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    How Can I Make a Gateway MX3560 Run Vista?

    Discussion in 'Gateway and eMachines' started by BillydaGreek, Oct 16, 2008.

  1. BillydaGreek

    BillydaGreek Newbie

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    My laptop is a Gateway MX3560. Here are the specs:

    [​IMG]

    I tried to install Vista Basic (?) when it first came out but it was incompatible with the BIOS version I was running. I'm thinking about giving it another shot if I'm given some advice. These are the BIOS versions available on the Gateway support page for my laptop.

    • 9538548.exe - ECS-MCP61PM-AM Motherboard BIOS Version: 61GW112GS
      Supports: Windows Vista (32-bit), Windows XP
      Note: This file contains BIOS version 61GW112GS for the ECS-MCP61PM-AM motherboard.
    • 9538530.exe - BigArm and Lavacot Motherboard BIOS Update Revision: LA97510J.15A.0285
      Supports: Windows Vista (32-bit)
      Note: This file contains the BIOS for the Intel(r) LA97510J (BigArm and Lavacot) motherboards. All previous updates are superseded by this update.
    • 9538599.exe - BIOS ECS uBTX Motherboard With Intel 945G Version: GTGN109
      Supports: Windows XP
      Note: This file contains BIOS version GTGN109 for the ECS uBTX motherboard in Windows XP.

    The link to the support page is: http://support.gateway.com/support/drivers/search.asp?st=pn&param=5385

    Will any of those above files help? I've never messed with BIOS before. Any other options?

    . . . or is XP the final destiny for this aging laptop?

    Thanx in advance. :)
     
    BillydaGreek, Oct 16, 2008
    #1
  2. BigHops323

    BigHops323 Notebook Deity

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    unless you upgrade to 2gb of RAM DO NOT install vista. you will hate it if you work with less than 2gb of memory just do to all the resources vista uses up.
     
    BigHops323, Oct 16, 2008
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  3. BillydaGreek

    BillydaGreek Newbie

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    The machine will only upgrade to 1.5 GB or RAM . . . LOL!! According to the Windows Vista page the recommended version is the basic. Will the Home Basic version be such a drain on resources?
     
    BillydaGreek, Oct 16, 2008
    #3
  4. BigHops323

    BigHops323 Notebook Deity

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    if you want to run vista i'd say max it out at 1.5gb(random cap...) and go with basic. otherwise max it out and stick with xp to actually gain performance due to the upgrade in ram. 1.5gb on vista is pretty similar to 512mb on xp.
     
    BigHops323, Oct 16, 2008
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  5. WarlordOne

    WarlordOne Notebook Evangelist

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    You can run Vista on 1.5 gigs of ram but it'll require cutting out all the fat. Basically you'll want to disable every service that you're not using and eliminate all the fancy bells and whistles. People have done it with 512mb of ram so 1.5gb is doable.

    I don't think it's worth the effort since Vista without all the bells and whistles looks and runs pretty much like XP.
     
    WarlordOne, Oct 17, 2008
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  6. booboo12

    booboo12 Notebook Prophet

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    Home Basic's pretty stripped feature wise. If your machine isn't able to run Home Premium or above, stick with XP.

    The reason why other Vista editions weren't recommended to you was due to your integrated graphics. The only Intel models supported by Windows Vista's Aero User Interface are the GMA 950 and higher.
     
    booboo12, Oct 17, 2008
    #6