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Ok, I have been given an older Gateway 7818u laptop and I would like to get it running again. I think everything works except it has no hard drive and of course no OS. I do not have any backup discs or driver discs for it either. I am just wondering what kind of project this is and how it goes for laptops. I would clearly need to buy a new OS, but how does it work for drivers? things like the webcam, and trackpad and the screen. How do I get these things working again after reinstalling windows? Or does the trackpad automatically work? So what would be the step by step for a project like this?
The first thing I would do is go here:
Download Ubuntu Desktop | Ubuntu and download 32 bit version then create a DVD or USB
Try Ubuntu before you install it | Ubuntu then "try it before you install" so you can verify that the hardware is functional.
If you are happy with the results (I would recommend win 7) Most if not all devices should have a driver loaded by windows.
It does not appear that GW has released Win 7 drivers so if device manager shows any devices not recognized you may need to try Vista drivers from their site, or go to the manufacturer's site such as:
https://downloadcenter.intel.com/SearchResult.aspx?lang=eng&keyword="GMA+4500MHD" for a win 7 graphics driver.
Welcome to the forum
You have to go to gateway site and use the serial number on your sticker at the gateway site to find your right model and drivers and from there you can download them and save those files and on the bottom as well should be the M$ registration sticker with the WGA number that you should be able to use to activiate it otherwise if not you will have to buy a new O/S to install it. That is how I did it for my P-6860FX and P-7811FX both with Windows 7x64 Ult Sp1 but I did upgrade the processor in both of them and they are running and working fine with Windows 7x64. I know other said go with Linux but if you want all those features your asking for you will have to get Windows 7 at the least to use it otherwise if you have Vista that will work as well to install and use the features your looking to use.
Oh yeah here is the link to use your serial if you can still find it otherwise it should be in the Gateway Bios if you can get to it as well.
Communications ◾56K ITU V.92 ready Fax/Modem (RJ-11 port)
◾10/100 Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 port)
◾Intel® WiFi 5100 Link 802.11a/g/Draft-N
Fingerprint Reader No
Interfaces ◾Three - USB 2.0 ports
◾One - VGA port
◾One - RJ-45 port
◾One - RJ-11 port
◾One - Headphone/SPDIF Audio Out jack
◾One - Microphone jack
◾One - Lock slot
◾One - AC adapter connector
◾One - HDMI version 1.3 connector
Multimedia Buttons Metal Precision-Touch multimedia buttons
HDMI Interface HDMI version 1.3 connector
Webcam Integrated 1.3 Megapixel webcam
Pointing Device Synaptics Touchpad with Vertical Scroll
Expansion Slot ExpressCard™ Type 54
Battery 6-cell Lithium Ion 48.84 Whr (2.2AHr)
Case Design Garnet Red finish with brushed metal keyboard
Dimensions (System) 1.1 to 1.50-inches (H) × 14-inches (W) × 10-inches (D)
28 to 38 mm (H) × 356 mm (W) × 254 mm (D)
Dimensions (Box) 13-inches (H) × 17-inches (W) × 6-inches (D)
330 mm (H) × 431.8 mm (W) × 152 mm (D)
Weights 6.28 lbs. (2.85 kg) system unit only
10.28 lbs. (4.66 kg.) box
Note: This table provides minimum specifications. Actual specifications may vary according to the component options you selected. Specifications are subject to change regularly without notice or obligation. Components in the computer may have more than one supplier and may be custom engineered to Gateway® specifications, which can vary from retail.
First you'll have to decide on your storage device, you have a few options to choose from: HDD - 2.5" 7/9MM 5400/7200RPM SATA
SSD - 2.5" 7/9MM SATA
Second you'll have to decide on your operating system, you have a few options to chose from: Linux (distribution of your choice)
Windows 7 - Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate (32/64-bit)
Windows 8/8.1 - Core (non-Pro), Pro (32/64-bit)
My personal OS recommendation:
Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
Start with the two requirements I listed above, afterwards we can begin performing the clean installation of the Windows OS.
I would second disagree with that...Windows 8 is for a touch screen and of which the gateway is no touch screen interface how ever you want to sugar coat it. Going with Windows 7 will best extend the laptop lifespan usage Windows 8 will make it die really fast slow death. Try using W8 not start menu 3rd party and touch the screen to move/open the apps and you will see that doesn't work. Windows 8 is a flop on older laptop as most never had touch screen to begin with.
Before you start buying parts make sure you're willing to put the money into this machine. Assuming you have the Windows sticker with a legible key on it you may be able to get it up an running with just a HDD, but it looks to be a Vista era machine and I don't know where you can download Vista anymore (I posted a
link several months ago, but that no longer seems to work, at least without a Dell MyAccount). if you have to add in the cost of an OS as well I think you'd be better off putting the money towards a new machine.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.
