But, I was able to finally install it and here are the steps for anyone else struggling -
Create a bootable flash drive -
- You would need a USB flash drive with at least 4GB of available space.
- Download the ISO file of the version of Windows 8 Consumer Preview (64 bit or 32 bit) you want from here - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/iso. Also keep the product key, available on the site, handy.
- Download and install the Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool form here.
- Connect the USB drive and start the Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool.
- Provide the ISO file, click USB Drive then select the USB Drive and click Begin copying.
- Wait for it to finish it’s job (5 to 10 minutes depending on your machine)
When you start your tablet by pressing Windows key and the power button simultaneously and press F2, the BIOS should show up. But if you have Windows 8 Developer preview installed, it would not show up. Because of the hybrid boot which uses advanced hibernation functionality on shutdown to allow faster startup times. To enter BIOS you must disable Hybrid boost.
Here’s what you need to do -
- Open Control Panel -> Hardware and Sound -> Power Options.
- Click on "Choose what the power button does" on left hand side.
- Click on "Change settings that are currently unavailable".
- Uncheck "Enable Hybrid Boot" at the bottom an option, under Windows shutdown settings.
- Shutdown the tablet, connect to the keyboard and insert the Flash drive.
- Press the Windows key and the power button simultaneously to turn on the tablet.
- While a cursor appears at the top left corner of the screen, press F2 to enter the BIOS set-up menu.
- Change your setting to select the boot device, I enabled selecting boot device but pressing F12.
- Restart the Tab and press F12 to see the boot options, select the flash drive.
Acer drivers and software
You can download and install the Acer drivers and software that came with the device from Acer’s support website - http://support.acer.com/us/en/product/default.aspx
