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video options for 4700c running windows 7.
I completed a clean install of windows 7 on my Dell Dimension 4700c. Prior to doing this I ran the windows advisor to see if the machine could handle the transition from xp to 7.The Advisor Report indicated a problem with support for the Windows Aero. It indicated that the 4700c's graphics adapter wouldn't support the Aero user interface and there was no real upgrade available. When I look in the Device Manager, the video controller is highlighted and there are no upgrades for that driver. I notice this when I try to play FreeCell or solitaire with the new windows 7. I get a message telling me to fix the hardware acceleration. But there is no video controller installed. Someone suggested I trash the 4700c because this video issue is not fixable. Any suggestions?
Thank you
pjtikkanen
142 Posts
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March 28th, 2017 19:00
Hi, brunetto:
Until you decide on another PC, you should be able to use this XP graphics driver.
It will work to the extent that you will be able to change the screen resolution, and graphics acceleration will be enabled, so you can play the Microsoft games without errors. You will not have Windows AERO as the Intel GMA 900 graphics adapter is not capable of running Windows Aero.
Download and unzip this XP graphics driver from Intel.
downloadcenter.intel.com/.../Intel-Graphics-Media-Accelerator-Driver-for-Windows-XP-zip-
Go to the device manager and click on the Video Controller needing the driver.
Click on the driver tab. Click on Update Driver.
Select the Browse my computer for driver software option, and browse to the driver folder you unzipped.
Make sure the Include Subfolders box is checked, and the driver should install.
Then restart the PC.
speedstep
8 Wizard
8 Wizard
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47K Posts
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March 28th, 2017 05:00
The 4700C is too old and too slow to run modern windows. The intel graphics on this model is too old and too slow to do Aero.
An Optiplex GX620 Tower on the other hand will work with windows 7 or 8 or 10 just fine. GX620 and up aka 745 755 760 780 while not supported for windows 7 or 8 or 10 work fine when upgraded with a PCI-E video card that is at least directx 10 or better meaning it can use VISTA WDDM 1.0 drivers. Radeon 5450 and up pci-e cards work fine with windows 7 or 8 or 10 and Aero. The 4700C is low profile non tower and therefore has no upgrade path. I'm not sure it even has a video expansion slot.
brunetto
92 Posts
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March 28th, 2017 18:00
Hello SpeedStep.
Thanks for the advice.
The OptiPlex is a business machine. What's a good alternate?
brunetto
speedstep
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47K Posts
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March 29th, 2017 09:00
A more upgrade-able unit in the same price range would be a Precision T3400 or T3500.
https://www.amazon.com/Dell-Precision-Workstation-Quad-Core-Professional/dp/B008EWIN2S
Keep in mind that The Windows 7 professional is $249 retail and $199 OEM.
https://www.amazon.com/PRECISION-FEATURING-2-33GHZ-UNMATCHED-WINDOWS/dp/B006U71IIU/
When you go over $300 you should be looking at a VERY NEW unit
Inspiron 3847 Desktop
$259.00
brunetto
92 Posts
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March 29th, 2017 21:00
Thank you pjtikkanen.
Works like a charm.
brunetto
pjtikkanen
142 Posts
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March 30th, 2017 12:00
You're very welcome!
rdunnill
6 Professor
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8.8K Posts
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March 30th, 2017 21:00
Install a Sapphire 6450 low-profile video card. It will support Aero, light gaming and HD video playback.