Acer Aspire 4530 Boot Screen

Acer Aspire 4530 Boot Dianogostic Screen

PhoenixBIOS 4.0 Release 6.1

Copyright 1985-2008 Phoenix Technologies Ltd.

All Rights Reserve

1.052.A6 NVIDIA NFORCE

CPU0=AMD Turion(tm) X2 Dual-Core Mobile RM-72

CPU Stepping = B1 2100MHZ

MemClk = 333Mhz Tcl = 5.0 Trcd = 5 Tras = 12 Trp = 5

CPU<->MCP:LDT Frequency = 1800Mhz LDT Width = 16bit DOWN - 16bit UP

No TPM or TPM has a problem

2815M System RAM Passed

1024KB L2 Cache per Core

System BIOS shadowed

Video BIOS shadowed

Fixed Disk 0: WDC3200BEVT-222CT0

ATAPI CD-ROM:HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GSA-T50N

Mouse initialized

System Configuration Data updated

Press F2 to enter Setup

HyperTransport (HT), formerly known as Lightning Data Transport (LDT)

MCP (Media and Communications Processor)

Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is both the name of a published specification detailing a secure cryptoprocessor that can storecryptographic keys that protect information

ATAPI (AT Attachment Packet Interface) is an interface between your computer and attached CD-ROM drives and tape backup drives

Closest I can get to 2817 = 4096 - 1087 - 256 + 64

Or it could be some BIOS Programming legacy

Looking At Graphics Memory

I took a look at some Graphics Information regarding different Graphics Adapters

NVIDIA GeForce 9100M G

Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 950

NVIDIA GeForce 6600GT (Desktop)

So actually 9100M G does contain "Dedicated Memory" of 256MB taken from the Main System RAM.

Shared System Memory refers to the TurboCache Technology from Nvidia (ATi Calls it HyperMemory) to use System RAM for Graphics

I myself is not too sure that System Video Memory is but it seems it is Zero for old Cards (6600GT) and 64MB for new Graphics Adapters.

AMD Processor Driver and Dual Core Optimizer For WinXp

Important

Laptops using AMD Processors which is operating on Windows Xp please note you have to install the following:

AMD Processor Driver Version 1.3.2.0053 for Windows XP & Windows Server 2003 (x86 and x64)
Allows the system to automatically adjust the CPU speed, voltage and power combination to match the instantaneous user performance need. This package is a user friendly localized software installation of the driver designed for end-users. This driver supports AMD processors on Windows XP SP2 and Windows Server 2003 SP2 x86 and x64 Editions.

And

AMD Dual-Core Optimizer Version 1.1.4 (Mirror Download)
The AMD Dual-Core Optimizer can help improve some PC gaming video performance by compensating for those applications that bypass the Windows API for timing by directly using the RDTSC (Read Time Stamp Counter) instruction. Applications that rely on RDTSC do not benefit from the logic in the operating system to properly account for the affect of power management mechanisms on the rate at which a processor core's Time Stamp Counter (TSC) is incremented. The AMD Dual-Core Optimizer helps to correct the resulting video performance effects or other incorrect timing effects that these applications may experience on dual-core processor systems, by periodically adjusting the core time-stamp-counters, so that they are synchronized.

It is required to save power and reduce the thermal exhaust

The reason it is required is at the time of Windows Xp release these Drivers were not included

Windows Vista users just need to install AMD Dual-Core Optimizer Version 1.1.4

There has been some question if AMD Dual-Core Optimizer is really needed.

This is what I found out in the Readme.rtf in AMD Dual-Core Optimizer :

---Improvement and Fixes---

Version 1.1.4

* Fixed installation issue on Windows Vista.

---System Requirements---

* Microprocessor: AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual-Core Processors

This software installs and operates under the following operating systems

* Microsoft® Windows® XP

* Microsoft Windows Server 2003

* Microsoft Windows Vista

The rationale is if it was not needed in Vista why would they fix it?

Successor to Acer Aspire 4530

Successor to Aspire 4535/4535G here.

