Installing Windows XP Professional SP2 on Acer Aspire 5315-2153 Laptop
This is for all of you who figured the Acer Aspire 5315-2153 (which comes packaged with Vista) would make a great Windows XP Professional notebook, for only $348 + the cost of windows… and then realized you had problems.
We have been receiving a large number of visits from folks with non-English-speaking configurations. As a convenience to visitors, we are offering a machine translation of this tutorial powered by N2H and Google Language Tools: 
There are two methods for getting this to work, one only requires the internet, a few minutes, and a CD burner. The other requires a USB floppy drive.
UPDATE: We’ve got a working modem driver now. Check out the tutorial on getting it up and running (should be installed last).
You’ll probably also need a USB thumb drive for either method, and of course your copy of WinXP.
You may have already tried to install WinXP on this notebook. With the BIOS set to it’s defaults, the WinXP install disk can’t even see it’s Hard Drive, and if you set the hard drive to a non AHCI mode in the BIOS (such as native emulation), you are increasing your risk of data corruption, and at the same time reducing your speed.
These two methods are the correct way to handle the situation, and result in no performance compromises.
NOTE: All data on the hard drive will be erased.
If you experience problems related to .DLL files, try DLLCentral.com for resources and downloads.
The Floppy Method
First we’ll explain the floppy method, as it’s the fastest if you’ve already got the floppy drive and a blank floppy.
Download the floppy creator from here: f6_floppy_maker.zip
Extract the executable from the zip archive, insert a blank floppy, and run the executable, following the prompts to create an “F6 Driver Floppy.”
Attach your USB floppy drive to the new Acer notebook.
In order to be able to boot from the CD, we’ll first need to make a couple of quick changes in the notebook’s BIOS. Click here for instructions on modifying the BIOS settings.
Now boot your notebook from your WinXP install disk. One of the first prompts once the screen turns blue is to hit F6 to use a driver floppy.
Hit F6, insert the driver floppy. Windows won’t really give you any prompt that you’ve done things right, it will just keep installing for a while. After some time, windows will ask you to pick which driver off of the floppy you want — you should choose “Intel(R) 82801HEM/HBM SATA AHCI Controller (Mobile ICH8M-E/M).” Be sure to leave the floppy in during the install, as windows will periodically pull files off of it until the installation is complete.
The Windows installer will ask you to where you’d like install Windows XP… follow the prompts to delete all the current partitions, then follow the prompts to create a new partition, and install Windows XP to that. You may chose the “quick format” to speed things up.
After windows is done installing, you’ll need to install some drivers. Acer isn’t providing a driver set for WinXP on this notebook.
We recommend installing drivers in this order:
- Realtek HD Audio Driver
- Intel Chipset Driver
- Intel Graphics Driver
- Atheros WiFi Driver
- Broadcom Ethernet Driver
- Launch Manager
- Touchpad Driver
- Acer Empowering Framework
- Acer ePower Management
Alternatively, you can download all of these (except for the last three) at once in a single 46MB zip file. Remember that these are specific to the Acer Aspire 5315.
The Broadcom drivers must be installed through the device manager, the rest have installation executables which should be used. Sometimes you have to have windows “Update Driver” on an unknown PCI device in order to get the Realtek to work.
We have a working modem driver. Check out the separate tutorial on getting it up and running (should be installed last).
Internet and CD burner Method
The second method is slightly more advanced, and intended for those of you who no longer have floppy drives of any kind. Or at least none of the USB kind.
First download and install nLite.
(Requires .NET Framework 2.0, you’ve probably already got that, but if nLite won’t run, download the .NET Framework)
Now download and extract the slipstream drivers to a folder like C:\Drivers-temp\
Insert your WinXP install disk, cancel out of the autorun if it pops up.
Start up nLite, click next on the splash screen. Tell it where your CD is. It will ask you to tell it where to cache the files at. You can just use a folder like C:\XP-temp\ for that.
