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Solved Windows 7 Clean Dual-Boot Installation is Stuck on "Starting Windows"
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Did you read the Manual there under Documents?
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That pretty much says that it requires Legacy Mode.
Some Legacy allows 8 to boot. You tested this?
I would ask at www.Eightforums.com where I get many of these questions answered when I deal with new PC's, to add 7 to a Dual Boot or wipe off the 8.
Some Legacy allows 8 to boot. You tested this?
I would ask at www.Eightforums.com where I get many of these questions answered when I deal with new PC's, to add 7 to a Dual Boot or wipe off the 8.
The system simply says 'No Operating System Found' if I try to boot Windows 8.1 in Legacy. My Windows 8.1 install is securely strapped into UEFI. MS really made stuff difficult. Linux is even hard to dual boot. Looks like my only option left is:
1) <F2> -> Boot -> Secure Boot -> Disabled
2) Boot -> Boot Mode -> Legacy
3) <F12> -> DVD Drive > Press Any Key to Boot to DVD
4) Delete all Partitions on Computer except for recovery.
5) Install Windows 7.
6) Install Drivers.
7) Install Windows 8.
8) Install Drivers.
9) Install Windows 8.1.
10) Install Windows 8.1 Update 1.
Why did MS have to make it so hard? It's just so time consuming now. If there is nothing else I can do, I would like to know if I can flag this as solved.
1) <F2> -> Boot -> Secure Boot -> Disabled
2) Boot -> Boot Mode -> Legacy
3) <F12> -> DVD Drive > Press Any Key to Boot to DVD
4) Delete all Partitions on Computer except for recovery.
5) Install Windows 7.
6) Install Drivers.
7) Install Windows 8.
8) Install Drivers.
9) Install Windows 8.1.
10) Install Windows 8.1 Update 1.
Why did MS have to make it so hard? It's just so time consuming now. If there is nothing else I can do, I would like to know if I can flag this as solved.
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That seems like a good idea. If this takes 1 hour, like a regular install, I'm gonna go nuts. Making like 5 Windows 7 SP1 x64 DVDs and installing it like 20 times has driven me to the brink. In reality, I only like one feature in Windows 8 - Task Manager. It's much better than Win7's in my opinion, but everything else is just plain terrible. I'm gonna report back tomorrow morning. Thanks for the help!
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Apparently, I forgot one major fact - I have the GPT partition style.
It looks like I'm facing a wall again.
It looks like I'm facing a wall again.
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Sorry, it's late and I should have caught that. 
OK, it will need to have all partitions deleted during the booted install.
OK, it will need to have all partitions deleted during the booted install.
Yeah, I remember that. I had to do that on my desktop when I downgraded it to 7. It looks like there is no way to keep Win8 intact, is there? If not, I'm just gonna leave it alone. I don't want to deal with MS Support about activation issues with Office and Windows 8 again. It's just too much work.
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I don't blame you. All of these "improvements" are to help make it easier for customers, right? 
Be sure to also ask Google every way you can think of if there is anything on your model + Windows 7 install. Sometimes I find that others have been dealing with the same model's issue that I am. Also you can approach Acer Support via phone and chat to see if they will give you enough about how to adjust your BIOS for compatiblity before they want to charge you. And of course if it's less than a year old you get free tech support that will be able to tell you that, hopefully. You may have to pump them a bit. Do it gently.
Be sure to also ask Google every way you can think of if there is anything on your model + Windows 7 install. Sometimes I find that others have been dealing with the same model's issue that I am. Also you can approach Acer Support via phone and chat to see if they will give you enough about how to adjust your BIOS for compatiblity before they want to charge you. And of course if it's less than a year old you get free tech support that will be able to tell you that, hopefully. You may have to pump them a bit. Do it gently.
GPT Partiton style doesn't even make sense on my HDD. 1 TB only, not 2 TB. Well, I guess they did it for 'improvements' as you said.
The only results is a guy wanting to place Win XP on the machine and one guy panicking because the graphics drivers made for Win8 doesn't work.
