Acer Aspire XC-603G-UW31 Windows Downgrade Problem.

Harlen

New Member
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I just went out a 2 days ago and bought an Acer Aspire XC-603G-UW31 for my mother, who was in desperate need of a new computer, and barely understands "Windows 7" after 4 years of use, let alone "Windows 8.1". So, I decided to get it and downgrade the OS for her. After getting it home and setting it up, I updated to the newest version of the BIOS. I downloaded a copy of all the important drivers from the Acer website, and I got out my Windows 7 disks. I tried the setup from the desktop first, and it worked fine until it restarted the computer... Because after I got past the "Loading Windows Files" screen, and on to the "Starting Windows", 2 of the 4 dots appeared on the screen and it froze and gave me a red bar across the top... So I went into the BIOS and was sure that secure boot was off, and spent almost an hour searching for my "Launch CSM" option, only to come to the conclusion that it doesn't exist... So, I tried the installation 2 more times, one with a fresh boot, and the other from the desktop, both ending it that frozen splash screen... So, I contacted Acer, and after climbing the ladder of tech support and supervisors, they have given me the awesome advise along the lines of of, "We have no clue why your computer doesn't have the same BIOS options that every other Acer Aspire XC-603G-UW31 has.". I've searched almost every forum related to this issue and all I have managed to find is one other person that got the same screen I did when the installation hangs, and his setting were wrong... All he had to do was tweak his "Launch CSM" setting which was at the top of his "Boot Menu", the exact place mine should be... But its not... Can anyone please help?
 

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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire XC-603G-UW31
    CPU
    2.41 GHz Intel Pentium Quad-Core
    Memory
    8GB
    Hard Drives
    1TB
On some Acer, Gateway, P. Bell, Windows 7 x64 will not install in UEFI mode.

Windows 8 Desktops - How to Disable Secure Boot - YouTube



Enabling the boot device menu

Acer said:
On most Acer systems, you can use the F12 key on boot to select the drive or network from which loading the operating system. In case the F12 option does not work, you may need to enable this function.

SOLUTION

Enabling the F12 function:

1.Power on the system. As soon as the first logo screen appears, immediately press the F2 key, or the DEL key if you have a desktop, to enter the BIOS.
2.Press the right arrow key to select Main.
3.Use the arrow keys to navigate to F12 Boot Menu, and press ENTER.
4.Select Enabled, and press ENTER.
5.Press the F10 key to save changes and restart the system.


How to Enable or Disable Secure Boot

Acer said:
This article only applies to: Windows 8 Desktops

Bootable media from previous versions of Windows may not be recognized in Windows 8. You can change the Secure Boot setting and it should recognize the bootable device.

Use the following steps to change Secure Boot:

1.Completely shut down your computer.
2.Power on the system. As soon as the first logo screen appears, immediately press Delete to enter the BIOS.
3.Use the right arrow key to select Authentication.
4.With Secure Boot highlighted, press Enter and then the down arrow to select Disabled.
5.Use the right arrow key to select Boot Options.
6.With Launch CSM highlighted, press Enter and use the down arrow to select Always.
7.Press Enter.
8.Press the F10 key to save changes and restart the system


ACER Related Videos.

Windows 8 - Access to Uefi Firmware Settings - Option - YouTube
Iconia W700 - How to Enter the BIOS - YouTube
Windows 8 Desktops - How to Disable Secure Boot - YouTube
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
You cannot downgrade to 7 or install any version of Linux aside from ubuntu. the XC-603G is not the same as XC-603 and Acer blatantly said they intentionally removed the options along with the download for the v4l bios.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Aspire XC-603G
    CPU
    Qaud Core
    Memory
    8g
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    AVG
Mr Frayer,

Thank you for contacting Acer Products Management regarding your XC-603G Desktop. We regret to inform you that we cannot comply with your request for the v4l Bios downgrade with the ability to disable UEFI. Microsoft has asked us to no longer provide this in efforts to keep consumers from downgrading to Windows 7 or switching to Linux. We sincerely hope that you continue to enjoy and use windows 8.1

Regards, Stan Shih (Acer Management)

At-least he was honest....
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Aspire XC-603G
    CPU
    Qaud Core
    Memory
    8g
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    AVG
Doesn't this affect your statutory rights?

You bought a machine to do what you wanted to with it, yet they locked it and will not allow you to use it for the purpose it was purchased?

Satisfactory quality, As Described, Fit for purpose, And last a Reasonable length of Time.


Nicked from somewhere else, but this machine is not fit for the purpose you require, so legally you are able to return it and claim recompense.

