Can't install Vista on Pentium 800 ???

Question

I tried installing Windows Vista on an old computer of mine which is a Pentium 800. The first thing it said is something like 'The Computer must be ACPA compliant..'.

What does that mean? Is there a way around it?

The computer has 512 MB Ram, and a 128 MB video card.

Answer 1

That means that it simply WON'T WORK. You would have to install Windows Vista on a newer computer. That one won't do.

The Microsoft website has a compatibility table, but this is also shown on THE BOX if you bought it. You need much more speed, much more memory, a much faster video card and much more hard drive space. By the time you upgraded your poor old computer, you could have bought a new one.

You see, even computers that COME with Windows Vista are in serious need of an upgrade. If you buy a cheap computer with only 512MB of RAM, you should immediately buy MORE. I would aim to get 2GB of RAM if you really want to run Vista, otherwise it will run DOG SLOW.

For crying out loud... don't make me say "I TOLD YOU SO".

Good luck and Happy Computing!

Answer 2

DUH!!!
Haven't you ready ANYTHING on the problems with Vista?
Let me help you get started...
1) Third party drivers/applications are not allowed unless “approved” by Microsoft. Some of your favorite software won't run on Vista because the drivers have not been "approved" by Microsoft. This also means that the digital camera you just bought may not be "allowed" to connect to the PC.
2) Most security software will run but is limited because of “PatchGuard” and denied access to the kernel.
3) DRM is integrated – IF you even get to the point of copying something, ALL media copied thru Vista is SERIOUSLY degraded. The mp3s that you rip, are not allowed to be full quality. Same with DVD's.
4) You give Microsoft the right, through programs like Windows Defender, to delete programs from your system that it decides are spyware.
5) Takes up too much of the already strained resources.
6) You consent to being spied upon by Microsoft, through the “Windows Genuine Advantage” system. This system tries to identify instances of copying that Microsoft thinks are illegitimate. Unfortunately, a recent study indicated that this system has already screwed up in over 500,000 cases.
7) More licensing restrictions – Depends on which of the 6 different versions you get.
8) A lot of your software will need to be reactivated – Hopefully you still have those license keys.
9) Firefox is NOT allowed as default browser…No matter what!
10) Backup software crashes because of too many nested folders. Even tho it worked with XP.
Personally, if XP ever goes out of support, I'm going Linux

Answer 3

Pentium 800? 800 MHz or model 800? Is there such a model? I am familiar with only Intel PXA model # not Core model. But I know ACPA is something in BIOS, that means this old computer is OLD and not compatible to Vista.

Answer 4

I wouldn't worry about that message.

What I would worry about is you trying to install vista on an old 800Mhz computer. It is completely pointless and will only give you a computer that is slower than Paris Hilton taking an IQ test.

I would install nothing newer than Windows 2000 on that computer. Anything newer and you are wasting too many cpu cycles and memory on just running the operating system.

Answer 5

First, Installing vista on PIII/800: MS said that it is possible to install to that processor (only for Vista Home Basic edition). Do not believe them. If you have memory 512MB or more, you still can install XP. But do not install Vista on that processor. Just install XP, or 2000, or 98SE. Or if you want newest operating systems and don't want and old one, then use Linux.

Second, about ACPI. Advanced Configuration and Power Interface. That was your BIOS setting. Usually you need to press "F2" or "Del", or something else, depends on BIOS manufacturer. Some old machines doesn't support ACPI.

 

Answer 6

Three words: MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS!!!!

Do some research before you try to load brand new software on a computer that is several years old.

Stick with win98 or 2000 at the newest for a machine that is that old. Vista won't do anything substantial that the older versions of windows can't do already.

Answer 7

I think it stands for American Computing Product Association.
It is Microsoft's way of telling you that your computer does not meet the minimum requirements.
In simplistic terms Vista is telling you to either comply with it's demands or go get bent which is one thing that Vista seems to be very good at.
Just another reason why I love Linux.

Answer 8

First of all make sure you have one gig of ram. Vista takes 512 and settles for nothing less and if you try to do anything on the web like chat, it slows down.

Answer 9

Your computer is waaaayyyy too slow. Vista is notorious for requiring lots of ram and processing power. Don't even waste your time. If you are really attached to your computer, I guess you could upgrade the processor, but generally this isn't worth it. Maybe it's time for an upgrade.

Answer 10

run the windows vista upgrade advisor. if your computer's that old, there will be numerous things you need to do to run vista. it would probably be easier just to get a new pc.