The guy with the graphics driver asked Acer for help and they declined because the system 'Wasn't made for Windows 7.'
I'm stuck with only that one option - format and reinstall both OSes. Well, I guess I'll have to stay in this Metro themed box for a while. Thanks for all the help. A VM will work, but performance won't be very good.
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You could ask them how to turn off UEFI to install Windows 8 in Compatibility Mode which would give you what you need to know.
In past years there were times I had to try to get information out of them relative to a Clean Reinstall where they wouldn't support it but some now won't clam up about that. So you might be able to approach them about that to get info without mentioning Win7, or just ask about Win7 as though it's hypothetical. You really have to schmooze them to get info, and then half the time they don't know it or get it wrong. It's mainly beneficial when its a known issue that doesn't show up in google searches.
In past years there were times I had to try to get information out of them relative to a Clean Reinstall where they wouldn't support it but some now won't clam up about that. So you might be able to approach them about that to get info without mentioning Win7, or just ask about Win7 as though it's hypothetical. You really have to schmooze them to get info, and then half the time they don't know it or get it wrong. It's mainly beneficial when its a known issue that doesn't show up in google searches.
So, I just wrote this up for all the people Googling around in the future. Anyways, I believe that this is the way I could install a dual-boot, I believe:
This was created by a user and not a moderator or staff member of Seven Forums.
NOTE: This process will probably not work on an OS older than Windows Vista. The OS also must be 64-bit.
To all the people looking to dual boot a preinstalled Windows 8 installation with Windows 7 on an Acer Aspire V5-571P, you may have some problems. The process will be destructive.
In order to install Windows 7 on your machine, you must transfer all the files you want to keep on an external device. Also, make a list of all of the programs on your hard drive. This process may take between 4 to 7 hours.
Prerequisites) Back up all your files, as mentioned above. As well as that, go to Acer Recovery Management and create a Drivers and Applications Backup just in case. You will need one DVD or one flash drive larger than 1.92 GB to store the backup on. Also, make sure you have a Windows 8 OEM DVD. You can get one by calling Acer Support. You may also want to find our your Windows 8 or 8.1 product key by using a third-party program.
Step 1) Once you have completed and backed up all the files you want to keep, restart your computer. Insert the Windows 7 SP1 x64 DVD now. The ISO is available for download at: Official Windows 7 SP1 ISO Image Downloads | Windows 7 Forums. Also, once you download the DVD, use the Windows 7 ISO to USB/DVD Tool (Microsoft Store)
Step 2) Press F2 repetitively once your computer starts. You will now see your BIOS settings. Navigate to the [Boot] Tab, which should be the second to the last.
Step 3) Change the Boot Mode to 'Legacy BIOS' and disable secure boot. After you have done this, move over to your [Main] Tab. Go down to 'F12 Boot Menu' and Enable it. This will allow you to select which device to boot from. Go to the [Exit] Tab on the BIOS and press 'Save Changes'
Step 4) Your computer will now restart now. Press F12 when the Acer logo appears. Once the boot menu is seen, select the DVD Drive. If you missed F12, you will still see 'Press any key to boot to CD/DVD'
Step 5) Wait for Windows 7 setup to load. Once Windows gets to whether you should do an upgrade or a Clean Install, press Clean Install. Once you are here, you should see a list of all the partitions on your computer.
WARNING: Beyond this point, Windows 8.1 will be deleted and will NOT be recoverable. Drivers for graphics may not work, and continue with caution.
Step 6) Delete the partition Windows 8.1 is installed on. It is usually the largest partition on the computer.
Step 7) Press Next and wait for Windows 7 to install. Wait for one hour and enter the information needed to install.
NOTE: You may want to do a keyless install of Windows 7 in case anything goes wrong. If you do this, Windows will not bug you if your key is genuine or not if you decide to install Windows 7 again.