If you guys are interested in Acer Aspire 4530, DO NOT get it.

The sucessor is out.

It is the Acer Aspire 4535G and 4535 (Without the G).

Same Processor with far advance graphics ATi Radeon 4570HD.

It is a class 2 graphics card which means it is capable of playing high-end games easily.

It uses a AMD Chipset meaning you can install and use AMD Overdrive to boost the performance of this laptop.

It also has a multi touchpad and a chiclet keyboard

According to this review it is confirmed that it uses the DDR2 Memory.

But don't worry either way it is vastly superior than its predecessor Aspire 4530.

I would have bought this laptop if I had not own 4530 and it is still alive.

The difference between 4535 and 4535G is that 4535G uses a more powerful Radeon 4570 HD while 4535 uses a Radeon 3200 HD.

Both are AMD Overdriveable.

A Good Place To Get Acer Drivers

Here is a link to Acer Drivers.
It is far better than the previous ftp links.
Both 32bit and 64bit are available.

Partition Manager

If you have disk partitioning issues and you need to do stuff like moving primary partitions around, I recommend Partition Master.

• Firstly, it is free.
  
• Secondly, it offers advance functions that rival the capabilities of payware.
  
• Thirdly, the Windows Interface is easy to use.
  

Another Acer Fan Control Program

Here is another Acer Fan Control Program called A1CTL by Noda

Works for Acer Aspire Laptops as well.

I prefer this one as no installation is required just need to run with Admin permission.

Another Acer Fan Control Program called 1810tray by Intek.
Originally meant for Acer Timeline 1810 but works well on other Acer Laptops as well.

PC Troubleshooting Advice

Post Your Computer Related Problems here

Although sometimes I might not be able to solve your issue I can probably point you in the right direction.

FAQ:

My laptop is hot even when not doing anything:

First Download and Run HWMonitor to check if it is really hot internally.
Also a hot laptop can result in sluggish gaming performance as the computer detect high internal temperature and attempts to reduce performance to reduce the temperature increase.

Hot CPU/GPU Possible Solutions:

• Check you have AMD Processor Driver Installed IF YOU ARE USING WINDOWS XP.

• Download Acer Fan Control and decrease the temperature for the Fan to Activate so the fan will spin more often to bring down the temperatures.

• For advance users

1. If you have sent it for repairs open it up and replace the thermal paste using a better brand like Arctic MX2 the technician probably didn't replace the thermal paste when they dissembled it.
2. Replace the default thermal pads and thermal paste to a high quality type such as Arctic Cooling MX-2 or Arctic Silver 5 after dissembling the laptop.
3. Run Acer Fan Control Utility while gaming.
4. Tear away the air filter at the bottom of the laptop to allow better air flow (I did this)
5. UnderVolt your Processor

Hot GPU only Possible Solution:

• Check if PowerMizer is enabled
• Replace the default thermal pads and thermal paste to a high quality type such as Arctic Cooling MX-2 or Arctic Silver 5 after dissembling the laptop.
  
• Run Acer Fan Control Utility while gaming.
  
• Tear away the air filter at the bottom of the laptop to allow better air flow (I did this)
  

Acer Aspire 4530WebCam shows nothing:

WebCam solution

• Use the Bison AP Driver the SuYin one is really problematic and the Bison Driver Work on the WebCams

Driver Error Messages:

Possible Solutions:

• Update Microsoft DirectX

• Search and Update Display Drivers (Check What Graphics Card you possess)

1. For Nvidia GFX card use Nvidia Driver or use this Universal Recent Nvidia Driver don't worry about stability as Nvidia Drivers are always very stable even the Beta Ones
   

Enhance Your Laptop Experience:

• Update your Device Drivers (Check all the links for the device driver for your particular laptop model)
• Drivers to Update:
• Chipset, Audio Driver, Display Driver, Touchpad Driver, Wireless Adapter Driver
• Optimize Synaptic TouchPad
• Use Windows Vista Tweaker to disable extra programs you don't need
• Uninstall Trialware from Acer (If you have trialware preloaded from the disk image)
  
• Run Disk Clean Up and Sdelete to Zero unused harddisk space(Write Zeros to unused Space)
• Tweak Firefox and Internet Explorer
  
• Edit the Acer Aspire Shortcut Buttons to point to the programs you want to launch
  
• Remember to burn the recovery partition to DVD if your laptop comes with Vista Preloaded
• Make Windows Start Faster
  

Encounter Weird Laptop Behaviour:

Hardware Reset:

• Remove all power sources including Battery and AC Adapter.
  
