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Question

Can you replace Windows 8 with older OP Sys

Aug 6, 2013 5:26AM PDT

I bought a Toshiba Satellite Laptop L955-S5330. Didn't realize it came with Windows 8. I absolutely hate this Operating system. It is always jumping to full screen and it is near impossible to get the sidebar that contains the Shutdown link to pop up when you want it to and it pops up repeatedly when you don't want it to on the web.

Can wipe thisOp Sys from the laptop and install an older version like Windows 7?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
While I can, I wonder if others can. But did you try ??????
Aug 6, 2013 5:33AM PDT

Did you try Classic Shell? It's free and does not have an agenda like pokki.

The sidebar is also able to be turned off in Classic Shell (Microsoft calls that the Charms menu.)

So yup, I can do this but installing Windows 7 or any Windows on a modern PC is a nightmare for most folk.
Bob

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Replacing Windows 8 with older Op Sys
Aug 6, 2013 6:07AM PDT

Not yet....was told couldn't do it on this laptop. I thought that didn't sound right. I've looked at Classic Shell but it shows as still in BETA. I'm not as techy as I would like and just wanted to run the question past more experienced users.

Thanks.

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I had hoped you could go get it and avoid the nightmares.
Aug 6, 2013 8:54AM PDT

Anyhow, to install Windows 7 on new Windows 8 laptops not only involves midnight swamp rides (driver hunting) but trips to the BIOS to turn off secure boot, enable Corporate Stable Mode as well as decoding if they called it something else.

Classic Shell doesn't seem so hard or costly.
Bob

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I've been using Classic Shell on 6 PCs for 8 mos.
Aug 6, 2013 11:38PM PDT

I've been using Classic Shell on 6 PCs for 8 mos. and haven't had the first problem with it. It makes a totally ridiculous user interface and makes it very close to older versions of Windows. The shutdown process works just like it does in older versions (i.e. click Start, click Shut down). Try it, you'll like it! Grin

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Classic Shell
Aug 9, 2013 11:35AM PDT

I was ready to return my new win8 laptop to Costco,and as an after thought I checked in w/CNET and found Classic Shell.I downloaded it straight away and it works great for me.I'm still not sure about how to bring up the win8 tile start screen(only as a matter of curiosity)...Good Luck

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Betas
Aug 9, 2013 8:20PM PDT

Some products stay in Beta status for years, think many Google products, Audacity and 7Zip t just means they are still being enhanced. Classic Shell has been around for years, to turn the UI on Vista or 7 back to XP, for instance and when I've used it, it's been completely stable. And as Bob says, the price is right! It's a whole lot easier than trying to backlevel a machine designed for a newer operating system.

If you really, really don't like Betas, you could try Start8, does the same thing but has stable releases. It is a commercial product but I doubt $4.99 US will break the bank! It's free to try before you shell out your hard cash!

To complete the set, there is also Vistart - I like it but it's a minor player compared to the other two.

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Answer
Well an easy solution to
Aug 6, 2013 10:46PM PDT

getting to the shutdown is to google create a shutdown shortcut in Windows 8 or if you hit the Windows Key+X a menu will pop up with the shutdown option. This option will be in Windows 8.1 with a right click on the new added start button of 8.1.

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Answer
Disable Edge Swipes
Aug 9, 2013 7:02PM PDT

If the charms bar keeps popping up when you accidentally perform an edge swipe you can disable this (and change any other touch-pad settings features that don't suit you).

Right-click on the desk-top then click personalise>change mouse pointers>device settings>settings and un-check "enable edge swipes" - while you're there you might go through all the settings/options using the help tutorials to see what they all do and tailor things to your needs. You might find this makes it a little easier to get used to 8.