Step 8) Once you are at the Windows 7 desktop and have installed all the drivers needed from your flash drive or DVD, press <Personalization> and select a Windows Aero theme. This will make the styles of Windows 7 (which you may have wanted) to appear.
Step 9) Install all the programs you had on Windows 8 if you want to.
9a) If you did a keyless install, continue on prompt 9b. If not go to step 10.
9b) Press Start and right click on Computer and press properties.
9c) Scroll down to Windows activation and press the blue text that says 'Windows will automatically activate in X days' or similar.
9d) Input your product key and press next.
9e) Windows will activate and now you have a genuine copy of Windows.
9f) Continue to Step 10.
Step 10) Go to start search for Windows Update and update your computer.
NOTE: This is the end of installing Windows 7. This will continue to create a dual-boot with Windows 8 or 8.1
Step 11) Go to start and search for 'partition.' Go to 'Create and format hard disk partitions.' Once there, right click on the largest partition (which should be the boot or Windows 7 partition) and press 'Shrink Volume.'
Step 12) Input a value larger than 40GB (40960 MB) to install Windows 8 on. I recommend leaving Windows 8 with 120GB (122800 MB) at least.
Step 13) Right click on the Unallocated space, which should be black in Disk Management and press Create new Simple Volume. Input all the information needed and provide a label that can be clearly identified, like 'Windows 8.'
Step 14) Insert your Windows 8 DVD and restart your computer.
Step 15) Press F12 and boot onto your DVD. Let Windows 8 or 8.1 Setup go until you reach the screen that says to 'Upgrade' or 'Clean Install.'
Step 16) Click on the volume you created earlier that is labeled as 'Windows 8' or similar. Click next and wait for Windows 8 to install.
Step 17) Input the Windows 8 product key provided on your packaging or from the program mentioned in the prerequisites. If your product key doesn't work, contact OEM or Microsoft support and explain your situation.
Step 18) Once you are at the desktop install the drivers off of your USB device.
18a) If you have Windows 8, continue to step 18b. If you have Windows 8.1, go to step 19.
18b) Go to the Windows store by going to the Charms bar and clicking 'Start.'
18c) Click the store icon and click the largest icon, which should say 'Update to Windows 8.1.'
18d) Wait a few hours for Windows 8.1 to download and complete the on screen prompts. Whenever Windows restarts, make sure to select Windows Setup, not Windows 8 or 7. If Windows Setup doesn't appear, click Windows 8.
18e) Once done, go to the desktop and go to Windows Update.
18f) Look for KB2919355 and install it.
18g) Once KB2919355, or Windows 8.1 Update 1 is installed, continue to Step 19.
Step 19) Go to Windows Update and install all Windows Updates. Install the programs that you want to install and continue.
NOTE: The dual boot setup is now complete and you may stop here. If you would like to learn about how to rename the 'Earlier Version of Windows' entry to 'Windows 7', continue.
Step 20) Install EasyBCD. (EasyBCD - NeoSmart Technologies)
Step 21) Click Edit Boot Menu in the left hand pane. Select the Earlier Version of Windows entry and rename it to whatever you want.
Step 22) On the right hand side of the right pane, select the OS you want to be default. You may want Windows 8.1 to be default since the bootloader can see both Windows 8.1 and 7.
Step 23) Press Save Settings.
This was created by a user and not a moderator or staff member of Seven Forums.
NOTE: This process will probably not work on an OS older than Windows Vista. The OS also must be 64-bit.
To all the people looking to dual boot a preinstalled Windows 8 installation with Windows 7 on an Acer Aspire V5-571P, you may have some problems. The process will be destructive.
In order to install Windows 7 on your machine, you must transfer all the files you want to keep on an external device. Also, make a list of all of the programs on your hard drive. This process may take between 4 to 7 hours.
Prerequisites) Back up all your files, as mentioned above. As well as that, go to Acer Recovery Management and create a Drivers and Applications Backup just in case. You will need one DVD or one flash drive larger than 1.92 GB to store the backup on. Also, make sure you have a Windows 8 OEM DVD. You can get one by calling Acer Support. You may also want to find our your Windows 8 or 8.1 product key by using a third-party program.
