This guide covers how to install Windows XP on the Gateway P-6831FX, it also works for many other laptops in the Gateway FX series.
To install Windows XP on the laptop you will need an XP installer disc, duh! The installer disc that I am using has Service Pack 2 slipstreamed onto it. You will also need internet access and some way to transfer files to the laptop other than a network connection because neither the wireless or wired internet connections will work out-of-the-box after installing XP. You will need to get the wireless and wired networking drivers to the laptop via USB Drive, CD-R/DVD-R, or by removing the hard drive and connecting it to a different computer that is capable of using a SATA hard drive. I used a CD-RW to get the drivers onto the laptop and later found out that I could plug the hard drive into my desktop computer using SATA to transfer all my files over to it.
Before Installing XP
Of course you should back up all your files and use the Gateway recovery software to create a backup of your Windows Vista drivers before doing anything else. Installing Windows XP will void your warranty, I know this is ridiculous, but I have even called Gateway’s “Customer Care” to confirm it, so think that over before you continue.
- Download this guide as a .txt document.
- Download the auto installation program for the laptop’s LAN drivers.
- Download the Wireless networking drivers for the laptop from Gateway’s website.
- Put these files on a USB Drive or burn them to a disc so you will be able to install them on the laptop and then have internet access.
- Start or restart the computer.
- At the Gateway boot-up screen press F10 to enter the BIOS setup, then use the arrow keys to navigate to the “Advanced” tab and set “SATA Controller Mode Option” to “Compatibility”. This disables AHCI mode, which isn’t needed if you don’t have a hard drive RAID set up, it also allows the Windows XP Setup to detect the SATA hard drive without needing to install any drivers for it.
- Once you have set it to Compatibility press F10 to Save and Exit. The computer will reboot.
Install XP
- Insert your Windows XP installation CD in the DVD tray and press F2 at the Gateway Boot-up screen to enter the boot menu, then choose to boot from the DVD drive.
- Install Windows XP.
- Once you are at the desktop you can fix the desktop resolution for now by right clicking on the desktop, opening “Properties“, going to the “Settings” tab, and setting the resolution to “1440 x 900 pixels“.
Install Network Drivers
- Copy the files from Before Installing XP’s Step 4 to your desktop from whatever media type you stored them on.
- Extract the files from PCIE_Install_5686(installshield 12_1.16)_0219.zip
- Open the PCIE_Install_5686(installshield 12_1.16)_0219 directory and run Setup.exe to install the Realtek LAN Driver.
- Run D00734-001-001.exe
- Navigate to C:\cabs\D00734-001-001\XP\Drivers\ and run DPInst32.exe to install the Intel Wireless Driver
Install Intel Chipset Drivers
- Download Intel Chipset Drivers.
- Extract the files from infinst_autol.zip
- Run Setup.exe
- Reboot the laptop.
Install .NET Framework 3.5
- Download Windows Installer 3.1
- Run WindowsInstaller-KB893803-v2-x86.exe
- Download .NET Framework 3.5
- Run dotNetFx35setup.exe
IDT/SigmaTel Audio Driver
- Download the IDT/SigmaTel Audio Driver from Gateway.
- Run D20253-001-001.exe
- Navigate to C:\cabs\D20253-001-001\HDAQFE\xpsp2\us\ and run kb888111xpsp2.exe to install the High Definition Audio Driver Package – KB888111.
- Download 92XXM4-10DM.INI and Sthda.ini
- Move 92XXM4-10DM.INI and Sthda.ini to C:\cabs\D20253-001-001\WDM\WinXP\, replacing the existing files.
- Open the Device Manager by clicking Start > Run (or by pressing WinLogo+R) and typing “devmgmt.msc” in the run box and clicking “OK”.
- Under “Unknown Devices” right-click on “Audio Device on High Definition Audio Bus” and select “Update Driver“.
- In the Update Wizard select “No, not this time,” then choose to “install from a list or specific location“.
- Include this location in the search: C:\cabs\D20253-001-001\WDM\WinXP\ and Windows will install the drivers.
