Downgrade 8 to 7 on Acer Aspire AXC-603G-UW31 I Need Help!

[sri2000]

try downloading and loading a grub bios its a free download. u can make one using ezyboot and then add ur software and try booting

 

[NTL1991]

I've got the same model computer, and the same Non-Complaint ACPI BIOS issue... No luck so far.

I've been trying for days after purchasing this computer for my mom who is used to Windows 7.

Any updates on this?

 

[sri2000]

hmm can u post a few screen shots or photos please?

 

[jonnynights]

Here are the Bios screen. Not many options.

 

[taweekly]

Please how did you solve

 

[theog]

Please how did you solve

Welcome to EightForums

Best to make your own thread, with full details of your PC.

Is this a OEM manufacturer's PC with Pre-installed Windows 8?

1) Downgrade to Windows 7.
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/13326-downgrade-windows-8-windows-7-a.html
Warning you must have the UEFI/BIOS firmware setting in Step Three set.

Make sure you read the NOTE at Step three.

2) If Using a USB Pen drive on a PC with a UEFI BIOS.
USB Pen drive need to be formatted to FAT32 as in
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/15458-uefi-bootable-usb-flash-drive-create-windows.html
Take note of Step 11 for Windows 7.
Also you will need to use a USB 2.0 port, as there are no USB 3.0 drivers in Windows 7.


You will need to buy Windows 7.

 

[popeye]

I have dusty set of retail 7 DVDs, that's how I would downgrade.

 

[genet]

Please how did you solve

Here is some more info if you want to install Windows 7 to Acer Aspire AXC-603G-UW31

Note: Windows 7/8 setup: Installing using the MBR or GPT partition style.

Note: You don't need to change boot order (Boot Priority Order). You can use the F12 key on boot to select DVD/USB drive.

OPTION ONE - UEFI Boot Mode for Windows 7 (only for 64-bit)

- Secure Boot disabled
- UEFI Boot Mode enabled
- Partition table: GPT

BIOS Setup Utility:
- Authentication -> Secure Boot = Disabled
- Boot Options -> Launch CSM = Never

Note: You must use Rufus if you want to create a bootable UEFI USB flash drive.

OPTION TWO - Legacy BIOS Boot Mode for Windows 7 (32/64-bit)

- Secure Boot disabled
- Legacy BIOS Boot Mode enabled
- Partition table: MBR

BIOS Setup Utility:
- Authentication -> Secure Boot = Disabled
- Boot Options -> Launch CSM = Always

Note: You must use Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool if you want to create a bootable USB flash drive.

Note: You must delete all partitions on the disk on the "Where do you want to install Windows?" screen.

 

[NTL1991]

Tried installing with Secure Boot Disabled and Launch CSM Enabled. Used F12 to select Windows 7 SP1 x64 Install DVD. Loaded setup files, once the Windows boot screen loads, STOP error about BIOS not being fully ACPI complaint. Same result when booting with USB Installation Media. Both the USB media and DVD were created with the Windows 7 USB/DVD Tool.

Tried installing with Secure Boot Disabled and Launch CSM Disabled, (UEFI mode). Used F12 to select Windows 7 SP1 x64 Install DVD. Loaded setup files, but once the "Starting Windows" boot screen loads, a red bar across the top of the screen appears, and the Windows gif freezes. System stays in this state. In UEFI mode, the USB media is not available in the boot menu list.

 

[NTL1991]

Anyone have any success with this issue?

There is a new BIOS update out for the machine. Could it have something to do with fixing the compatibility mode?

-Nick

 

[kicek81]

Anyone have any success with this issue?

There is a new BIOS update out for the machine. Could it have something to do with fixing the compatibility mode?

-Nick

Nothing changed. They make sale to push sale win8. It not legal to sell computer with no OS to tell you what system to buy.

Is not possible to install Linux or run portable OS.-tested

Its same like I will buy petrol car and producer will tel me: "you have to fill up only in BP station or car wont drive!!"

Thats rip off and against International law!!

 

[sri2000]

btw how old is your pc? maybe it could have sum connection with the CMOS battery ? cuz its repeatedly shuting down!

