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May 10th, 2025 10:11
Latitude 3480 - 2003 Server - ACPI Error
Hi,
I am trying to install 2003 Server (Standard) x64 to Latitude 3480. I am getting this ACPI compatibility error when starting the setup. Appreciate your expertise on this.
Thanks
Kithsiri 
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petermuss
2 Intern
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210 Posts
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May 10th, 2025 16:13
@Kithsiri
I tought you will be able to search and find the .cab file ...
anyway... https://dl.dell.com/FOLDER06082537M/1/3480-Win7-A11-J5N6H.CAB
anne_droid
3 Apprentice
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655 Posts
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May 10th, 2025 16:57
Hi
An internet search gives alternatives, as to their veracity, I know not....
Warning Will Robinson!
None of the following options are in any way recommended, but just ideas for those in desperate need.
1. Prepare a Modified Installation ISO
Windows Server 2003 requires ACPI-compatible BIOS drivers to avoid the "BIOS not ACPI compliant" error. Use tools like Patch Integrator (from Windows XP Integral Edition) to integrate backported drivers into the installation ISO:
Replace
acpi.sys,ntoskrnl.exe, and other critical system files with versions patched for modern hardware (e.g., George King’s backported driver pack).Follow this Reddit guide to modify the ISO for ACPI and storage controller compatibility.
OR
2. Configure BIOS Settings
Disable Secure Boot (required for legacy OS installation):
Restart the Latitude 3480 and press F2 to enter BIOS.
Navigate to Boot > Secure Boot > Disable.
Enable Legacy Boot and set Boot List Option to Legacy.
Disable ACPI Features (if possible):
Some Dell BIOS versions allow disabling ACPI under Power Management. If not, proceed with the modified ISO.
OR
3. Install Windows Server 2003
Boot from the modified ISO via USB or DVD.
During setup, pressF7when prompted to skip automatic ACPI detection (forces Standard PC HAL mode).
If the installer still crashes, manually copy the patched
acpi.systo the installation drive using a secondary OS or recovery tool (e.g., Hirens BootCD).OR
4. Post-Installation Fixes
Storage Drivers: If the system uses NVMe or AHCI storage, integrate drivers for these controllers into the OS usingDriverPacksor manual driver injection.
Network/USB Drivers: UseSnappy Driver Installeror manually install drivers from Dell’s legacy driver repository (if available).
Disable Unsupported Features: Turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other modern hardware in Device Manager if drivers are unavailable.
ELSE
5. Virtualization Alternative
If native installation fails, virtualize Windows Server 2003 usingVMware WorkstationorVirtualBox:
Create a virtual machine withLegacy BIOS(not UEFI).
Set the OS type toWindows Server 2003.
Attach the physical drive or use a P2V converter likeDisk2VHD(note:PERC RAID drivers may cause issues).
Key Limitations
The Latitude 3480’s 7th-gen Intel CPUs lack official driver support for Server 2003.
USB 3.0, Wi-Fi, and GPU drivers will likely not function.
Performance may be unstable due to missing power management and ACPI features.
For mission-critical use, consider upgrading to a supported OS or using a compatible older Dell model (e.g., Latitude E6xxx series).
NONE OF THE ABOVE IS RECOMMENDED, IT IS FRAUGHT WITH DANGER.
Although virtualisation does seem safest to me, as suggested by @ejn63 next I would regard the alternate hardware Latitude E6XXXX series as achievable.
ejn63
10 Elder
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May 10th, 2025 10:51
That's a Windows XP based operating system you're trying to run on hardware that's 16 years newer than the OS.
You may be able to virtualize the OS, but there's so much hardware in that system XP has no support for the chances of running it natively are very low.
Kithsiri
1 Rookie
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5 Posts
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May 10th, 2025 13:01
@ejn63
Thankyou for your reply. I have a application which must run on 2003 Server. If you have any option to overcome this ACPI & just install the basic OS it's appreciated.
Thanks again..!
petermuss
2 Intern
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210 Posts
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May 10th, 2025 13:05
@Kithsiri
did you press the F7 key when asked for the storage driver?
Kithsiri
1 Rookie
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May 10th, 2025 14:44
@petermuss
Yes I did, but it stopped at a selection screen where I had to select Multiprocessor, Uniprocessor or Other. If I select one of the first two it return to same error screen as above. Else I have to provide the driver.
petermuss
2 Intern
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210 Posts
1
May 10th, 2025 15:39
@Kithsiri
here is a complete set of W7 64 bit drivers for your device.
Download, extract and copy the extracted files to your boot media.
Point to the directory with the files in and let the setup find the correct driver.
Kithsiri
1 Rookie
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May 10th, 2025 16:07
@petermuss
kindly share the drivers.
Kithsiri
1 Rookie
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May 10th, 2025 16:48
@petermuss
Thank you so much..! Let me try & come back to you in a bit.