How to install Windows 7 on a PC with less than 512MB RAM

Discussion in 'Windows 7' started by catalinoo9, Jan 20, 2010.

  1. catalinoo9

    catalinoo9 MDL Novice

    Aug 14, 2009
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    #1 catalinoo9, Jan 20, 2010
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2010
    According to those at Microsoft, you need the following configuration you can run Windows 7 on a PC:

    - 1 GHz processor or better on (32bit) or (64bit)
    -1GB Memory RAM (32bit) or 2GB RAM (64bit)
    -16GB free hard disk space (32bit) or 20GB on (64bit)
    - A DirectX 9 compatible video card with WDDM driver 1.0 or newer

    But we know that Windows does not eat as much memory as Windows Vista. So a PC with 512MB RAM or less can run the new version of Windows, well, someone has tried on a computer with only 96MB RAM. But if you try to install Windows 7 on a computer older than 4 years and has less RAM 512MB install will tell you that your memory is not sufficient, and Windows 7 installation will stop. Any ideas?

    1. Extract the ISO image files from Windows 7
    2. Download and install the editor dll, AptEdit Pro, or WinHex such
    3. Open the source folder winsetup.dll
    4. Search string 77073D7801
    5. Change it to E90400000
    6. Save and then close the application
    7. Recreate ISO image with new configuration and restart the installation.


    Does anyone else have another idea?
     
  2. Superfly

    Superfly MDL Expert

    Jan 12, 2010
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    Why not just get more RAM... it's dirt cheap nowadays! W7 will run a lot slicker for one thing!
     
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  3. chochitoca

    chochitoca MDL Novice

    Mar 2, 2008
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    Thanks.
    I will try it on my old dell.
     
  4. blackranger

    blackranger MDL Senior Member

    Dec 28, 2009
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    Yes, why don't you buy a PC with >512MB RAM? It's really cheap even you buy a OEM desktop comp.
     
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  5. Melvarius

    Melvarius MDL Novice

    Sep 21, 2009
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    Cool. Thanks for the tip bud.

    I've got some old IDE Drives I'd like to use for Backup storage on my network. Only problem is my main system is SATA only. I do have a clapped out 10 year old system (500Mhz Athlon proc. 128Mb ram) As far as I know the memory is maxed out. It ain't gonna be fast but who cares all I need it for is accessing my IDE hardware via the network. Yes I could just use XP but i've not used XP in years and I'm accustomed to the Vista, Win 7 directory structure and control pannel.

    It'll be interesting to see how it turns out.
     
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  6. vdl68

    vdl68 MDL Junior Member

    Sep 11, 2009
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    You can do anything anything if you set your mind to it is that old saying...but it's not too "logical" to installing Win 7 with >512meg, sure it will run, but run as a old dog on it's last leg... ;) but more memory is worth it! ;)

    The 1gig is a "sweet spot" with Vista. You can tell a drastic difference change from 512.. ;)
     
  7. killer47

    killer47 MDL Novice

    Jan 17, 2010
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    hey you try to buy 1GB ram its enough for win 7 not for vista..
     
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  8. SumoX

    SumoX MDL Novice

    Aug 1, 2009
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    Thanks catalinoo9, a good tip...

    To all those who suggest buy more RAM... Excellent tip (I never thought of that) wow

    I challenge anyone to find 1GB of EDO RAM for sale on the net....:eek:
     
  9. urie

    urie Moderator
    Staff Member

    May 21, 2007
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  10. SumoX

    SumoX MDL Novice

    Aug 1, 2009
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    Heheheee... Nice one urie... Not too sure it would work in a normal end user board though?
     
  11. HotCarl

    HotCarl MDL Addicted

    Jul 21, 2009
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    I would definitely recommend more RAM for your PC... Even if you were able to get Windows 7 installed on that computer, you would not have a good Windows 7 experience at all. Windows wouldnt have enough RAM and would have to constantly be transferring data from RAM to the page file on the HD, and vice-versa...drastically slowing your computer's performance.

    If I were you I would stick with Windows XP on that computer until you are able to get at least a gig of RAM in there (minimum). You will be much happier, or at least much less frustrated... :p
     
  12. HALIKUS

    HALIKUS MDL Addicted

    Jul 29, 2009
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    Although without at least 512 you would enjoy no eye candy whatsoever, and have slow performance and lags so its not really worth it. That being said, "vlite" has the option to make it install vista (same for 7) with only 256 meg. You could use that program with only that option enabled and go from there.
     
  13. laughingbro

    laughingbro MDL Novice

    Dec 30, 2009
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    Hi catalinoo9, Just a sharing! I tried to run windows 7 at 512MB Ram, CPU - Athlon x64 3000, 1.8Ghz.. It is running fine.
     
  14. hahihou

    hahihou MDL Novice

    Jan 21, 2010
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    I think the win 7 RC will work but not the RTM.
     
  15. searchengine

    searchengine Guest

    absolutely pointless ... there is a reason MS posted advised minimum specifications required to install/run Win7.

    yep, that about sums it up. :biggrin:
     
  16. sebus

    sebus MDL Guru

    Jul 23, 2008
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    Man, get a life. If you do not have a PC that meets the minimum spec then do not ask really pointless question!

    sebus
     
  17. SumoX

    SumoX MDL Novice

    Aug 1, 2009
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    Well said... Spoken from a person who has life experience... In their time has assembled a collection of old PC's, but does not want to throw them away (why? they still work fine!).
    Yeah you really know what you are talking about!:worthy:
     
  18. Stannieman

    Stannieman MDL Guru

    Sep 4, 2009
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    Dudes... Maybe it's not really usable to run it on such a small amount of ram, but it's fun to try it. It's already said that he can buy more ram, so not everyone have to say it again.
     
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  19. HSChronic

    HSChronic MDL Expert

    Aug 25, 2007
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    there is no way around it. Windows PE requires at least 512mb of RAM, without 512 PE will not boot.
     
  20. Lich King

    Lich King MDL Addicted

    Sep 24, 2009
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    Windows Tiny 7 but it'll also run smooth on 1gb ram.. i guess..
    Note: Win tiny 7 is modded.. so, no guarantee for trouble..
     
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