Dave - I'm a little confused. You said there was no change in what Device Manager shows as "exceptions" (in post # 7 & 12 above). If it still shows that Ethernet controller
Network controller, PCI controller, SM bus controller in yellow or red, the chipset driver did not install. First things first - are any of those items now normal? It is likely the chipset driver will enable all of the missing functions with the possible exception of the Ethernet controller.
Second, while W7 and W8 are relatively similar, there is no guaranty that W8 drivers will work for W7 (most, but not ALL do). You need to check with Acer to see if their drivers are compatible with Windows 7.
Third, the correct way to install drivers you download is by running the .exe file, not by having Device Manager search for them (unless those are the specific instructions included with the driver).
What is the model of the laptop?