Three Wise Men

There is no better way to start an evening as unpacking new computer and starting to install new and fresh operating system on it.

Since HP declared that 32bit version of the Windows Vista operating system will run on the notebook in question I decided to put that statement to the test. Actually I used bleeding edge technology, because I was not ready to buy Windows Vista and Microsoft is kind enough to provide you with a free license¹ for Windows 7 RC version. HP notebook had FreeDOS installed as an operating system. I really used it to its maximal potential. It brought back some fond memories from 10 years ago but unfortunately I had to say goodbye to it. If you want to know how then read on.

I did not have any problems with Windows 7 installation². Previous undertakings of BigWhale convinced me to remove all partitions from the disk and create one 150GB partition³ of which Windows 7 installer informed me that he might create smaller partition due to its internal usage.  That was fine by me and in an hour or so I was able to look at the picture below.

Windows 7 Desktop

Windows 7 installation happened without major problems. Creation of user account, HomeGroup password and that is all. I was interested how unpopulated the device list will be but I found out only 3 major problems with HP drivers. They were:

• USB\VID_08FF&PID_2810&REV_1703 (USB\VID_08FF&PID_2810) – Fingerprint Sensor – Solved by installing AuthenTec Fingerprint Driver (32-bit) for MS Vista – Download

• ACPI\HPQ0004 – Solved by installing HP 3D DriveGuard for MS Windows Vista – Download

• ACPI\HPQ0006 – Solved by installing HP Quick Launchs Button for MS Windows Vista – Download

If for some reason you are craving for up to date version of HP drivers you can get them here.

I have not noticed any performance drawbacks. Measuring Windows Experience Index informed me of 3.6 score. Quite low since every component except the graphics card rated higher than 4.9. Graphics card rated 3.2 and I guess that graphics card is what runs this operating system.

On average My Experience Index is telling me that this version of Windows is running a little faster than Windows Vista and a lot slower than Windows XP. I was pleased with the installation which bear in mind was performed on empty disc and it did not require much effort or administration knowledge. I have tested WiFi and wired network connection and both worked out of the box, on already setup and tested router without problems. The fingerprint scanner is not working as I have hoped. Device is detected but I can not logon using it. It will need some hacking.

Overall I am quite pleased.