• Press and Hold Power Button for 60 Seconds.
  
• Turn on Computer.
  

Possible Solutions:

PLEASE FLASH YOUR BIOS ONLY WHEN YOU NEED THE FIX, DO NOT HAPPILY FLASH WHEN YOU LIKE IT ACCIDENTS CAN OCCUR.

• Update BIOS Acer Aspire 4530 BIOS 1.3334 here (1.3335 has a weird bug)

Need to Recover Preloaded Acer Disk Image:

• Try to recover it first by holding Down Alt-F12 on Boot (With D2D Recovery Enabled in BIOS (F2)) if it doesn't work follow this

I installed Vista myself but get a Blue Screen of Death if I selected AHCI Mode in BIOS

• Solution

I want to install Windows Xp in AHCI mode but Windows Xp cannot detect Disk Driver when BIOS is in AHCI mode

• Solution
  

Solution

If you encounter Blue Screen Of Death, note the error messages + Check the Event Viewer logs and post the offending files below.If the BSOD occurs randomly it can be due to damaged RAM.

Run memtest86 to test for faulty RAM.(Press F8 in Vista to select Memtest86 test)

Wireless Not Detected Properly.

• Make sure you install the launch manager with the wireless driver.
• The launch manager switch is tied to the wireless card operation.

Dissembling Aspire 4530 - Full Guide

First if your Laptop is still under warranty doing this may void it!

1. If you are not comfortable with opening your laptop do not do it.
   
2. I hold no responsibility for any damage done to your laptop.
   
3. If you follow this guide carefully and do it meticulously nothing bad should happen to it.
4. Do not handle electrical components at the metal contacts or circuit board, hold it by the edges.
5. Read this guide once and fully understand it before proceeding.

1) Disconnect ALL POWER (inclusive of battery pack + AC Power Adapter).

2) Ground yourself to make sure you are free of static.

3)Remove all the dummy SD & PCI Card from the Perimeter of the laptop.

Unscrew the screws circled in Red.

Then using a flat-head screw driver and lever the catches boxed in Green.

The laptop support pads are boxed in Blue if any of them fall off reattach them with new double sided tape.

The front panel should pop up as shown.

Gently pry it out.

You should see the following:

The left box shows the White Connector which consist of VGA/Monitor Port + Webcam port

Above it is the LCD Monitor Grounding Cable

Below it is the Microphone Cable

The right box shows the Wireless Antenna Cable for extended Range Detection of Wireless Networks

Removing the Keyboard

Next pry out the keyboard gently

The Flat Ribbon Cable is the PS/2 Port

Lever the Connector and disconnect the Cable

DO NOT BREAK SUCH CONNECTORS ON THE MOTHERBOARD IF THEY ARE BROKEN YOU HAVE TO GET A NEW MOTHERBOARD !

You should see something like the above

Next flip the laptop around and remove all the screws circled in Red.

It is actually ALL the screws you can see at the base.

Removing the Harddisk

Next, Unscrew the screws circled in Red (3 from the Harddisk Region, 2 from the Wireless Card Region).

Disconnect the Wireless Antenna from the Card boxed in Yellow by levering it out.

Don't pull it out vertically !

I noticed in my room white wire on top, black wire below, gives better connectivity.

Disconnect & remove the harddisk by sliding it towards the right and pull it out via the black flap.

Next unscrew the screws circled in Red (3 in the Harddisk Region).

Removing the LCD Monitor

Flip the laptop around.