Modem Driver
- Download the Modem Driver from Gateway.
- Run D20185-002-001.exe
- Navigate to C:\Cabs\D20185-002-001\ and run Setup.exe
Synaptics Device Drivers
- Download the Synaptics Device Drivers for the Synaptics TouchPad. Make sure it’s the Windows XP one.
- Run Synaptics_Driver_v10_1_8_XP32.exe
- Double-click the Synaptics Pointing Device icon in the System Tray (lower right corner of screen) to configure it.
The right side of your TouchPad should scroll properly now.
NVIDIA Display Driver
At this time the NVIDIA website does not have drivers for the GeForce 8800M series, instead it tells you to check the laptop manufacturer’s website. Gateway doesn’t have these drivers on their website for XP users, so download a forceware driver and use a modified INF file.
- Download the NVIDIA ForceWare 167.58 driver for Windows XP and the Modded INF file. The Modded INF file is to the right of the driver.
- Run 16758.exe
- Move nv4dispd.inf, the Modded INF file, into 171.16\167.58\. “Yes,” you would like to replace the existing one with this one.
- Run Setup.exe
- Reboot the laptop.
Windows Updates
Do not install “A-FOUR TECH CO.,LTD. – Input Devices – Compatible USB Port Mouse,” it is an optional hardware update and gives you a BSOD. If you accidentally do install it then your computer will restart itself, press F8 at boot for Windows boot options and then choose to boot with the last known good configuration.
Bluetooth Drivers
Download and install the latest Broadcom Bluetooth Drivers.
The installer will place a “My Bluetooth Places” icon on the desktop, I made a registry file that will delete it. Download the registry file, run it, and then refresh your desktop by clicking on it and pressing the F5 key.
Wallpapers
Wallpapers are available here: gateway_p-6831fx_wallpapers.zip
Service Pack 3
Upgrading to SP3 from SP2 may break the drivers, I have successfuly got audio working with these steps on both a SP2 and SP3 slipstream installs. SP3 users can skip the step involving the KB888111 patch.
Does anyone have the 94.29 bios driver? I for some reason updated the bios to 94.28 and now all i get is the blue screen of daeth and unable to do anything.
@Justin: I am using the 94.28 driver without any problems. Go into your BIOS and make sure you have it setup for your new CPU.
I just found out that the P8600 isn’t compatible with ithe P6860. That was my problem. So I ordered a T9300 from Newegg.
Also check this site for the 6860, amazing price if anyone is interested.
http://www.compusa.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4090488&Sku=S445-P6860&SRCCODE=LSCMPUSA&cm_mmc_o=-ddCjC1bELltzywCjC-d2CjCdwwp&AffiliateID=c3ojeFcnCdo-p8.7iIEKZWVPvghjMEIuiw
Ummmm after reading my last entry i myself became confused so i am just going to try something else for the noobs out there. here is a link —> http://rapidshare.com/files/169375971/P6860FXSoundXP.rar.html <— to my sound driver i have currently running on windows xp professional x64. download the sound driver and extract it to your desktop. Inside you will find 2 .reg files and the sound driver folder. now press the ” Windows key + R ” to bring up the run panel and type devmgmt.msc to get to device manager. from here your going to want to click on the IDT High Definition Audio Codec or the unknown device on the hd audio bus if this is your first install of the driver and click the driver tab. Now click the update driver button and then from here select ” no not this time ” \ ” install from a specific location ” and now browse to the sound driver folder you extracted to your desktop and install the audio driver if it asks for sthda64.sys then simply direct it to the same folder and install your sound driver. Reboot your computer and when windows is up and running press the ” Windows key + R ” and type ” regedit ” and browse to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E96C-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318} and check to see which folder has a plus sign next to it. If it is 0015 then you are good to go and can go back to the P6860FXSoundXP folder on your desktop and double click the .reg files to enable your internal mic and hdmiout once you have done this reboot your computer and everything will work as it should. In the case that you have a number other then 0015 in the registry then you will have to open up the .reg files and change all the 0015′s to w/e number