 

[zerocool]

I have the same machine. Unfortunately, this machine doesn't have legacy bios mode, as your photos point out, and probably never will. These are UEFI only machines.
I tried to install Win7 x64 in UEFI mode, but that didn't last long. After it shows the "Windows is loading files" screen, Windows will try to start setup, I get the red bar that NTL1991 saw. Usually, this means that Windows doesn't support the graphics subsystem on this machine.
Even if you were to somehow get Win7 installed on this machine, Acer's website only has Win8.1 x64 drivers. I doubt they would work on Win7.

TL;DR - You're SOL on Win7.

-Z

 

[kicek81]

I have the same machine. Unfortunately, this machine doesn't have legacy bios mode, as your photos point out, and probably never will. These are UEFI only machines.
I tried to install Win7 x64 in UEFI mode, but that didn't last long. After it shows the "Windows is loading files" screen, Windows will try to start setup, I get the red bar that NTL1991 saw. Usually, this means that Windows doesn't support the graphics subsystem on this machine.
Even if you were to somehow get Win7 installed on this machine, Acer's website only has Win8.1 x64 drivers. I doubt they would work on Win7.

TL;DR - You're SOL on Win7.

-Z

After complain. Link to win 7 drivers.
https://ebuyer-my.sharepoint.com/personal/becky_clay_ebuyer_com/_layouts/15/download.aspx?guestaccesstoken=vHD8pPbq9BlUSUQYP4VCwnSD1ScA%2fivcsvqW2T1C9us%3d&docid=03d6531b78498459fbc381488b488f461


So we have drivers and what next with bios?

 

[kicek81]

I have the same machine. Unfortunately, this machine doesn't have legacy bios mode, as your photos point out, and probably never will. These are UEFI only machines.
I tried to install Win7 x64 in UEFI mode, but that didn't last long. After it shows the "Windows is loading files" screen, Windows will try to start setup, I get the red bar that NTL1991 saw. Usually, this means that Windows doesn't support the graphics subsystem on this machine.
Even if you were to somehow get Win7 installed on this machine, Acer's website only has Win8.1 x64 drivers. I doubt they would work on Win7.

TL;DR - You're SOL on Win7.

-Z

After complain. Link to win 7 drivers.
https://ebuyer-my.sharepoint.com/personal/becky_clay_ebuyer_com/_layouts/15/download.aspx?guestaccesstoken=vHD8pPbq9BlUSUQYP4VCwnSD1ScA%2fivcsvqW2T1C9us%3d&docid=03d6531b78498459fbc381488b488f461


So we have drivers and what next with bios?

tep 1 update BIOS. To version A4L (available from Acer | Download)
Step 2 install Windows 7 from your DVD
Step 3 in

 

[rfrayer]

I have the same machine. Unfortunately, this machine doesn't have legacy bios mode, as your photos point out, and probably never will. These are UEFI only machines.
I tried to install Win7 x64 in UEFI mode, but that didn't last long. After it shows the "Windows is loading files" screen, Windows will try to start setup, I get the red bar that NTL1991 saw. Usually, this means that Windows doesn't support the graphics subsystem on this machine.
Even if you were to somehow get Win7 installed on this machine, Acer's website only has Win8.1 x64 drivers. I doubt they would work on Win7.

TL;DR - You're SOL on Win7.

-Z

After complain. Link to win 7 drivers.
https://ebuyer-my.sharepoint.com/personal/becky_clay_ebuyer_com/_layouts/15/download.aspx?guestaccesstoken=vHD8pPbq9BlUSUQYP4VCwnSD1ScA%2fivcsvqW2T1C9us%3d&docid=03d6531b78498459fbc381488b488f461


So we have drivers and what next with bios?

tep 1 update BIOS. To version A4L (available from Acer | Download)
Step 2 install Windows 7 from your DVD
Step 3 in

some of your directions cut off there. also Acer removed the V4L, called them and they blatantly refused to give it out and said Microsoft forbids any downgrading on the Aspire XC-603G along with the instalation of Non-Windows products. I personaly think this is underhanded but hey. I dont mind windows 8 but would rather not be stuck with Ubuntu as a second OS as I preffer (real debian) over (fake debian). Does anyone have a link to the v4l Bios for Aspire XC-603G?