Disconnect the box in blue and unscrew the screws circled in Red.

The top blue box holds the VGA Monitor Connector and the WebCam Connector.

The bottom blue box holds the Microphone Connector Cable.

The Red Circle above the top blue box hold the Monitor Grounding Cable.

Notice there are engravings beside the red circles.

60 stands for 60mm screw the long ones

45 stands for 45mm screw the short ones

There are only 2 types of screw you will encounter in this guide.

When removing the Monitor make sure you don't pull it out vertically, you might damage the plastic cable groove.

Follow the groove and remove it.

Next unscrew the screw circled in Red and disconnect the connectors boxed in blue.

The blue box on the Left is the Audio Connector for the laptop internal stereo speakers.

The blue box in the Centre is the Connector for the Acer ShortCut Buttons Panel.

The blue box on the Right is the PS/2 Connector for the Synaptics Touchpad.

The blue box on the Top is the Power Switch and LED Light module (The green circuit board on the top).

Removing the DVD Drive

The yellow box indicates the CMOS Battery (replaceble) you don't need to remove it.

In Case you need the CMOS battery data:

ML 1220 MAXWELL 3V (Rechargeable)

Next Slide out the DVD Drive by pushing it out towards the Right.

Unscrew the screw circled in Red (There are 2, 1 at the Top Right Corner, 1 at the Centre) .

Notice there is a screw like symbol beside each of them.

Here comes the difficult part.

It is now possible to separate the casing from the motherboard but there is one obstacle.

It is the Audio Adjustment Knob Region boxed in Red.

The Audio Adjustment Knob is integrated to the motherboard separating it from the motherboard is impossible.

So you have to carefully push the casing down so you can create a gap at the audio adjustment knob to pull the motherboard out.

Start prying from the top right corner.

DO THIS SLOWLY!

REMEMBER HASTE MAKE WASTE !

DON'T BREAK THE MOTHERBOARD BY OVER-STRAINING IT !

ENSURE ALL SECTION OF THE MOTHERBOARD IS WELL-SUPPORTED!

Heat sink Removal

Unscrew the screw circled in Red and disconnect the connector boxed in blue to remove the heatsink.

I will not post a picture of the dissembled outcome as I had applied an excellent layer of Arctic Silver 5.

If I remove it I have to reapply it.

To get a nice layer it takes a lot of time and patience more then the time taken to dissemble this laptop.

In short

Remove the thermal pad on the GPU.

Clean the GPU surface, CPU surface and Heatsink surface with Rubbing Alcohol (Google)

DO NOT USE WATER AS IT IS A GOOD ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR!

Spread high quality thermal paste over the GPU and CPU surface (I recommend Arctic Cooling MX-2 or Arctic Silver 5).

Replace the parts.

Removing the Bluetooth

Turn the motherboard around

The bottom yellow box is the bluetooth card

There is 1 screw holding it

The top 2 boxes is the unused USB Connectors.

For Future purpose if you suddenly need to add a Wireless 3G card which has internal USB for Laptops you can use them.

Note:

You don't have to remove the motherboard from the casing to gain access to the USB Connectors or Bluetooth.

Removing Internal Speaker and Touchpad

Turn the plastic cover you removed around.

You will see screws to remove the Internal Speakers and Touchpad.

Just unscrew and remove them accordingly.

Note:

You don't have to remove the motherboard from the casing to gain access to the USB Connectors or Bluetooth.

It took me a long time to come up with this very simplified guide so please show appreciation by clicking the google ads if it helps you =)

To reassemble it just reverse the process.

WHEN IN DOUBT ASK!

Reformating & Disk Erasure of Harddisk

For some of you who seldom perform OS re installation you might not know the differences clearly.

First, reformatting is usually done when the operating system is corrupted beyond repair.

Usually when your machine is bogged down a lot of malware, reformatting solves the issue faster than finding fixes for each malware.

Personally, I prefer reformatting because certain types of malware corrupts System Files beyond repair.

What reformatting does is that it destroys the partition tables and recreate them.