Step 1) Once you have completed and backed up all the files you want to keep, restart your computer. Insert the Windows 7 SP1 x64 DVD now. The ISO is available for download at: Official Windows 7 SP1 ISO Image Downloads | Windows 7 Forums. Also, once you download the DVD, use the Windows 7 ISO to USB/DVD Tool (Microsoft Store)
Step 2) Press F2 repetitively once your computer starts. You will now see your BIOS settings. Navigate to the [Boot] Tab, which should be the second to the last.
Step 3) Change the Boot Mode to 'Legacy BIOS' and disable secure boot. After you have done this, move over to your [Main] Tab. Go down to 'F12 Boot Menu' and Enable it. This will allow you to select which device to boot from. Go to the [Exit] Tab on the BIOS and press 'Save Changes'
Step 4) Your computer will now restart now. Press F12 when the Acer logo appears. Once the boot menu is seen, select the DVD Drive. If you missed F12, you will still see 'Press any key to boot to CD/DVD'
Step 5) Wait for Windows 7 setup to load. Once Windows gets to whether you should do an upgrade or a Clean Install, press Clean Install. Once you are here, you should see a list of all the partitions on your computer.
WARNING: Beyond this point, Windows 8.1 will be deleted and will NOT be recoverable. Drivers for graphics may not work, and continue with caution.
Step 6) Delete the partition Windows 8.1 is installed on. It is usually the largest partition on the computer.
Step 7) Press Next and wait for Windows 7 to install. Wait for one hour and enter the information needed to install.
NOTE: You may want to do a keyless install of Windows 7 in case anything goes wrong. If you do this, Windows will not bug you if your key is genuine or not if you decide to install Windows 7 again.
Step 8) Once you are at the Windows 7 desktop and have installed all the drivers needed from your flash drive or DVD, press <Personalization> and select a Windows Aero theme. This will make the styles of Windows 7 (which you may have wanted) to appear.
Step 9) Install all the programs you had on Windows 8 if you want to.
9a) If you did a keyless install, continue on prompt 9b. If not go to step 10.
9b) Press Start and right click on Computer and press properties.
9c) Scroll down to Windows activation and press the blue text that says 'Windows will automatically activate in X days' or similar.
9d) Input your product key and press next.
9e) Windows will activate and now you have a genuine copy of Windows.
9f) Continue to Step 10.
Step 10) Go to start search for Windows Update and update your computer.
NOTE: This is the end of installing Windows 7. This will continue to create a dual-boot with Windows 8 or 8.1
Step 11) Go to start and search for 'partition.' Go to 'Create and format hard disk partitions.' Once there, right click on the largest partition (which should be the boot or Windows 7 partition) and press 'Shrink Volume.'
Step 12) Input a value larger than 40GB (40960 MB) to install Windows 8 on. I recommend leaving Windows 8 with 120GB (122800 MB) at least.
Step 13) Right click on the Unallocated space, which should be black in Disk Management and press Create new Simple Volume. Input all the information needed and provide a label that can be clearly identified, like 'Windows 8.'
Step 14) Insert your Windows 8 DVD and restart your computer.
Step 15) Press F12 and boot onto your DVD. Let Windows 8 or 8.1 Setup go until you reach the screen that says to 'Upgrade' or 'Clean Install.'
Step 16) Click on the volume you created earlier that is labeled as 'Windows 8' or similar. Click next and wait for Windows 8 to install.
Step 17) Input the Windows 8 product key provided on your packaging or from the program mentioned in the prerequisites. If your product key doesn't work, contact OEM or Microsoft support and explain your situation.
Step 18) Once you are at the desktop install the drivers off of your USB device.
18a) If you have Windows 8, continue to step 18b. If you have Windows 8.1, go to step 19.
18b) Go to the Windows store by going to the Charms bar and clicking 'Start.'
18c) Click the store icon and click the largest icon, which should say 'Update to Windows 8.1.'
