XP/W2k3 x64 on Modern Hardware

I managed to install the 64-bit Windows XP onto an Acer Aspire A315-21 from 2019. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Grab a Windows XP 64-bit ISO.

  2. Grab the appropriate AMD SATA drivers from here: [Guide] Integration of AMD's AHCI/RAID drivers into a WinXP/W2k3 CD - #146 by AlfaYT and integrate it into the media using Nlite.

  3. Grab a modded ACPI.sys. Extract drivers.cab using command prompt. Delete the ACPI.sys from it and paste in the modded ACPI.sys. Rebuild drivers.cab and put it into the amd64 folder.

  4. Look for ACPI.SY_ and delete it. Using MakeCab.exe in System32 folder, drag ACPI.sys to it and it will spit out a new ACPI.SY_. Move this to the same folder.

  5. This laptop does not have a DVD drive, so by following the steps and using WinToUSB from here: How to make Windows 2000 bootable USB with WinSetupFromUSB? | could not install grub4dos MBR! - YouTube create a bootable XP USB.

  6. Plug a GParted live USB drive into the USB port on the right of the laptop (by the Number lock key), ensure UEFI boot is off and touchpad is set to Basic. Using GParted Live USB, configure your drive as you desire.

  7. Plug the XP USB drive into the USB port on the right of the laptop (by the Number lock key), ensure UEFI boot is off and touchpad is set to Basic. Press F12 to boot into it. Select First Part of setup. When it gets to the partition manager, select “Leave the current filesystem intact (no changes)”. When it wants to restart, it will get stuck, so hold the power button to shut down and then boot back up to continue.

  8. Part 2 will commence. After that is done, it will freeze once more, so repeat, except this time, boot into a Win7 or later USB. Make sure ACPI.sys is copied to the USB as well. Press Shift+F10 and type in Notepad. Switch the view to all files, navigate to ACPI.sys and copy it. Go to the XP drive/Windows/System32/drivers. Delete the ACPI.sys already there and paste in the other. Exit out, remove the USB, and finish XP setup, which is loading up the desktop.

  9. Voila! For a more complete version of this guide, please see here: http://windowsenthusiasts1.epizy.com/Windows2000SandyBridge.html

Also note, the AMD chipset drivers will work, even USB3. Audio, Ethernet, Touchpad, and card reader driver will also work. You can get all of this here: AMD_Assorted_Drivers_Pack

The graphics driver will only work on Vista and later, and the WiFi driver will not work, either. If anybody wants to try their hand at getting those two devices working under XP, be my guest!