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.
Hey guys, I have a P-7811fx. I just ditched Vista and installed XP Pro that was slipstreamed with SP3. I am having a hell of a time with the audio. Can someone please help me out? Thanks so much!
I have the same problem as hidroxicut with the bluetooth drivers. The broadcom exe doesn’t recognize any bluetooth device. Sound is too quiet, the hot keys at the top don’t work, integrated microphone doesn’t work. Please help!!!
ok every 1 today is finally the day i can exude my utmost respect for the gateway corporation. for those of you who have read my previous posts as to how to get the p6860fx running with windows xp 64 bit i will no longer be of service to you. back in january i tried to get the offical nvidia drivers released on nvidia site running on the rig and after about 2 hours of it working it blew the computer up literally so i talked to gateway and was told to send the unit to gateway repair in texas as it was still under warranty well that was 2 and a half months ago after i was told that it would take 7 to 14 business days to repair. it just so turns out that acer has bought gateway and the repair facility is unable to access the parts in storage of the gateway company until everything is sorted out. So as a sign of redemption and quality i have come to know from gateway they have scrapped my p6860fx that was under warranty with windows xp 64 bit installed which goes against tin mans statement that you void your warranty and have sent me the new gateway p7808-u fx which just arrived today and is allowing me to type these words to you yes it has vista and yes i will be working on getting windows xp 64 bit installed on it i will repost later on how to do this for any one who purchases this unit feel free to search for the specs on the p7808-u fx and you will see why i have nothing but love for gateway ok my peoples and peoplettes have a wonderfull day and go gateway
Has anyone been able to get the optical SPDIF audio output to work? I have the 6831 with 32bit XP SP2.
ok people after fooling around with the p7808-u i have decided to stick with a special version of vista x64 i have stripped down and will no longer be using the xp x64 route. after installing 2 7200 rpm 500gb hdds i got my rating up to 5.9 and its eating vista alive. im sorry for posting here but i feel like the p series laptops have a community and so i am adding my 2 cents to all the forums i can. i am finally happy with vista and am using it for its capabilities that cant be found in xp. i remember when xp came out it had the same issues as vista but after about 5 years it got great despite the reformatting after every 6 months or so to clean up its crap so this is my last post here its been great and thanks every 1 for posting tips and comments and to tinman hell of a site much props to you and i still owe you a beer l8r
Thank you. My grandson’s pawnshop Gateway P-173xFX 64 bit Vista machine is now happily running XP pro 32 bit. Without this information, I would have been toast.
Next is to get sound on with Ubuntu 32 bit. It runs great on 64 bit Ubuntu, but rejects some of the extras, like VLM. (It could easily be my inexperience with 64 bit Ubuntu.) But then, maybe with the new distro coming 23 April…
The object is to dual boot; internet access with Linux, XP for Photoshop and various other Windows only stuff, and 80 NTFS Gig for shared data. (I know, there’s Wine, but it’s not foolproof yet.)
Again, thanks, TinMan!
Just awesome I would have been screwed with my 173 fx. Vista was just bummin me out. Intel pro wireless is still not working but im geting to that…Thanks so much everyone for the great input…
Man you are a LIFESAVER.
I still can’t get IDT/Sigma sound to work. Can someone please help me?
I’m trying to get my sound card to work but I keep getting a message saying “Device cannot start Code 10″. What can i do to rectify this?
TinMan, thanks for the guide it worked well, I didn’t bother to look through all of the comments, but have you found a fix on the built in mic, I would greatly appriciate your help.
nevermind, i just need to know how to use the sound fix, that you have posted in an earlier comment
It is much simpler not to buy Gateway or some other laptop which is Vista-only operating system. I have a computer store in Serbia and I don’t sell ANY computer with Vista preinstalled or Vista-only-accepted OS. People like freedom, and with Vista, there is no choice. Die Vista!
Haha, I agree with you. The only thing is that at the time I bought the laptop it was the only one on the market for its price that had the nvidia 8800M GTS in it.
http://neonpulse.net/media/2008/03/06/comments/
Sound fix there.
TinMan, how do you use this fix?
I did not create or use that sound fix, I am simply mirroring it, but I have extracted and re-compressed it as a .zip file for easier use. The .zip is in the same directory as the .rar and contains the same files.
Hello, I have Gateway P-6322 and can downgrade to Window XP Professional successfully, only 2 function keys with no function(i.e. up and down arrow keys). When I power on the P-6322, the screen is very bright. I can only use “fn” + “F8″ keys to lower the brightness (only 3 levels). If I press “fn” + “up” or “down” arrows key – no response.
I remember on Window Vista O/S, both “fn” + “F8″ and “fn” + “up/down arrow” can work fine. Pls help.. Thanks.
Hi, I have a P-7811FX and just installed Windows XP Professional with SP3. I followed all your steps for installing the sound drivers. Unfortunately, after I do step 9, I get this: Cannot Install This Hardware. The hardware was not installed because the wizard cannot find the necessary software. Like I said before, I did all the steps correctly but still get this message. Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks.
This guide saved me from ripping my hair out after two or three hours of personally searching for all the drivers that I needed for XP. I have a P-172S FX and have everything working EXCEPT the wireless card. I downloaded and installed the driver for the Realtek RTL8187B from the site and the wireless card started working, but it did not show the wireless connection within my house. Now I know its working because my Ipod and my netbook can connect to it but I cannot get it to connect through XP. Any one got any ideas?
What a strange thing that happened to me when I tried to install my XP SP2 OEM disk on my Gateway P6831FX. The high definition bus unknown device did NOT show up when I went to device manager. Now granted this is a straight up SP2 OEM disk so it’s quite old but still – did I miss something?