In Windows it would be C:\ partition.

The old data is still present but it is no longer readable by normal methods as all the references to the old data is overwritten (It is like the content page is destroyed hence the book appears as new because all indexes are gone, the old data is still present but there is no link to access them properly) but this is a "as good as new" for end users who want a new OS installation.

Disk Erasure Tools is usually used by organizations with highly sensitive information.

Tools such as DBAN or Secure Erase removes all traces of data by overwriting the whole hard disk with other data.

Differences between DBAN and Secure Erase

• DBAN writes by Sector therefore when bad sectors are redirected data erasure maybe incomplete. However Secure Erase writes by Cylinders so complete data erasure is guaranteed.
• DBAN takes a longer time compared to Secure Erase.

Why is this so?

Secure Erase is the standard included by hard disk manufacturers to clear sensitive data as a feature requested by governmental organizations.

Quoted from the Data Sanitisation Tutorial

Complete eradication of user data off drives can be accomplished by running data Secure Erasure utilities such as the freeware “HDDerase” downloadable here. It executes the Federally-approved (NIST 800-88) Secure Erase command in the ATA ANSI standard, which is implemented in all recent ATA drives greater than 15-20 GB. A similar command in the SCSI ANSI standard is optional and not yet implemented in drives tested. Normal Secure Erase takes 30-60 minutes to complete. Some ATA drives also implement the standard Enhanced Secure Erase command that takes only milliseconds to complete.

It uses a standard ATA set hard disk native instruction set to wipe the entire drive quickly.

You might have heard that 1 or 2 pass of overwriting might not be enough to clean the hard drive however this is not true as nowadays hard disk comes in high density capacity.

For a similar sized hard disk 5-10 years ago it can only contain like 30 or less GBs.

Hence when you overwrite such high capacity hard disk it is impossible to recreate the original data.

An analogy I can think of would be you have 2 trays of coloured arranged sand, one fine, one coarse.

If you imagine each particle to be data, if I substitute half with sand particles of another colour randomly, the tray with the fine sand will look more messed up then the tray with coarse particles.

Sdelete is like a DBAN inside Windows.

What it does using the -c (clean command) is it takes all the unused hard disk space and overwrites them.

You can also use it to overwrite the data region for a particular file.

Usually when you delete something in Windows it only remove the reference to the file and marks the region from occupied to unused.

When you use sdelete, it will remove the reference to the file and overwrites the region with random data before marking it from occupied to unused.

I hope you understand more about hard disk from this simple introduction.

Microsoft Laptop Selector

Well I came across this link from one of the formers.

It is suppose to recommend the computers you according to needs.

I will only ask you to use this tool to see what selection you can make, it is far more accurate than those salesmen in Computer Stores.

However as of yet there are only 64 laptops in the database fairly limited, however the database is expected to be expanded.

AMD Laptops only account for 2/64 of the laptops in the database.

It is quite obvious this "tool" is designed to counter "Mac purchase simplicity".

What about desktops?

My recommendation for Desktop is to build your own, for best value for money without sacrificing performance.

Microsoft Silverlight is required for certain functions in the Computer Selector.

Game Benchmark on Aspire 4530

The benchmark of the game someone asked for.

The resolution playable at this framerate is 640X480 Fullscreen. 

Windows 7 Feature Check

Here is a software to check the capabilities of your System with Windows 7 

From http://www.grc.com/

The name is Securable

The first section shows you what Operating System bit you can run on you computer.

• If you have 64bit appearing you can run both 64bit and 32bit Windows 7
  
• If you have 32bit appearing you can only run 32bit Windows 7

The second section check if the processor support Hardware DEP.

• It checks if your Processor support hardware data flagging function to prevent buffer overrun to prevent malware exploits.

The third section checks if it can support the hardware virtualisation mode in Windos 7

• VT support check if your Processor can support Windows Xp Virtualisation in Windows 7
  

Result of Changing Thermal Paste

(Temperatures at idle)

This is the new temperature reading after I changed the thermal paste.

