Setting up Windows 7 caused a major disaster!
Setting up Windows 7 caused a major disaster!
I just completed assembling my PC and got a brand-new Windows 7 installation. It’s a fresh Skylake build with Z170A MSI M5. Since I didn’t have a CD reader, I copied the disc to an ISO and created a bootable USB drive. The setup process was quite complicated—plugging in the mouse, keyboard, and USB, then turning on the PC. It booted up but didn’t recognize any peripherals. After some research, I found out Windows 7 doesn’t support USB 3.0 or 3.1, which is a limitation. My hardware lacks USB 2.0 ports. How can I install Windows 7 without buying a new computer? Any suggestions to save costs?
Use a PS/2 keyboard for the setup and download the drivers for USB 3.0 ports.
I'm not sure I got your point. Could you clarify what you meant?
These two ports at the top are USB2 ports (5). They appear on MSI's website as "Gaming" ports, yet they look distinct from the USB3 ports. There seems to be an option in the BIOS to change them to USB2. Also, there is a PS2 port (1) available. If you can use a PS2 keyboard or adapter, drivers might be installable via mouse or keyboard.
The same issue occurs with my latest installation. It appears most new motherboards restrict USB devices in Windows 7 until the USB 3.0 drivers are added. Fortunately, I had a SATA DVD and a PS2 keyboard to download the drivers.
The gaming ports aren't functioning even when installing Windows 7... I've already tried that.
Download the patch file from the provided link and follow the instructions to update your ISO and install USB 3.0 drivers.