On the “Presets” screen, click Next again. Now click on the “Drivers” button, as well as the “Bootable ISO” button, then click “Next”
On the “Drivers” screen, click “Insert”, then “Multiple Driver Folder”. Point nLite to the location where you extracted the slipstream drivers, such as C:\Drivers-temp\ and then click OK.
On the “Select multiple drivers to integrate” window you’ll need to highlight the path at the top (such as C:\Drivers-temp\) by clicking on it once, then click “OK”.
On the “Driver Integration Options” window under “Textmode integration options” highlight the whole list by clicking once on the top item, then shift-clicking once on the bottom item. With that list still highlighted, click “OK” at the bottom.
Back on the “Drivers” screen, click “Next”. The “Apply Changes:” dialog should pop up, asking if you really want to start the process. Click “Yes”.
After the processing completes, you’ll need to click “Next”, at which point you’ll be taken to the final screen.
On the “Bootable ISO” screen, change the “Mode” drop down menu from “Create Image” to “Direct Burn”. Eject your WinXP disk, and insert a blank disk into your burner. For safety’s sake, put a check mark next to “Verify”.
Finally, click Burn.
Congratulations, you now have a proper install disk for the Acer 5315-2153.
Now you’ll need to boot your laptop from that disk. In order to be able to boot from the CD, we’ll first need to make a couple of quick changes in the notebook’s BIOS. Click here for instructions on modifying the BIOS settings.
After it gets started, windows installer will ask you where you’d like to install Windows XP to: follow the prompts to delete all the current partitions, then follow the prompts to create a new partition, and install Windows XP to that. You can chose the “Quick Format” to speed things up.
Follow the rest of the prompts to windows in the usual fashion.
Next, use the following drivers to get all your hardware set up, since Acer is providing only Vista support on this notebook so far.
We recommend installing drivers in this order:
- Realtek HD Audio Driver
- Intel Chipset Driver
- Intel Graphics Driver
- Atheros WiFi Driver
- Broadcom Ethernet Driver
- Launch Manager
- Touchpad Driver
- Acer Empowering Framework
- Acer ePower Management
Alternatively, you can download all of these (except for the last three) at once in a single 46MB zip file. Remember that these are specific to the Acer Aspire 5315.
The Broadcom drivers must be installed through the device manager, the rest have installation executables which should be used. Sometimes you have to have windows “Update Driver” on an unknown PCI device in order to get the Realtek to work.
We have a working modem driver. Check out the separate tutorial on getting it up and running (should be installed last).
Modifying the BIOS Settings
Shut the notebook completely down. Now turn it back on, and as soon as the Acer screen comes up, hit the “F2″ key to enter the BIOS. Navigate to the second page of the BIOS (titled “Main”) by pressing the right arrow key.
You may wish to turn of “Network Boot” by selecting it with your arrow keys and hitting enter, then changing it to disabled. This is often used in a cluster-lab environment, and for normal users only slows down your boot process.
You must now turn on the F12 Boot Menu by selecting it with your arrow keys, hitting Enter, and changing it to “Enabled”
Now switch to the “Exit” page, and hit Enter to “Exit Saving Changes”. The BIOS will ask you to confirm, tell it “Yes”.
Now the notebook will reboot, and you must hit F12 to boot from your CD.
On the “Boot Manager” screen, chose the second option which should be an ATAPI drive, such as a DVD-RW or CD-RW, highlight it with your arrow keys and press Enter.
Back to the Floppy disk method
Back to the Internet and CD burner method
Modem Driver Installation
Extract the Agere modem drivers zip archive somewhere on the Acer notebook.
The links in this list go to step-by-step screenshots! Full album here.
- Click on your “START” menu
- Right click on “My Computer”
- Click on “Properties”
- Click on the “Hardware” tab at the top
- Click on “Device Manager”
- Right click on “Modem Device on High Definition Audio Bus”
- Click on “Update Driver…”
- Click on “No, not this time.” Click Next.