18d) Wait a few hours for Windows 8.1 to download and complete the on screen prompts. Whenever Windows restarts, make sure to select Windows Setup, not Windows 8 or 7. If Windows Setup doesn't appear, click Windows 8.
18e) Once done, go to the desktop and go to Windows Update.
18f) Look for KB2919355 and install it.
18g) Once KB2919355, or Windows 8.1 Update 1 is installed, continue to Step 19.
Step 19) Go to Windows Update and install all Windows Updates. Install the programs that you want to install and continue.
NOTE: The dual boot setup is now complete and you may stop here. If you would like to learn about how to rename the 'Earlier Version of Windows' entry to 'Windows 7', continue.
Step 20) Install EasyBCD. (EasyBCD - NeoSmart Technologies)
Step 21) Click Edit Boot Menu in the left hand pane. Select the Earlier Version of Windows entry and rename it to whatever you want.
Step 22) On the right hand side of the right pane, select the OS you want to be default. You may want Windows 8.1 to be default since the bootloader can see both Windows 8.1 and 7.
Step 23) Press Save Settings.
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Note:
All the Windows 8 drivers work except for Ethernet. The Windows 7 Ethernet Driver is available here:
Lan_Realtek_7.054.0309.2012_W7x64W7x86_A.zip for Acer Aspire V5-571P
All the Windows 8 drivers work except for Ethernet. The Windows 7 Ethernet Driver is available here:
Lan_Realtek_7.054.0309.2012_W7x64W7x86_A.zip for Acer Aspire V5-571P
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A quick update on the status of the computer:
It has a multi-boot with Windows Vista, 7, and 8.1! The drivers are compatible with almost all three versions.
It has a multi-boot with Windows Vista, 7, and 8.1! The drivers are compatible with almost all three versions.
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In addition there are these steps for doing a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7
based on tens of thousands we've helped with here.
One step missing from your list is to immediately after install enable Automatically deliver drivers via Windows Update (Step 3) then run all rounds of Important and Optional Windows Updates, with requested reboots, until there are no more offered when you Check for Updates.
This provides the drivers Win7 wants as the first driver-complete OS. I would only import the drivers still missing in Device Manager after all Updates are done. There are rarely more than a few.
Monitor firmware updates for the PC as the UEFI settings may change to allow an easier Dual Boot, or someone may append this thread to report a way they've gotten a Dual Boot to work without wiping Windows 8 first, as I've been able to do on most 8 Laptops to trial it with Win7.
I've also not come across a case yet where drivers cannot be found at all for a device for Win7, no matter whether 32- or 64-bit. The problem if it exists is normally with the enabling software for these OEM's, like a fingerprint reader or cam full software but not the driver which given them basic functionality. There are workarounds for these software reinstalls in the brand notes at the end of Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.
based on tens of thousands we've helped with here.
One step missing from your list is to immediately after install enable Automatically deliver drivers via Windows Update (Step 3) then run all rounds of Important and Optional Windows Updates, with requested reboots, until there are no more offered when you Check for Updates.
This provides the drivers Win7 wants as the first driver-complete OS. I would only import the drivers still missing in Device Manager after all Updates are done. There are rarely more than a few.
Monitor firmware updates for the PC as the UEFI settings may change to allow an easier Dual Boot, or someone may append this thread to report a way they've gotten a Dual Boot to work without wiping Windows 8 first, as I've been able to do on most 8 Laptops to trial it with Win7.
I've also not come across a case yet where drivers cannot be found at all for a device for Win7, no matter whether 32- or 64-bit. The problem if it exists is normally with the enabling software for these OEM's, like a fingerprint reader or cam full software but not the driver which given them basic functionality. There are workarounds for these software reinstalls in the brand notes at the end of Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.
After some trials here are some conclusions:
This laptop's drivers are all compatible with Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1.
