HP Pavilion p7-1410 & Windows 7 drivers... do they exist?

[BeholderGS]

Client just bought a HP Pavilion p7-1410 (Windows 8 pre-installed). Their sole booking engine they employ currently only operates through Internet Explorer 8, which is not supported by Windows 8. This is something they have no control over, as the company they have their service through has yet to upgrade their software to even IE9.  It's not a simple matter of upgrading browsers and even less simple to change the vendor/software solution. They have to work within the limits of the vendor software.

Currently, when a new computer is purchased, I have to go in and uninstall IE9. During that process, the system installs IE8. I then set the Automatic Updates to ignore any IE9 updates. Again, as Windows 8 no longer supports IE8, I have to find another solution.

The only solution I can see is to downgrade the OS to Windows 7. This isn't a real issue as they have open licensed Windows 7 for install on new machines. The issue I am having (before I begin the downgrade process) is I see no drivers for this particular computer's individual components (network/graphics/audio/devices) of the Windows 7 flavor, only Windows 8 is listed on the website.

My question is are there Window 7 drivers for this particular computer or do I have to have the client return this machine for a computer that will be compatible with Windows 7 (drivers)?

This is a stock machine purchased through Office Depot (i3 Core (2nd gen)/8GB RAM/1.5TB HDD/Windows 8 (x64)). The client is upgrading from an IBM ThinkCentre with Windows XP Pro (yes I know... so please no jibes/jokes).

All serious, constructive replies are greatly appreciated.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

It looks like you can install the W7 drivers listed from this model which uses the same hardware.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/product?cc=us&dlc=en&lang=en&lc=en&product=5197679&

Paul

[BeholderGS]

Hey there Paul,

Thank you so much for this link. I will be testing out these drivers this week. Again, I really appreciate your assistance.

Jim

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome, Jim.

[klaes]

Im looking for drivers for the same PC but for windows xp. any ideas?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Chipset driver:

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodTypeId=12...

Graphics: Specs state the PC has the onboard Intel video.

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodTypeId=12...

I doubt you will find an XP audio driver for it.  You can try this one.  You would need to install the MS UAA driver first before installing the audio driver.

UAA driver

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodTypeId=12...

Audio driver

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=19282&lang=eng&OSVersion=Windows%20XP...=

Network:

Install the 7th file on the list.

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

You will need to slipstream the SATA AHCI drivers in order to install XP as well or it will blue screen when you get to the message "Setup is starting Windows."

You can read this link for more info on that.

http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Operating-Systems-e-g/SATA-drivers-for-XP-solution-on-0x000000...

If the BIOS has a setting to allow for IDE mode, you may be able to install XP, but drive performance will be degraded in IDE mode.

You would then need to install the SATA AHCI driver after you installed XP which is doable but you cannot change the BIOS setting back until that driver is installed.

No guarantees you will get XP to work on that PC, but I gave it my best shot.

Paul

[klaes]

Thank you Paul! I did manage to get XP installed after a few blue screens.  Im downloading drivers now, will update when finished.

[BeholderGS]

Paul,

I wanted to thank you again for your assistance. The link you provided worked as promised. I have downgraded the Windows 8 machine to Windows 7 with no issues in the drivers department. This is definitely a confirmed solution in my book. You saved me hours of anguish. Have a wonderful holiday.

-Jim

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're most welcome, Jim.

Glad to have been of assistance.

Happy Holidays to you too!

[Corona688]

Just confirming the confirmation that the drivers linked in this thread do indeed work for Windows 7.  Thanks!