Upgrading to W7 32-bit instead of W8.1 64-bit
Upgrading to W7 32-bit instead of W8.1 64-bit
Hello. My ASUS X550VB XO-053H is still in my possession. It now has only 4 GB of RAM instead of the original 8 GB. Due to some technical requirements (diagnostic software for cars), I need Windows XP or W7 32-bit installed. W7 32-bit offers native support on the ASUS website, including drivers and BIOS. However, I’m struggling to install this OS on my PC. All attempts to set up a 32-bit system (Windows 10/8/7) have failed. The boot process either doesn’t recognize the USB or crashes with a winload.efi error. I’ve tried modifying the installation per online guides for UEFI-based W7, but it didn’t work. I even reset my BIOS to the oldest version, yet nothing happened. I noticed missing the CSM launch and secure boot settings in the BIOS options, though I’m sure those were available before. Currently, I can only enable legacy boot support. So far, I’ve managed to install a 64-bit version of Windows 8/10. Can anyone offer advice on how to proceed with this setup? Unfortunately, I don’t own the original W7 DVD, but I have a purchased key and the original ISO file. No one I know has had success with this configuration.
Have you attempted to get a disc image of W7 32 through Microsoft directly?
I could restart it, but the same error appeared again. I can try once more. That’s fine. Which option should I pick in Rufus? I’ve tested various settings so far, and it looks like only GPT and UEFI (without CSM) work. Choosing MBR BIOS (UEFI-CSM) prevents the system from recognizing it.
It's interesting that Windows 64-bit can run 32-bit. There might be a specific reason why this doesn't function properly. Updated August 31, 2020 by brianperkinsofficial
The diagbox program for PSA cars works on a 64-bit operating system, but its components (PP2000, lexia, etc.) fail to connect with the diagnostic device. I attempted installation in a virtual environment, yet compatibility problems persist with other parts of the software. After upgrading to the version needed for communication, errors continue to appear. French vehicles present additional challenges—on the security tab under I/O interface security, it seems secure boot and launch CSM were implemented years ago, but since then changes have occurred. The laptop recently received a new GPU from ASUS due to a faulty one, which may have contributed to the issue.
I have an old, durable book running on 32-bit Windows that I can send to you. It could be exactly what you're looking for, especially because it's a robust item you can move around your shop or wherever without worrying about harming it. It simply occupies space for me, after all.
It relies on the laptop cost and the shipping fees from the Czech Republic. Since I can purchase an XP 32-bit machine locally, such as an IBM ThinkPad, the price will vary.
I’d gladly review it for you at no cost, though covering shipping would make it more affordable. I’ll continue exploring this matter for you.