Just got F9Dc - XP Install Questions

Gentlemen,
I just got an F9Dc from NewEgg, it's my Mom's BDay + Christmas present.

I'd put Linux on it in a heartbeat (and she wouldn't mind either), however she uses cheesy educational software that runs only on windows, so installed XP Pro on it. I didn't even boot into Vista, I didn't agree to their EULA crap and will call ASUS and see if I can send the Vista CD back.

Of course XP didn't pick up half of the hardware, so I started digging around. ASUS only has Vista drivers on their site. I know there must be XP Drivers for this platform (mostly concerned with Chipset, LAN, WAN). I searched and found a Vista -> XP guide on this Forum, but it was for the Intel version of the F9.

I was wondering if any of you guys has installed XP on their F9Dc and what kind of driver were used.

Thanks in advance!

-Walter

 

If all else fails, you can try to identify the particular type of hardware that you have (perhaps Device Manager) and look around on support.asus.com for older notebooks with the same hardware that are supported for XP.

Or you can get drivers from component manuf's website (e.g., sound card, bluetooth)

 

Thanks EBE,

However I was wondering if any of you has already gone through this or if you knew of a laptop that uses the same chipset/wireless components and that has XP drivers available. I am just trying to save some time.

Please let me know guys, thanks!

-Walter

 

What's wrong with the Vista EULA?

The wireless card should be an intel 4965? you might look at the intel's website

 

ok here's the thing, search driver for barebone version of chipset 965 like the Z37S i had, it has support for drivers ,it's fairly simple in asus hardware:

they use MArvell for LAN, Toshiba bluetooth, gfx card is nvidia, modem is motorola, sound card is realtek and intel wireless u can get other places from other notebook of the same chipset ( for bareones models). or z84J driver will work as well,

Other than that nothing much to worry about.

if u can install xp on the new sata chipset u're fine now . Z37S and Z84J is ur place to search for xp driver , it's that easy .

 

JCMS: if you boot a system and accept the EULA you can't return the software to the vendor. If I can get $50-100 bucks back and get the Vista CD out of my hair this laptop would come out to be even cheaper. Look here.

Thanks for the reply Buddy.

I was able to install it without issues, I didn't even need a controller driver during install, it detected the drive and I went ahead and wiped everything.

Yesterday I was able to locate most of the stuff I needed, I now have LAN, WLAN, Sound, Modem, GPU and some ACPI component working correctly. The only things I still can't get are two USB devices, one of which is the Camera for sure, the other I am not sure but could be the Media Reader.

I was able to get drivers for LAN (RealTek), WLAN (Atheros), Modem (Motorola), Sound (RealTek) and the ACPI thing (which I don't remember) by downloading the Vista drivers and trying to install the files inside the 32-bit directory. The devices installed but didn't work, but at least now I had the correct model number. I searched online, found genuine XP drivers and made it happen.

For the GPU I used LaptopVideo2Go's drivers, I am not sure I understood exactly how their process works, I just overwrote the original "inf" file with theirs and the GPU was installed correctly.

As I mentioned I'd love to get the other two devices installed, also I hope that the Chipset is running with an optimal driver, I wouldn't want to cripple this laptop too much even though my Mom doesn't need it to be screaming fast. I think Vista is a "cow" and I am trying to do my best to get this puppy running with XP, which properly tweaked and updated is "ok".

Thanks for your help, I'll look into your suggestion for the chipset. Keep comments coming, let me know if you have other ideas!

Regards,

-Walter

 

I have been running Windows XP on my F9DC-A1 for about two months now. Everything is great except that my hotkeys don't work. I installed some software, but I guess that didnt work. Do you know the driver/software that'll get that working? It's not much of a problem, but having to go to the taskbar to change the sound setting is a tad annoying

Btw, a few benchmarks.

3DMark05 on Vista: 1881
3DMark05 on XP: 2007

A fairly good gain, I'd say.

 

ATK Driver and Utility, in XP. ATK Hotkey also, if it's a separate installation.

Make sure you install it, since not having it installed can cause problems with other things as well, CPU clocks, FAN speeds etc. (ACPI controls all power management)

 

hi everybody,
just read your discussion. ME TOO. if just got a asus f9dc and put xp on it, but still not everything is running. the worst thing is i found no driver yet for the NVIDIA 8400m G. not at the nvidia site and no where else. how did you solve this?
thanx r.

 

Drivers from laptopvideo2go.com ?

 

how much battery life did u gain by migrating to win xp from VISTA. The sad part is, they use windows 2000 NT in my office.. my TI guy said that he wud configure my laptop to office network if i had 2000 installed!! but i wonder if i can ever get drivers compatible with win2k

 

It shouldn't be that difficult to configure a network connection yourself. And the basic interface for configuring the network is the same in every windows so either the IT guy is obeying some stupid policy rules, or he is incompetent, or simply unwilling to help.

 

The security policies have to be installed especailly the SOE programs. They should be configued.anyways let me see what can be done..

But the whole point is, how much % of gain in the battery life would it be by migrating to either w2k or xp from VISTA (any flavour).

 

Up to 10-15 mins I expect.

 

doesnt make sense to downgrade to XP.,if there is atleast 20 to 30% gain then i would surely consider..but alright..