Could Windows 7 run on an Intel 80386DX processor?

[Genralkidd]

While digging through some old computers lying around, I noticed I had an old PC with an Intel 80386DX processor. I thought I'd give it a try just out of curiosity, unfortunately, I don't believe the hard drive functions properly anymore. I have some spare working IDE hard drives and I'm curious as to whether it'd be possible to install Windows 7 on such an old computer. I know Windows 8 won't work because it requires things like PAE and NxBit. However I don't think Windows 7 has any such requirements. I don't intend to use this computer for any kind of serious work. I'm just curious if it'd be possible to get Windows 7 up and running on this computer.

 

[LemonSaucy]

LOL Why don't you just try then tell the forum?

IMHO, (that's O for opinion) such a computer is unlikely to have sufficient RAM. If I remember correctly, Windows 7 requires something like 512 MB RAM (or 256, not sure) to install. If it doesn't, the installer detects so and baulks.

If so, you might have to edit an ISO then burn a new installation disk:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/20967-install-windows-7-computer-less-than-512mb-ram.html

Of course you'd have to use the 32-bit version. While technically it should be possible, as an i386 is an x86 processor, it there might be other issues that complicate things.

There might be an issue with install time too: it might take hours, even overnight, on slow equipment!

But you never know until you try, eh? Why not give it a try?

 

[Genralkidd]

LOL Why don't you just try then tell the forum?

IMHO, (that's O for opinion) such a computer is unlikely to have sufficient RAM. If I remember correctly, Windows 7 requires something like 512 MB RAM (or 256, not sure) to install. If it doesn't, the installer detects so and baulks.

If so, you might have to edit an ISO then burn a new installation disk:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/20967-install-windows-7-computer-less-than-512mb-ram.html

Of course you'd have to use the 32-bit version. While technically it should be possible, as an i386 is an x86 processor, it there might be other issues that complicate things.

There might be an issue with install time too: it might take hours, even overnight, on slow equipment!

But you never know until you try, eh? Why not give it a try?

Lol I guess I'll go ahead and give it a try then. I'm going to need to find an IDE DVD drive though since Windows 7 only ships on DVD's. As for RAM, I believe it's possible to just barely reach the minimum for Windows 7. I'll probably have to do a bit of shopping on eBay. What else might I need to get Windows 7 working on that? I believe networking shouldn't be necessary.

 

[LemonSaucy]

LOL Why don't you just try then tell the forum?

IMHO, (that's O for opinion) such a computer is unlikely to have sufficient RAM. If I remember correctly, Windows 7 requires something like 512 MB RAM (or 256, not sure) to install. If it doesn't, the installer detects so and baulks.

If so, you might have to edit an ISO then burn a new installation disk:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/20967-install-windows-7-computer-less-than-512mb-ram.html

Of course you'd have to use the 32-bit version. While technically it should be possible, as an i386 is an x86 processor, it there might be other issues that complicate things.

There might be an issue with install time too: it might take hours, even overnight, on slow equipment!

But you never know until you try, eh? Why not give it a try?

Lol I guess I'll go ahead and give it a try then. I'm going to need to find an IDE DVD drive though since Windows 7 only ships on DVD's. As for RAM, I believe it's possible to just barely reach the minimum for Windows 7. I'll probably have to do a bit of shopping on eBay. What else might I need to get Windows 7 working on that? I believe networking shouldn't be necessary.

What else? This is not a project I'm going to undertake! But stay keen and you might find out if it possible. Since that guy on sevenforums has taken an interest in underspec'd computers, you might try contacting him and see if he has any tips. Best wishes there, Kidd.