has a plus sign next to it. when your done double click the .reg files and reboot the computer. As i said before the gateway webcam str8 suxx so i recommend blaze media pro if you want to record yourself with the webcam or the latest vlc media player. Both programs are great for recording audio and video. Do not use compression of any kind with any program do this afterwards with something like quicktime or tmpgenc. also bring up the IDT control panel and make sure that the recorder of choice is set to the digital mic not the cd player. I have tested this driver with all messengers currently popular and none have any issues with sound or video quality. and last but not least Enjoy this wonderfull machine its not gateways fault that they had to release vista with this they are locked into a contract with microsoft you should thank them for bundling such great components inside the case for 1300$. and also IDT is not worth blaming as they make chips not drivers i know this has been frustrating for all of us and i would like to thank TINMAN for his excellent webpage to be able to downgrade this Beast to what it was meant to do. also for all you tech geeks out there who want to upgrade your processor dont its not worth the 300$. This machine is able to do anything you need running x64 i recently upgraded my ram to 16gbs and (yes the system will see it dont believe the hype) I have only 29 processes running with a total of 276mbs of ram used. also one last thing the people who are all about the raid stuff its unneeded on a laptop you are wasting time fiddling with that stuff. also be sure to get the latest drivers for nvidia 180.70 and also get the update for that driver 180.70.1 as it fixes everything that was wrong with the last drivers. im now hitting 18,468 3dmarks for those wanting to know. ok hopefully someone out there can use this post to good effect and if TINMAN could delete my previous post that would be great ok every 1 merry christmas RhinoXeros
RhinoXeros thank you so much for the guide you posted, and the reg files you provided. My mic is now working perfectly under XP, I have yet to try the HDMI but I’m confident it will work as well, and merry Christmas to you as well!
Hey guys, I just got my 6860 and i installed xp on it, but I can’t get the modem to install. I’m running the 64 bit version. Any help on getting this resolved? I’ve tried the steps above but they did not work for me. Any help would be appreciated.
Has anyone had any trouble getting spdif optical out to work? The analog works great but I can’t seem to get the digital to light up.
RhinoXeros, your 64-bit driver fix is not on RapidShare anymore. Is it possible to host it somewhere like mediafire.com or sendspace.com?
Hey guys, does anyone know how to get the volume to display on the screen with the volume buttons. I know the buttons work, but I can’t tell how loud it is unless I listen to something. If anyone knows of an app to get this to work that would be great.
@Tyler: I have them mirrored here: http://neonpulse.net/media/2008/03/06/comments/P6860FXSoundXP.rar
I have mic on xp working with RhinoXeros method, but i have tested hdmi audio out and it is not working. There is no option to audio hdmi out at the audio options after i plug hdmi cable at my gateway 6860fx. I have made step by step as you mentioned and the 0015 has the plus signal at regedit, but even like this hdmi sound out is not working
please give me some help i would like to play at my lcd tv using hdmi out sound under xp x64. how to activate the hdmi out sound under xp
Hello All
I search in the Drivers page of Gateway and they release the xp (x32/x64) official drivers of P6860 FX
Install It, this driver may be have support for the mic and sound related thinks as well.
Grettings for Mexico!
Have a nice holidays.
I forgot the link there is it http://support.gateway.com/support/drivers/getFile.asp?id=22199&dscr=IDT/SigmaTel%20Audio%20Driver%20Version:%206.10.5939.0&uid=217669022
direct download
ftp://esupport:vImvF88@ftp.gateway.com/pub/hardware_support/drivers/win_vista/audio/IDT_Audiov5939.zip
Hi having a problem with installing the Intel Matrix SATA Mass Storage driver. I left this as the last item to install. When I attempt to run the setup (D20109-001-001) its says I do not have the minimum requirements. Which is strange as I have updated to SP3 and every other driver that was posted on your sight.