I have a vague memory of this guide originally having another file that dealt with the high def audio device but it’s only a vague memory and heck, i could be making it up in my head.
Any thoughts? I really want to try and keep SP2 vs. going to SP3 – I don’t thing for gaming purposes SP3 will be much of a problem. My main thought on going SP2 vs. SP3 is the compatibilities built into Vista and Win7 always say XP SP2 vs. SP3.
Ok haven’t been here in awhile so heres what i can offer to people for the the gateway p-series laptops. I know this is kind of out of topic but its worth it to who ever can use it. I have the gateway p7808-u laptop with quadcores and ended up installing windows 7 beta on it to see how it did. Windows 7 is awsome hands down the best operating system ever released by microsoft i also have a mac book pro running snow leopard and windows 7 smashes it as far as i am concerned. windows 7 is everything vista should have been and more its faster then xp ever was and i can honestly say i have had not one issue whatsoever running 64bit ultimate windows 7 all the drivers work great and you shouldnt be running xp on the p series laptops. they were designed for vista and the direct x 10 capabilities but vista straight up sucks so go get the windows 7 Release Candidate from microsoft.com its free to download and install and all you need is a hotmail account to get a serial number ok hope this helps peace!!!
RhinoXeros – that may be true in some\many regards. I too am a big fan of Windows 7. Being an avid gamer (which is an understatement) there are some of my older games that do not like Windows 7. Dungeon Siege comes immediately to mind, the Legends of Aranna flavor. Diablo also runs funny, rainbow effects. But the newer games are beautiful on Win7.
RhinoXeros – I have been to many websites looking for a way to get HDMI audio to work but to no avail. I figured if there is anyone to ask it would be you since you have given the P6860FX OS flexibility.
P-6860FX
Microsoft Windows XP 32-bit
Home Edition
Version 2002
Service Pack 2
I did what you wrote a while ago and I have FN+F4 HMDI working and internal mic but I dont have any audio with my HDMI out. Is there a way to get it working or am I just wasting my time?
Thank you so much for this feed! A friend asked me to install xp on this machine since knows little to nothing about computers but knows he likes xp much much better then vista! But dont most of us? Any how I spent alot of time trying to track down these drivers threw gateways’s support website and other places thinking it would be fairly easy considering this notebook is a year or two old, I figured hey this will be a breeze I’m positive tons of other people have already done this so it wont be a prob! But what do ya know it was a total pain! I did find the ethernet, chipset, and wireless on my own faily easily but the video and modem and a few other items I wasnt even sure what they were becuase the were listed as unknown devices were there and since the hd was already formated when I recieved there were no back up drivers to start with :~( so I made do but I found your feed here and am so greatfull for the wealth of hard work you have done to save me time and effort! Thank you so much for that!
sincery,
Scott Brimmer
pc tech
@ josmol: funny about the Diablo. I have a similar problem with diablo II every few minutes and alt/tabbing and remaximizing temporarily fixes it. Everything turns pink, yellow, black and sea green (and usually at the worst time, bad for hardcore mode). My biggest gaming fear will be getting Rune Gold/Viking warlord to work on Windows7 64 when i install that as i can barely get it to work right on XP 32 running it in compatibility mode for 95 or 98
P6860 FX XP 32 SP2
This blog is the bomb!!!! I can’t thank you enough. Took me about fifty searches to finally get to this sight and god i’m glad I did. couldn’t get any audio, and you damn geniuses fixed it. I’m a physician, but you guys are scary smart!!!!! God bless you guys, you made my year!!!!
I have installed XP on my 6860FX and everything here works fine for me, and everything works on my computer now EXCEPT the integrated microphone. Anyone have any idea how I can fix it?
I have tried everything. I got everythig working on my:
Model: Gateway P-6831FX
Serial Number: P2481ÿ610ÿ01685
System name: GATEFX
There are 3 unknown devices still listed and the device IDs are:
ACPI\PNP0C32\1
ACPI\PNP0C32\2
ACPI\PNP0C32\3
Im running Windows XP SP2. Ay help would be so appreciated
@Julian: The three unknown devices are are the hotkeys at the top of the keyboard. They can only be properly detected on Windows Vista and Windows 7.
Hi dears;
would you please guide me how to find the drevie for Audio Device on High Definition ?
doesnt seem like the links for the sound dl work, can u fix them please?
They all seem to work for me.
Great guide. Used this on my P-6860FX and everything works perfectly. Thanks TinMan. I’ve had my FX for about a year and hate Vista. I managed to set my laptop up to dual boot Windows 7 & XP with EasyBCD. The trick is to partition up your HDD and install XP first then install 7. One you get on 7 you can run EasyBCD and setup the bootloader. Works like a charm.
Fix for Sigmatel “Cannot Install This Hardware” error (see comment by Mitch May 26, 2009 at 8:24 pm):
After step 5 do not go on to step 6, but rather run the setup.exe file in the folder where the driver is extracted to. After setup.exe is finished the audio is already working, but restart to finish the installation.
This worked for me on my P-172X FX. Note that you DO need to copy the 2 files in the previous steps of this guide, otherwise XP still won’t recognize the hardware.
Furthermore, the self-extracting zip file did not unzip for me, so I manually unzipped it using 7-zip ( http://7-zip.org/ (freeware)). Keep in mind that the path to the location of the driver files changes to wherever you unzipped the files to, so you need to replace that with the location that is mentioned in this guide, but that is only logical of course.
@Tinman: A big thank you for creating this guide! This allows me to downgrade from that horrible Vista. The sound not working was the only problem I had with this laptop.
Peace.