Update PXI 8110 image to Windows 7

[paulmw]

I was wondering if anyone has updated their controllers to a new OS?  Specifically we received earlier this year a couple of PXI 8110 embedded controllers with the downgraded to XP option.  But now we wish we had Windows 7.  I was hopping that NI would be able to supply Windows 7 recovery CD's for this controller (because Windows 7 is an option) and I would have to foot the bill for a Windows 7 license.  However they said that this was not possible (NI - please correct me if I am wrong) and I would have to install it myself.  So, any advice on this process would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Paul

[EricS.]

That is correct, though you purchase a PXI Controller that we sell with the option for Windows 7, you purchased the Windows XP version.  NI cannot directly sell you Windows 7, we can only bundle it as the OS on the hardware. 

Since the PXI controller is simply a computer, installing Windows 7 on it is just like installing Windows 7 on a normal PC.  You will simply need a USB DVD drive in order to install from the Windows 7 install DVD. 

[paulmw]

I now understand that NI will not sell me a Windows 7 license, but I don't think the license acutally comes with a recovery CD (again correct me if I am wrong...).  So, wouldn't it be possible to get (free?) a Windows 7 recovery CD for a PXI-8110 and activate the Windows 7 installation with a Windows 7 License we purchase seperatly.  I have not used or ever installed Windows 7 and I am assuming the activation is the same as XP.  I am also assuming that the recovery CD set will include drivers and other OEM software that would not be included in a off-the-shelf or retail verions of Windows 7.

If this is not possible, we will, as you suggested, install it ourselves - but I was also looking to see if anyone has done this for a controller to get any advanced warning about any issue I may run into.

Thanks,

Paul

[EricS.]

The PXI-8110's Windows Vista Drivers are compatible with Windows 7, and Windows 7 should actually already have drivers for most things installed, or have them through a Windows Update.

NI PXI-8110 Peripheral Drivers 1.0 - Windows Vista

And then all of our device drivers (DAQmx, VISA, Scope, DMM, etc.) are available online as well,

Drivers and Updates  

[paulmw]

Ok, so I have finally received my Windows 7 license and went to install it.  I selected the partitions where Windows XP was located.  Windows 7 installed fine.  However I have two issues-

First, how do I access the partition that contains the factory installed Acronis image if I want to go back.  Hitting F4 at boot doesn't work anymore.  I can see the partition in Windows 7 via the "disk managment" of the admistrator tools, but I can't access the data on it.  Can I boot to a CD with Acronis on it and reinstall the image if needed.  This issue is not that big of a deal but I would like to know.

Second, there are two Unknow devices in the device manager and I don't know what they are or what driver they require.  Their details list them as ACPI\NIC7018 and ACPI\NIC7019.  Running the setups in the Peripheral Drivers 1.0 - Windows Vista does not resolve this either.

Please help

thanks,

paul

[paulmw]

One more thing, I do not have network access for this controller at this time and possibly may never have network access for it.  So, as of now I can not try the windows update option.

(maybe I'll sneek it on the network because I do have to activate the Win 7 lic...)

[paulmw]

Eric,

Can you please check out my second issue in my previous post (up two) about not finding device drivers for the two listed hardware ID's?  I can not find the Windows 7 device drivers for these NI system resources on my PXI-8110.

Thanks,

Paul

[EricS.]

Hi paulmw,

I actually spoke with Sara here, who's working with you on the same question through phone support.  She's checking in with R&D to see if there are any updates.  When we find a final solution I'll post it here as well so other users can find it when searching.

I imagine running the windows update may fix this, but we will look into it. 

[paulmw]

Thanks for the update Eric,

I did end up trying both Windows update and allowing Window 7 to attempt an online search for updating the driver and both were unsuccessfull.

Paul

[EricS. · Accepted solution]

Here are the two INF files for the drivers that did not install properly the first time.  Sara had sent them to you about a month ago and said they worked for you.  I'm posting them here in case any one else needs them as well.

Note: This is not the ideal way to install drivers for a PXI controller.  The controller should come properly imaged with all of the necessary drivers and the recovery disk as well.  If however you run into the same situation then you can try these.  They are drivers for PXI Trigger Routing and WatchDog Timer for Windows 7 on the PXI 8110.