Any help would be great!
thanks
@Dotcalm1: Hi, first make sure that your model is compatible with the driver and located on the list here: http://support.gateway.com/support/drivers/getFile.asp?id=21310&uid=218166275
Usually when drivers say that you do not meet the minimum requirements it means that you do not have or that it cannot detect the hardware that the driver is for.
i got the 6831 for Xmas and love it i put WinXP x64 on it but i cant get the modem working. Any one get this resolved?
Hello, I have a gateway P-7811 Fx, & I was wondering, if the Fingerprint Reader is installed in my laptop but just not enabled?? or is it an upgrade that I would have to pay for?? because when I try to use it it says, you must connect the reader to the usb port. That leades me to believe that it might be installed but not enabled, The charge a hefty premium to enable it.
If you have the fingerprint reader it is visible between the left and right click buttons.
ohhh okay… Thanks.
hey, first of all, im going to downgrade to winxp sp3, hopefully get everything working, i took my time and read eeeeevery post so i dont mess this laptop up.. since i bought it in the us, but now im in argentina (im argentinian btw XD)
tinman, i have a few questions.. i believe my warranty is about to expire, and im not planing to go the us in the next months (is going to expire in march 2009), so.. i dont care if i lose the warranty
but here’s the main question, is there any purpose to keep the 10gbs partition? can i just format it, and install winxp there? then resize it to.. let’s say, 40gbs? why im a asking that? its just because i have the C partition pretty much full… and.. i dont have an extra large HD to back up all my staff, im kinda scared with doing this since i dont know what’s that partition for.. i once had a compaq desktop computer, and it had the same thing, a restore drive, i deleted it, and installed winME and worked fine, never needed that partition… so what would you say? should i format it? in that case.. how could i install winxp on that partition, and how to delete winvista later on?
oh and… really.. THANKS for this guide, i’ve learned a lot from it
ps: i have this link http://www.synaptics.com/about/press/press-releases/synaptics-adds-two-innovative-advanced-gestures-its-growing-library-touch , i found that out while i was looking for the drivers.. but.. i dont understand, i can do that via software? or is a new kind of touchpads?
thanks, and.. happy new year
and thanks rinoxeros
, he’s a pro too ^^
are there drivers for the webcam and bluetooth? if so, does anyone have a link to them?
@Leonardo: I recall that 10gb partition being the Vista recovery partition, so no, it is not needed. You can delete it, create a new partition on the space, and install XP on there. Before you do that, defragment your other partition – you should do this because later on you will be resizing it to be 30gb smaller if you are making the 10gb into a 40gb partition and anytime you cut space off of one partition it is best to have all of the files defragmented so resizing doesn’t corrupt any of them. That process is safe to do, just take your time, be careful, make sure you’re doing the right things to the right partitions. I personally would try to purchase or borrow an external HDD from someone to backup the files on it.
From the article it sounds like it is done via software and would be in their latest Synaptics driver, I will have to check it out.
@Zach: The webcam works out-of-the-box with XP and doesn’t require the installation of any drivers. Bluetooth drivers can be found here: http://www.broadcom.com/products/bluetooth_update.php
Very big, no, BIGGEST thank you very match from Russia!
Your help is so great…
@VMZ: Great to hear that it is useful in Russia!
Dear TinMan! May I to ask you my last question?
After all operations three “Unknown device” are present with word “ACPI” in their “Properties”… Some ACPI drivers are needed? I need you can help me.
@VMZ: Those are for Windows Vista’s direct application launch, XP isn’t capable of using that application so you do not need drivers for it.
From where i can download drivers ????
Thanks, TinMan! Happy New Year!
well, rhino
i now have have a p6860 running on xp64 bit thx to you. i cant thank you enough! i’ve have my gateway for 4 months now, and i have struggled with literally everything. thx to your noob guide, everything is working……….with the exception of my hotkeys(volume works)everything works. it’s like a brand new(faster)laptop.
hahah you should start a site that accepts donations.
thanks again
This link might help with setting your application launch keys.
http://www.overclock.net/laptops-notebook-computers/293505-gateway-fx-laptop-series-thread-mods.html
@Jerops: I am not sure, but I think those registry keys only work in Vista as they’re what you get (as a .reg file) from Gateway if you try to download the Vista drivers for it.