Notice the new low reading especially on the GPU.

The reason is because Acer uses a thermal pad to conduct heat away from the GPU which is pretty inefficient.

After I changed the thermal pad and the original thermal paste, which is silicon based, the new temperatures are lower.

Originally the Processor Temperature is 60-70degrees.

Now it is 50-60 degrees at normal load 40-50 at idle.

Original the GPU is nearly 70 degrees now it is nearly 60 degrees.

10 degrees difference that is a lot.

(Temperatures while Gaming)

The temperature for the GPU used to exceed 100 degrees when gaming as some of you have experienced

Now it even barely hits 90 degrees (With elevated platform to allow airflow).

Hence I recommend if you want to game, please replace the factory thermal paste with high quality ones like Arctic Silver 5 or MX-2 if you are able to get one.

Arctic Cooling MX-2 is better as it is non-conductive, no cure time required and easier to apply.

Dissembly Guide here.

Example of the thermal pad use to transfer heat from the GPU to heatsink

In the Acer Aspire 4530 Air enters the laptop through the bottom and exits through the rear so for better ventilation try to prop the laptop bottom on an elevated platform to improve thermal circulation.

Full Dissembly Guide here

I Hate Windows 7 RC

When Windows 7 RC was released I decided to give it a try to see if it was really living up to the numerous thumbs up it was given.

I downloaded Windows 7 RC 32bit because it was much smaller than the 64bit evalution version.

First there are quite a number of improvements over Windows 6 (aka Vista).

Responsiveness:

The time taken to load folders and preview is a vast improvement over Windows Vista.
It makes Vista seem like a silly snail.
I daresay say the speed either is as good as or even better than Windows Xp!
The entire OS work seemlessly to produce no unnessary delay for User Experience

Appearance:

The appearance is really well designed especially the themes.

I remember there was a PC vs Mac vs Linux parody on Appearance.
Well the Linux among most of you know that it is totally customizable short of tearing out the GUI and replacing it with the terminal which is also possible.
So it was depicted the "Linux" could change "jackets" and image while OS X and Windows couldn't.

In Windows 7 the approach to this was unique.
While you are not able customize the taskbar to the extend of Linux, it was the translucent color scheme and the high quality wallpaper that gives you a totally different feeling when using a different theme, hence I feel it was able to achieve the desired "theme" effect.

Backward Compatibility:

I have to give 5 stars for this all the device work out of box even while using Vista Drivers.
There was no silly messages saying "This driver is not for Windows 7 ..." etc.
Vista or Windows 7 drivers, both works.
It is due to Microsoft deciding not to change the driver framework further to make installation living hell for us users.
Hence you can expect almost all Vista Compatible Device to be Windows 7 compatible as well.

Usability:

Windows 7 is very fast and responsive as I mentioned above.
It was so speedy even though tweaks still exist, I find it redundant to tweak the System.
It is able to keep up with user behaviour any better you have to tweak the user to be faster instead.

File operations (copy,paste,cut) are fast. They have finally return to the Xp speed era.
No matter how fast I tweaked Vista, file operations performance was something that never changed until the advent of Windows 7.

Also Web Browser Windows are integrated into the taskbar to prevent cluttering. This might need some getting use to as you might be surprise when you don't see the taskbar box of the Web Browser minimised.

UAC no longer pop up as frequently. If you did not install any programs you wonder if UAC even existed in Windows 7.

Some basic programs that underwent a makeover:

• Paint now feels and look more professional.
• Windows Media Player looks fundamentally similar but has some visible upgrades.
• The Control Panel UI has under went some interface changes you might get lost occasionally but you will be able to find your way eventually.

Improvements to be made:

• IE 8 still lack a spell check
• Integrated Zip Utility leaves much to be desired

All in all it is obvious Windows 7 seems like a major improvement over Vista AND Xp.
Whoever says Windows 7 sucks or something either haven't tried it before or is a Mac zealot.
You can see effort put into the UI, design and usability of the OS.