When you purchased it, did it state it was windows 7 compatible? IE. the little sticker anywhere? Because then that is not As Described...



That is appalling, Microsoft have no say over OEM rights to provide software, sure they can pull their product from the line of machines, but that would lose them revenue in the end!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Professional
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Intel i5 3750k
    Motherboard
    P8Z77-LX 3
    Memory
    16GB Vengence Corsair
    Graphics Card(s)
    GTX770 Windforce OC
    Sound Card
    C-Media 7.1 Surround Card
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 24" & AOC 23.5" 3D & 19" LG
    Screen Resolution
    3840*1080 & 1440*900
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 500GB SSD
    WD 1.5 TB
    WD 500Gb
    PSU
    Silverstone 800MW
    Case
    inWin DragonRider
    Cooling
    X31 Kraken CPU Coller, 4 * 140mm LED Akasa, One 92mm Fan Akasa
    Keyboard
    Corsair K95
    Mouse
    R.A.T Contagion
    Internet Speed
    150Mb / 10Mb
    Browser
    Chrome x64
    Antivirus
    ESET Nod32
    Other Info
    I'm an old windows 7/Xp User
Doesn't this affect your statutory rights?

You bought a machine to do what you wanted to with it, yet they locked it and will not allow you to use it for the purpose it was purchased?

Satisfactory quality, As Described, Fit for purpose, And last a Reasonable length of Time.


Nicked from somewhere else, but this machine is not fit for the purpose you require, so legally you are able to return it and claim recompense.

When you purchased it, did it state it was windows 7 compatible? IE. the little sticker anywhere? Because then that is not As Described...



That is appalling, Microsoft have no say over OEM rights to provide software, sure they can pull their product from the line of machines, but that would lose them revenue in the end!

I asked for a refund and have still yet to get a reply from Acer. Walmart blatantly told me No (No big shock there). I have heard that there is a bios floating around somewhere on the internet and once had it but when i trie to flash it says not compatible with Windows 8.1. So I am kind of stumped especially being that it was a .rom file coupled with a flashing program. I honestly dont mind Windows 8.1 at all. i have grown fairly used to it but never the less would like control over my pc and have the ability to dual boot what i am sure is a dirty word here (Linux)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Aspire XC-603G
    CPU
    Qaud Core
    Memory
    8g
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    AVG
Nicked from somewhere else, but this machine is not fit for the purpose you require, so legally you are able to return it and claim recompense.

When you purchased it, did it state it was windows 7 compatible? IE. the little sticker anywhere? Because then that is not As Described...


I don't think so. Acer only list "Windows 8" as the compatible OS for this model ( and all other new models ).

Acer | Aspire X | Aspire AXC-603G-UW31 | Datasheet

A refund claim won't be legally valid.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
Looks like a good reason not to buy Acer.

Why did they think that was a selling point?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Doesn't this affect your statutory rights?

You bought a machine to do what you wanted to with it, yet they locked it and will not allow you to use it for the purpose it was purchased?

Satisfactory quality, As Described, Fit for purpose, And last a Reasonable length of Time.


Nicked from somewhere else, but this machine is not fit for the purpose you require, so legally you are able to return it and claim recompense.

When you purchased it, did it state it was windows 7 compatible? IE. the little sticker anywhere? Because then that is not As Described...



That is appalling, Microsoft have no say over OEM rights to provide software, sure they can pull their product from the line of machines, but that would lose them revenue in the end!

I asked for a refund and have still yet to get a reply from Acer. Walmart blatantly told me No (No big shock there). I have heard that there is a bios floating around somewhere on the internet and once had it but when i trie to flash it says not compatible with Windows 8.1. So I am kind of stumped especially being that it was a .rom file coupled with a flashing program. I honestly dont mind Windows 8.1 at all. i have grown fairly used to it but never the less would like control over my pc and have the ability to dual boot what i am sure is a dirty word here (Linux)

You are right about the bios....I managed to modify the flashing program a bit to force it to flash and it worked out great.....For details see the link above
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1
Looks like a good reason not to buy Acer.

Why did they think that was a selling point?

Honest Answer (I wasnt paying attention). Not making excuses but I am a father of 6 children 3 of which are still minors and living at home and 1 of which is a get into everything toddler so I kind of just grabbed and bought to get out of the store in a hurry, huge mistake and wont happen again lol.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Aspire XC-603G
    CPU
    Qaud Core
    Memory
    8g
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    AVG
amohani
you are a life saver!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Aspire XC-603G
    CPU
    Qaud Core
    Memory
    8g
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    AVG
So, the only operating system that can be installed in the AXC-603 is the win8 pre-installed. Unless you install the modded bios from amohani.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
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