Extensa EX 5620-6266 - How do I find out if it has bluetooth or not?

[TheOneAndOnlyMissingNo.]

Well, first try going to the manufacturer's site (in this case Acer) and look up the exact model. when it tells you the features, it should probably say something about Bluetooth. And if it doesn't, you can try going to the store you bought it at (or a store with the exact same model) and ask the employees in the electronics department.

[yazzy]

Hi, I did the same to change the vista to XP but I installed the XP 64 Bit edition... but cannot find the wireless driver that works. In the device manager this are the three devices missing :
Mass Storage Controller
Network Controller
Video Controller

This is my first time rebooting so maybe I'm doing something wrong... can you help me PLEASE!!!!! :(

PS: sorry for double posting

[Bioharzrd66]

It took me a week to find the right wireless driver for XP32, it's on acer's euro site, under Extensa 4220, (yes I know - the 4420 driver doesn't work). Download Wireless_Broadcom_v4.170.25.12_XP. Mass storage is the card reader, network controller is the wireless. I ran ATI's catalyst for the video, but installed ONLY the video driver (unchecked the others), and I did that last, after all other drivers were installed. No yellows in Device Manager! XP Home on new WD 250GB HD. Good luck.

[ashour50]

very good tutorial, thanks wish you the best

[amplifymobile]

Excellent tutorial, thanks. I plan to upgrade to a new Acer but regrade it to XP. This is absolutely perfect for me. "fingers crossed."

[not atoy]

very good enjoyed your write up look forward to your post on how to look like vista 5stars *****

[digitaltripper]

Lemme guess...WB for that Vista look....I like it....GREAT tutorial!!

[CharredPC]

Actually, no- not Windowblinds. I just posted my how-to guide on the GUI conversion. WB adds bloat and is not necessary. Glad you enjoyed it!