Now you may start wondering why is the title of this blog entry critical of Windows 7 when I found Windows 7 to be so great.

It is because it is still in evaluation period.
However great it is I still have to wait for the release to be able to use it as a proper OS.
It is like tying a carrot to a stick and hanging it over your head.
You can smell it, see it but can't eat it.
Until then I am stuck with a lousier Vista OS for my production system.


Windows 7 has become one reason you don't need a expensive Macbook.
Any guesses what the next Mac Ad might be ?

Aspire 4530 WEI

The new paint toolbar

Microsoft attempts to address the 4GB addresses issues (pardon the pun)

Recently I tried the Xp emulator mode which works only if your system support hardware virtualisation.

AMD Processor users rejoice. All recent AMD Processor supports HyperVisor except the Sempron Series.

While Intel tried to be funny. They enabled Hypervisor only on certain chips as "high end" capability.

While trying out Xp mode in Windows 7 it hung when I tried to do intensive stuff.

Anyway it is still beta and I should have done it on Windows 7 64bit instead.

How to upgrade Vista 32bit to 64bit using your original license key

Firstly I don't support piracy, please do this only if you have the original Vista License Sticker (Above) on your System.

The reason I am doing this post is because OEM Vendors usually install Vista 32bit on Retail Systems, however you can get more performance on your system if you used a 64bit OS instead, it is unfair to users to bear the system limitations.

What this guide is good for?

• You want a bloatware free Vista Install at the same time you don't want to purchase another Vista License.
• You want to upgrade your original 32bit Vista to 64bit Vista
• You lost the original recovery partition and do not have the recovery cd and yet you don't want to buy the recovery cd or a new Vista License.

NOTE: This will only work for Laptops or OEM Desktops preloaded with OEM Vista as these Systems has a special SLIC 2.0 BIOS which enables OEM Activation.

Do not message me HERE on how to make this work on Systems that do not have OEM Vista preloaded with it.

Lets take for example the Acer Aspire 4530 Laptop (Tested).

On a Vista Client 32bit OS it can only utilise up to 2.8GB of RAM regardless of the Total RAM available.

(Maximium usable RAM is 3GB in all 32bit Vista Editions)

However on a Vista Client 64bit OS it can support up to 3.8GB of RAM

(Assuming you have the maximum 4GB installed)

The performance difference is significant 1.0GB difference.(the missing 0.2 is due to 9100MG Integrated Graphics).

Backup All Your Important Data Before Proceding !

1. Firstly google and prepare all the 64bit Vista Drivers you need.
   
2. Next take any retail copy of Vista (or download an uncracked version from Bittorrent. There is no need to get a retail CD-Key as we will be using OEM CD-Key) and install the type you own.
   

Example if you have a Vista Home Premium License Sticker, install the Vista Home Premium Version.

• Uncheck Automatically Activate When Online, and Do Not type in any Product Key.
  

After installing and setting up the OS, download the Acer OEM Certificate and put it inside :

C:\Windows\system32\OEM

If you don't have the folder, create it.

Then open up a Command Windows with Vista Administrative Permission and Enter the Commands below.

slmgr.vbs -ilc C:\Windows\System32\OEM\Acer.xrm-ms

Next, choose one of the Acer OEM Keys shown below the version you have installed in your system:

Note the OEM Keys are NOT UNIQUE meaning EVERY Acer Laptop which has Vista Preloaded is using one of the following CD-Keys, depending on the version of Vista.

Then Activate

Then install the 64bit drivers.

You are done.

Note: The Activation is done offline, you do not need any internet connection to do this.

If you have other Vendor laptops, PM me for their respective OEM Certs and CD-Key if you need it.

Use this keyfinder to check your current OEM License Key and match it to the appropriate OEM Certificate

Gateway & Emachines Cerfitifcate Download

HP & Compaq Certificate Download

Toshiba Certificate Download (There are 4 Certs try the correct one)

ASUS Certificate Download

Sony Certificate Download

Fujitsu Certificate Download

The Windows 7 Clean Install Instruction is here