Solved Can my computer, Hp Vectra VL400, run Windows 7?

[Hexagon12]

Ok, so i need to install Windows 7 to stress the processor.

Specs:
Model: HP Vectra VL400 DT
Processor: PIII ~866MHz
RAM: 1GB
Video: Intel 82815 graphics controller
Audio: Intel AC'97 integrated audio
Network: 3Com 3C920 Integrated Fast Ethernet controller.
HD: 40 GB WD IDE.

This computer comes from 1999-2000 era.
The graphics controller is MAX=1280x1024, 24bit colours.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Download Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor from Official Microsoft Download Center

See what the above tells you.

 

[maxie]

You might find the Link below Interesting ....


Windows 7 min. system requirements

 

[Hexagon12]

I don't have an OS at the moment. When I got the computer, it ran Windows XP. Pretty good performance. Also, this computer has an DVD-RW drive.

 

[Hexagon12]

Thanks Maxie!

I figured out, that it WILL work with Pentium 3.
But i'm saying about the graphics controller. 24 bit?!
Will I not get any BSOD's during install?

 

[Anshad Edavana]

figured out, that it WILL work with Pentium 3.
But i'm saying about the graphics controller. 24 bit?!

"Windows 7" may install and work on your system but the graphics is not going to be supported."Intel 82815 graphics controller" will only work in "Standard VGA Adapter" mode and most probably videos will play like in slow motion pictures. You can try 7 on your PC just for fun but not for every day use.

 

[AddRAM]

You won`t know until you try

Good Luck

You don`t need to install windows 7 to stress a cpu.

 

[maxie]

Yes i would stick with xp ... You could try Compatibility mode for the Graphics ... Still it would be just to slow ..

 

[Hexagon12]

I am installing just for fun.
I think, that my processor in windows 7 system properties will look like this:
x86 Family 6 Model 8 Stepping 6

EDIT: R.I.P. http://www.sevenforums.com/performance-maintenance/11624-oldest-dinosaur-running-win7.html

 

[gregrocker]

Be sure to right away after install go to Computer>Properties>Advanced Settings>Performance Settings to uncheck all animation, sliding, fading, dragging intact and Selection Rectangle. These are the real resource hogs that I edit out on all low-resource PC's to no noticeable effect.

Other tips and tricks to get and keep a perfect install are compiled in http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164.

You'll not be able to Hibernate or Sleep with Standard VGA display driver. But you might be able to get the XP driver to install in XP SP3 http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/316-compatibility-mode.html which would resolve this.

 

[Hexagon12]

Yep, just what I thought....
In the Drivers page, there are drivers all way down to Windows 3.0 up to Windows XP.
So, updating my specs!

768 MB RAM. Thanks Maxie and others! Edit 2 coming soon after install!

 

[Hexagon12]

So, Edit 2:

Booting from DVD works. Windows Vista startup screen. Installation must be 65536 colors. After selecting Install Now, it says Setup is starting, and then dialog box. That's strange. It is blank. I just press where it needs to be "ok" 2 times, and then it throws me back away to Install Now screen. Any fixes?

 

[gregrocker]

Where did you get the Win7 installer? Try another from http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164 burned with the tool provided.

You should have only your network driver in your backup so that if it's not provided during install you can install it to get online, enable http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2803-device-installation-settings.html, Check for Updates, then Install all Important and Optional Windows Upates until no more are offered after each requested reboot.

Then let us know which Display driver is installed. It may be adjustable to a higher resolution.

 

[Hexagon12]

The Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit DVD is legal, original. This happens when i'm installing Windows.

 

[gregrocker]

Work through the steps for Overcoming Windows 7 Installation Failures - Windows 7 Help Forums

 

[Hexagon12]

Nothing can help there. I tried Diskpart, nothing. The same error box with no letters.

 

[gregrocker]

Did you try new installation media for your licensed version?
http://msft.digitalrivercontent.net/win/X17-58996.iso
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31541-windows-7-usb-dvd-download-tool.html?filter

 

[Hexagon12]

So, I left Windows 7 ahead and I'm now installing Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit. It's now at Expanding files 64%.

 

[maxie]

Wise decision much better choice ..

 

[Hexagon12]

Yes, it installed succesfully. The boot time is around 20-30 seconds.