JEROPS: The thread shows some mangled registry keys. I could not find the same keys on my Tiny XP install.
But I did notice what was not clearly pointed out anyway. Only the 1st 3 multimedia keys do not work in XP, the rest do fine with Winamp in XP. The Mute and volume controls work on Windows XP by itself. Here is what I figured out:
RIGHT ARROW? - Vista – Start Windows Media Center
MUSIC - Vista – Start Windows Media Center MUSIC
DVD - Vista – Start Windows Media Center DVD
PLAY/PAUSE - works in XP
STOP - works in XP
RWD - works in XP
FFWD - works in XP
Mute - works in XP
Volume Bar - works in XP
A little more clear (multi-media buttons, left to right):
RIGHT ARROW? - Vista – Start Windows Media Center
MUSIC - Vista – Start Windows Media Center MUSIC
DVD - Vista – Start Windows Media Center DVD
PLAY/PAUSE - works in XP (app’s with multimedia key support)
STOP - works in XP (app’s with multimedia key support)
RWD - works in XP (app’s with multimedia key support)
FFWD - works in XP (app’s with multimedia key support)
Mute - works in XP
Volume Bar - works in XP
I’m trying to get the wireless drivers off the address posted above and it won’t take me to a workable link. I have the p-6831fx, can someone post a workable link or a direct download for it please. thank you
It works fine for me – http://support.gateway.com/support/drivers/getFile.asp?id=21292&uid=220561869
What is the hotkey to activate the webcam on the 6831?
Great guide man used it but I am having problem with the sound being unbalanced
does anyone know where i can get a backlit keyboard for my p6860?
i typed this using XP 64 bit, by the way
hahaha
Nvidia released WHQL drivers for windows XP x64 so here they are
http://www.nvidia.com/object/geforce_notebook_winxp64_179.28_beta.html
also for people using Photoshop CS4 64bit here’s the reg entry you need to enable it. hit the windows key + r and @ run type regedit. now navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Adobe\Photoshop\11.0 and enter a new DWORD value named AllowoldGPUS give it a hex value of 1 and close regedit. open up Photoshop CS4 64bit and click edit\preferences\performance and then enable the gpu. ok hope this helps L8r
ok after testing the whql driver release i advise not to install this driver. it out the 8800 into and endless loop and fryed the chip so im waiting on the repair warranty from gateway to fix this issue again do not use the whql drver stick with the modded infs 185.20 i believe is latest ok later days
Hi RhinoXeros is it possible for you to reupload that registry fix you that uploaded to fix the sound and mic please? thanx
http://neonpulse.net/media/2008/03/06/comments/
Sound fix there.
Ok the mic works I havent tested the hdmi, but the sound is still unbalanced the right speaker is so much lower than the left, btw I’m using the p-6831 fx laptop
hi TinMan, thank for you Sound fix, but not understand how install, I need use the mic , which file run first and which run second thank very much and sorry for my bad english
ready! solved problem thanks
Thanks – great instruction.
But I need some HELP.
I couldn’t download Bluetooth XP drivers – site doesn’t work anymore:
Broadcom is presently updating this software download site. It is expected to be operational again by the end of April 2009. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Guys – would you please send me these drivers on email – AndrSvirskiy@mail.ru
FYI – I have Gateway P-6860FX.
Thanks in advance.
This might help: http://www.google.com/search?q=BTWInitialUpdate.exe
Does anyone know how to get rid of the sound control panel? not the windows speaker icon, but the one that is installed with the sound card. i can not find a ‘show in task bar’ at all.
@hankhill11: Windows Key + R (run) > msconfig > OK > Startup tab and look for it in there.
somebody have the bluetooth driver? because BTWInitialUpdate.exe say device not was detected. tanks!