- Click on “Install from a list or specific location (Advanced).” Click Next
- Click on “Don’t Search. I will choose the driver to install.” Click Next.
- In the list on the “Hardware Type” page, highlight “Modems”. You may have to scroll down. Click Next.
- Click on “Have Disk…”
- Click on “Browse” and navigate to where you extracted the Agere Modem drivers. Highlight the “agrmdv32″ file and click Open. Click OK.
- Highlight Agere Systems HDA Modem. Click Next.
- Click Yes on the “Update Driver Warning” dialog.
You should now have a working modem.
YMMV, if these drivers don’t work, try using the Foxconn drivers.
This tutorial was written by IT enthusiast and expert Alex Wells, published exclusively on soulpass.com.
. and for the drivers from...
August 31st, 2010 at 7:39 pm
For those with 5315-2326, U may want 2 update to Windows 7. This laptop takes UP TO 4gig of RAM, but can only run 3.25 gig on 32 bits, so 3gig max (instead of the 2 max posted in many sites). The 64 bit version of Windows 7 will take and use all 4 gig RAM and U will have an updated system. However, U will have to reformat and change the drive from 32 to 64, installing all software and all data: just like with Windows XP. U can do that with the 64 bits version disk of 7, but it takes TIME: just like with Windows XP.
IMHO updating 2 64 bits on Windows 7 and upgrading the RAM to 4Gigs is something 2 consider.
August 22nd, 2010 at 7:18 am
Thank you so much! my acer is faster now on XP than on that sluggish vista.
.
and for the drivers from other computer, you can find them here:
http://support.acer.com/drivers_download.aspx
August 15th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
plz tell what drivers should i need to install xp pro in my acer 5738g laptop
August 12th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
for CPU cooling, i always use heatsinks with heat pipes because they are more efficient in cooling CPUs”~.
August 7th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
Thank you so much. I spent hours on the internet, burning several CDS but no avail. I was missing the drivers till I came to this great post. Thank you. It worked for me - I have acer extensa 5210. Thank you. I used the second method above.
August 2nd, 2010 at 12:38 pm
MS pt aplicatie
August 1st, 2010 at 4:00 pm
hello, my laptop model no - emachines by acer E525, intel celeron, lcd-15.6, cpu 900 intel celeron,2gb ddr2 memory. i 1 month use my new laptop. present 2 problem in my laptop. a) LCD screen left side(2 inc inside) top to bottom red line always see.b) i see my laptop battery full charge but 5 m……. after battery low signal my laptop. ple……………….. help me.my addres-
ENG ROBEL
BANGLADESH ACADEMY FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT
COTBARI, SADAR SOUTH, COMILLA, BANGLADESH
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:36 am
To u dear Sir who bothers to help and aid those aplenty non-tech geeks like me solve problems that burden us so much nowadays….i seek your guidance in installing XP Home on Acer Aspire 4741G. Is it possible or a lost cause??? Pls do respond, thanks a million kind Sir!
July 10th, 2010 at 10:47 am
modem device on high definition audio bus acer5315
July 4th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
HI, I followed all the steps to load XP, made disc etc, loaded drivers, changed bios. But when I reboot hitting F12, I only get the option to load Vista? I stuck my XP disc in & it says I don’t have a hard drive? Laptop is Aspire 5315 with Vista Home Basics. Help! Robbie
July 2nd, 2010 at 1:29 am
First of all ~ I adore this article!
Just thought I’d say so since it helped me finally install XP on my little 5315 couple years back and we’ve been very happy together. ^^
I have a question, though ~ with this “customized” installation, is it OK to update drivers?
July 1st, 2010 at 3:42 pm
@ Lena: You will only need to to add the sata text drivers to your image file, if you do it the n-lite way. The rest of the drivers can be installed when windows is running…
July 1st, 2010 at 3:31 pm
It should work on all laptop’s or notebooks…
To those ppl’s who got some driver problems. Goto acer.com and get the right drivers for your notebook model.
