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    P-172X-FX & Windows 7

    Discussion in 'Gateway and eMachines' started by rixhobbies, Oct 17, 2009.

  1. rixhobbies

    rixhobbies Notebook Consultant

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    Greetings all,

    I have a Gateway P-172X-FX. I've done some searching here on installing Windows 7 on it but I can't get a clear picture on driver availability. For instance, I see posts on not getting the webcam to work or that there are unknown devices left in device manager?

    What's the scoop on obtaining drivers for this laptop? Is there a source list somewhere? It doesn't look like Gateway has anything posted for Win7.

    Also, I am considering selling this laptop and picking up a more portable 15 model. Does anyone have an idea what the used market on this would be?

    Thanks!
     
    rixhobbies, Oct 17, 2009
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  2. Danja

    Danja Notebook Evangelist

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    Look at iata's nVidia driver guide sticky at the top of the Gateway forum. Pretty much everything you need. I installed 7 last night and everything works fine. The only issue is that you need to flash it with a new BIOS to use the virtualization feature. Link to that BIOS below:

    BIOS thread
     
    Danja, Oct 17, 2009
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  3. rixhobbies

    rixhobbies Notebook Consultant

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    Perfect, thanks. What's the virtualization feature about?
     
    rixhobbies, Oct 18, 2009
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  4. Kamin_Majere

    Kamin_Majere =][= Ordo Hereticus

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    Windows 7 has the ability to run XP in a virtual machine on the Pro and ultimate versions (it might be in te others as well) Its nice for compatibility issues with older software.
     
    Kamin_Majere, Oct 18, 2009
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  5. rixhobbies

    rixhobbies Notebook Consultant

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    I bought the laptop with a 4 year warranty from Gateway and there is still more than 2.5 years left on it. If I use a bios not supplied by Gateway, I wonder if it will void the warranty :confused:

    I purchased Win7 home premium. Does that have the virtualization feature or is it only in the ultimate and pro flavors?
     
    rixhobbies, Oct 18, 2009
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  6. Danja

    Danja Notebook Evangelist

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    AFAIK virtualization is only for professional and ultimate. If you needed to send in the laptop to Gateway, I doubt they would notice that the BIOS is different from the original (unless you bricked it from a bad BIOS flash) but you could always flash it back. One way or the other, I don't think the new BIOS would make a difference for you since you're using Home Premium anyway.
     
    Danja, Oct 19, 2009
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  7. BlackSheep5

    BlackSheep5 Notebook Consultant

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    Regular Vista drivers should work, correct?
     
    BlackSheep5, Oct 24, 2009
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  8. Kamin_Majere

    Kamin_Majere =][= Ordo Hereticus

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    Most of them will. I think the card reader still needs the vista 32bit driver, but everything else should work flawlessly with the Win7 Upgrade option
     
    Kamin_Majere, Oct 24, 2009
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