Pavilion Desktop a6528p drivers

[ulc22464]

Hi,

I'm trying to reinstall Windows on my HP Pavilion after replacing a dead hard drive.  Unfortunately, HP seems to have pulled ALL driver support for this model.  I've noticed a pattern with this withdrawal of HP's support for its legacy models, and it's really getting frustrating.  

Does anyone have ideas, suggestions, anything helpful at all?  This system is too nice to relegate it to doorstop status!

Thanks...

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Hp never provided W7 driver support for that model.

It only supported that model for Vista.

https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/hp-pavilion-a6500-desktop-pc-series/3733085/model/3...

You should be able to use the Vista drivers for some devices, such as the modem.

However, I will give you the links to most of the W7 drivers you will need.

1. Install the Intel chipset installation utility and restart the PC.  Download, unzip and run the setup application from the link below.

https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/20775/Intel-Chipset-Device-Software-INF-Update-Utility-?pr...

2. Graphics. Manually install the Vista 64 bit driver as follows...Download and run this driver.  Close out of any error windows you get.

Summer 2008 original driver for the Intel 82945G, 945, 965, G965, and G33/G31 Express Chipset Family graphics solutions.

http://ftp.hp.com/pub/softlib/software10/COL23370/pv-60655-1/sp37398.exe

Go to the device manager, click to expand the Display Adapters device manager category.  Click on the Standard VGA adapter.  Click on the driver tab.  Click on update driver.   Select the Browse my computer for driver software option, and browse to the driver folder that was created when you ran the driver.

That folder will be located in C:\SWSetup\sp37398.  Make sure the Include Subfolders box is checked, and the driver should install.  Then restart the PC.

Audio:  Accept the agreement.  Download and install the 2nd driver on the list.

http://www.realtek.com.tw/Downloads/downloadsView.aspx?Langid=1&PNid=24&PFid=24&Level=4&Conn=3&DownT... Definition Audio Codecs

Ethernet:  Downoad, unzip and run the setup application from the 2nd file at the link below...

http://www.realtek.com.tw/Downloads/downloadsView.aspx?Langid=1&PNid=13&PFid=5&Level=5&Conn=4&DownTy...

[ulc22464]

Paul, hi:
Your info will be terrifically helpful. Thank you!

The drivers I'm in most immediate need of are those of the DVD-ROM and HD. I just replaced the HD with a new 2TB Seagate. Can this even work with this MB? I'm using the stock DVD, but want to later add an LG Blu-ray to the expansion bay. But I digress.

I have a Vista 64-bit installation disk, should I run it first then upgrade to Win 7? Right now Windows isn't seeing any drives.

Thanks so much,
Larry

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome, Larry.

A 2 TB would be the max size hard drive you could run in that model, based on the chipset.

You shouldn't need drivers for either the DVD or hard drive.  You should only need hard drive controller drivers with XP, and only if the BIOS drive controller is set to RAID or AHCI.

Windows will automatically install those devices.

Vista should be seeing the hard drive.

What is the hard drive controller setting set to in the BIOS?  IDE, RAID or AHCI?

If you have a W7 upgrade disk, and upgrade product key, it would be easier to install Vista first, and then do an inplace or clean (custom) upgrade to W7.

Once you let me know that info, I will zip up and attach the applicable drive controller drivers if the BIOS is set to AHCI or RAID (though you shouldn't be needing them).   You have nothing to lose by trying to install them.

[ulc22464]

Again, thank you, Paul.
I'll look all this up after work tomorrow, then post it. I remain in your debt, LOL!

[ulc22464]

Paul, hi again:

After reading through your posts again, I decided to reset the BIOS to its default settings. At that point I was able to begin installation of Windows Vista. It wasn't showing my new 2TB HD, so I went inside the case and discovered that I'd neglected to plug one of the cable connectors into the drive. That problem solved, everything is fine and the Windows installation is now underway.

Update: I just got a message that "Windows Setup could not configure Windows to run on this computer's hardware." This followed a reboot from the new HD. (I'm getting instructions to restart the installation, and am now doing so.)

I want you to know how much I appreciate both this forum and your patience with me.
Sincerely,
Larry

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome, Larry.

If you get that error again, let me know and also let me know what setting you have the drive controller set to...IDE, AHCI or RAID.

You may need the storage controller driver when you get that message.

[ulc22464]

One more little tidbit, Paul:

I'm installing the 64-bit flavor of Vista, and have 8GB of RAM on board. Shouldn't this install?

I'm giving it a second go.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Yes it should, but sometimes when you get the "Windows Setup could not configure Windows to run on this computer's hardware" message, it is because Vista doesn't have the exact storage controller driver needed to finish installing.

[ulc22464]

OK, did it again. The SATAN controller is set to RAID. I could try resetting it to IDE or AHCI... or the driver update you've suggested?