Windows Vista provides a lot of problems, especially if you don't have Service Pack 2. So far, I am missing drivers for Graphics and Wireless. The Wireless PCI device has been registered as 'Unknown Device' by Windows Vista and the Graphics drivers can be installed, but provide a mess and mess up the screen. The screen flickers and has lines running through it. I am still finding a solution to these two problems. Also, the Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver breaks Windows Vista's Windows Update feature. Once you installed it, there is no turning back unless you have a system restore point. Uninstalling the driver for Intel's Rapid Storage Technology results in the operating system becoming unbootable. So far, for whoever owns this laptop, Windows 7 and 8.1 are your best bets.
I looked into Windows XP Professional x64 drivers and everything will most likely work except for Wireless. Graphics drivers are available for XP Pro SP3 for the machine via Intel's website. The Wireless Adapter versions I have seen so far and tried only work for Windows 7 64-bot or higher.
In summary:
Windows 8.1 is compatible with all drivers.
Windows 8 is compatible with all drivers.
Windows 7 is compatible with all drivers, but you will have to use the link I provided in the posts above for LAN.
Windows Vista has problems with drivers and may not work correctly.
Windows XP is compatible with all drivers except for Wireless. (LAN Drivers are yet to be seen) [Not Tested]
Windows 2000 is not compatible with this machine.
This laptop's drivers are all compatible with Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1.
Windows Vista provides a lot of problems, especially if you don't have Service Pack 2. So far, I am missing drivers for Graphics and Wireless. The Wireless PCI device has been registered as 'Unknown Device' by Windows Vista and the Graphics drivers can be installed, but provide a mess and mess up the screen. The screen flickers and has lines running through it. I am still finding a solution to these two problems. Also, the Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver breaks Windows Vista's Windows Update feature. Once you installed it, there is no turning back unless you have a system restore point. Uninstalling the driver for Intel's Rapid Storage Technology results in the operating system becoming unbootable. So far, for whoever owns this laptop, Windows 7 and 8.1 are your best bets.
I looked into Windows XP Professional x64 drivers and everything will most likely work except for Wireless. Graphics drivers are available for XP Pro SP3 for the machine via Intel's website. The Wireless Adapter versions I have seen so far and tried only work for Windows 7 64-bot or higher.
In summary:
Windows 8.1 is compatible with all drivers.
Windows 8 is compatible with all drivers.
Windows 7 is compatible with all drivers, but you will have to use the link I provided in the posts above for LAN.
Windows Vista has problems with drivers and may not work correctly.
Windows XP is compatible with all drivers except for Wireless. (LAN Drivers are yet to be seen) [Not Tested]
Windows 2000 is not compatible with this machine.
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Wireless now works for Windows Vista:
Download version 10.0.0.34 only works! You may have to retry it several times for it to work!
Drivers for Atheros AR5BWB222 and Windows 7
Once you download the driver, unzip the folder and go to device manager by pressing WIN+R and enter devmgmt.msc. Find the Network Adapter in the Other Devices section and right click Update Driver Software... Once it is, press Browse my computer for driver software and select the folder the unzipped drivers are located in. Restart the computer and retry if it doesn't work.
Download version 10.0.0.34 only works! You may have to retry it several times for it to work!
Drivers for Atheros AR5BWB222 and Windows 7
Once you download the driver, unzip the folder and go to device manager by pressing WIN+R and enter devmgmt.msc. Find the Network Adapter in the Other Devices section and right click Update Driver Software... Once it is, press Browse my computer for driver software and select the folder the unzipped drivers are located in. Restart the computer and retry if it doesn't work.
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What Doesn't Work in Windows Vista:
Graphics Driver for Intel HD Graphics 4000
USB 3.0 Port
I still can't find a graphics driver that works in Windows Vista for the PC. Also USB 3.0 Ports. Should I start a new topic regarding this issue with drivers?
Graphics Driver for Intel HD Graphics 4000
USB 3.0 Port
I still can't find a graphics driver that works in Windows Vista for the PC. Also USB 3.0 Ports. Should I start a new topic regarding this issue with drivers?
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