 

[CinderellaMan]

Same issue here. Did anybody save off the correct BIOS version before they pulled it?

 

[amohani]

Acer AXC-603 Downgrade to windows 7 Instructions

So I successfully downgraded this PC after a bit (LOT) of research and tinkering. I’ve provided the steps I followed below.
Acer AXC-603 Downgrade to windows 7 Instructions

STEP 1 - Downgrade BIOS/UEFI
WARNING: DO THIS STEP AT YOUR OWN RISK. IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG HERE, YOU RISK PERMANENTLY DAMAGING YOUR COMPUTER. I MODIFIED THE BATCH FILES TO IGNORE CHECKING ROM ID. IT WORKED PERFECTLY FOR ME BUT THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES THAT IT WILL WORK FOR YOU. I AM IN NO WAY RESPONSIBLE IF THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS DAMAGE YOUR COMPUTER.
This step depends on what operating system you currently have on the machine. You will need the files provided HERE (Please download a local copy. I will try to keep this available as long as i can but cant make any promises for the distant future)

Step1-A – IF NO operating system
If you have a recovery disk you can also try using it or the recovery partition (Alt+F10 at boot). If that doesn't work, the easiest way to do this is to download the evaluation copy of windows 8 from Microsoft and do a fresh installation.
After windows 8 is installed follow steps from Step1-B.

Step1-B – IF YOU ARE IN WINDOWS 8
Open the “Bios WIN” folder from the files provided HERE. Navigate to the “WIN” directory. Right click on Flash.bat and run as administrator (can also be run from an elevated command prompt from within windows)
You should see a command prompt popup and it will now downgrade your BIOS.
If you manage to get through this step, you've won 90% of the battle so cheer UP!

Step1-C – IF YOU ARE IN DOS / FREEDOS
I haven’t tried this personally but the following should theoretically work
Use another machine to download the provided files. Burn them on a CD/DVD that is accessible from dos.
Boot to dos and use the “cd” command to navigate to the “Bios Dos” directory
Execute Flash.bat
If you manage to get through this step, you've won 90% of the battle so cheer UP!


STEP 2 - BIOS/UEFI Settings
After flashing the bios press “Del” while booting to make sure the following settings are set
Set secure boot to disabled
Set CSM mode to always
Boot Priority – As per your preference.


Step 3 - Install WIN 7
Boot from windows 7 DVD or USB to install windows 7. I personally used a DVD to complete the process so I can verify that is working.
Hard disk Partitions – If you have left over partitions from previous installations, delete all of them and creating new partitions. You can try installing over the old partitions but I personally haven’t tested this.

Step 4 - Install Drivers
Install the drivers provided in the link

STEP 5 – ENJOY WINDOWS 7
CREDITS:
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/13326-downgrade-windows-8-windows-7-a.html
Acer Aspire XC-603 Desktop PC - Desktops | Ebuyer.com

 

[aarshe]

amohani, thank you thank you thank you for this post. i almost threw this Acer in the garbage. i was unable to download the files from ebuyer (i think their bandwidth bill went up a bit heh)

im attempting to take an acronis image of an old xp dell, restore it to this acer, and do in-place upgrade to win 7 (you have to do vista first) i will advise how it goes.

i got to say in my 25 years of PC support experience this computer annoyed me so much with the uefi lockdown it is absolutely ridiculous! its like buying a car and only allowed to pump gas from one oil company. sheesh!

 

[amohani]

amohani, thank you thank you thank you for this post. i almost threw this Acer in the garbage. i was unable to download the files from ebuyer (i think their bandwidth bill went up a bit heh)

im attempting to take an acronis image of an old xp dell, restore it to this acer, and do in-place upgrade to win 7 (you have to do vista first) i will advise how it goes.

i got to say in my 25 years of PC support experience this computer annoyed me so much with the uefi lockdown it is absolutely ridiculous! its like buying a car and only allowed to pump gas from one oil company. sheesh!

You're Welcome! I was in the same state and got lucky by overriding the bios flashing utility.
I'm not sure if transferring an image will work due to the change in hardware and the uefi being locked down...Still let us know how it goes
If all else fails you can always download and install an evaluation version of windows 8 and take it from there