I’ve used the n-lite method and it works, except windows wouldnt accept the original cd-key for the OEM edition. I just use a crack key instead, I don’t care, I’ve already payed for the licence.
You can even install windows on a usb stick, if you like. It’s slow like hell, but it works.
June 28th, 2010 at 1:45 am
hi, I have Acer Aspire 7736Z-432G25 and I tried to install my WinXP on comp with those instructions above, but I couldn’t. I don’t know if the drivers aren’t right or I’m doing something wrong!?
I’ll be really happy if you could help me out!!! Thanks!
June 25th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
I was very pleased to find this site.
June 25th, 2010 at 1:44 pm
on my acer 5315 my enthernet driver is not working wut can i do
June 5th, 2010 at 11:01 am
My acer started to suddenly just turn off without me doing anything, it might be the same problem as Obrien Sim so if anyone knows how to solve the epower management problem i’ll greatly appreciate it.
June 5th, 2010 at 10:26 am
Saved me again,
Thanks
Nick
June 2nd, 2010 at 9:32 am
Guys, I have ePower Management installed on my Acer Aspire 5315 running on Windows XP. Yesterday, I was using my battery and it ran out hence leading to a hibernation. The next day I used it, it overheated despite me having the ePower Management installed. Anyone knows how to help me get the fan back to functioning properly?
May 28th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
My lappy is a Acer 5100 series and i do not find the SATA driver for this model. Can you help me? Tks.
May 26th, 2010 at 10:14 am
Hallo
I will install Windows XP pro to an ACER ASPIRE 6920G.
What must I do and where I find de different drivers USB controller, Audio, enz….
I thank You for the Help.
Luc
May 24th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
your drivers are perfect. thank you
May 23rd, 2010 at 12:28 pm
Thank you very much for the clear help. Experienced NOT one problem!
May 19th, 2010 at 9:45 am
I followed this Tutorial and now my acer 5315 laptop won’t boot either from the DVD drive or the Hard disk. I made the bootable disk from the windows XP disk and the Slipstream drivers - booted from the CD and the laptop went dead. I can get into the bios and change things.
May 16th, 2010 at 5:02 pm
Hi. Thanx for the info etc,much appreciated…but i now have a problem.. can you please help ? I cant get any sound from my lappy (acer 5315) cant update drivers for realtek audio, also cant update drivers for pci device ….. cheers….ste
May 16th, 2010 at 7:33 am
You are a life saver! I’ve downgraded quite a few Vista laptops and if only more all-in-one drivers resources like yours were available my life would be so much easier! Thanks a million.
May 10th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Thank you so much. One of these laptops was brought to me crippled with viruses, and after using every weapon in my arsenal, was finally able to bring it back to life with your help.
Excellent attention to detail and explanation of each step.
May 3rd, 2010 at 11:38 am
Wow. Thanks for the tut! I was stuck on getting the modem to instal, and only until I started ove and installe rivers i theorder you reccomemdned was I able to get the soundcard wikig. Thanks again.
May 2nd, 2010 at 9:16 pm
i just wanted to say please ignore my last post i have sorted it i just burnt it again on another disk and its fine so it must have been the disk or something cheers for the step by step guide
May 2nd, 2010 at 8:35 pm
help needed please
i done it the internet and cd way and burnt it m8 just as you wrote but my laptop does’nt read the disk but my pc does i dont get it it
April 27th, 2010 at 10:33 am
does this works on 5715Z ?
April 26th, 2010 at 9:01 am
Thanx for help, its very very usefull….thanx again!
April 23rd, 2010 at 5:49 am
I am always failing to install xp on my acer aspire 5516. plz, could any one help me?
April 20th, 2010 at 5:51 pm
Very helpful, thanks a million!
April 19th, 2010 at 10:10 am
Thank you so much !!
Extremely useful
April 17th, 2010 at 5:58 pm
Thank you so much finised instalation the XP Pro on aser 5315. ZERO problems, works like a dream, wonderfull work, Thank You guys again.
Jerry