I know how you feel Bill. I went from xp to 7 and had a huge shock and learning curve. I found 8.x to be the same way.
Some folks have said to use classic shell or other third party software. My option for you would be to see if you can use the app store to upgrade to 8.1for free. If you can the next step after upgrading is to turn off all the live tiles, and resize if you want, then go to the desktop. Right click on the taskbar, select properties, then open the navigation tab. The lower half of that window shows start screen options that you can enable, like making the desktop the default screen, going to all aps from the windows key instead of the metro screen, as well as others.
Give that a go and see if that alleviates some of the "culture shock".
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Help me successfully get my Windows 8 laptop onto Windows 7
Help me successfully get my Windows 8 laptop onto Windows 7
New Computers: Laptops and desktops with Windows 8. I'm not happy with Windows 8 that came on my new laptop and I want Windows 7 back. I'm at an age where I don't feel like I want to learn new stuff every time I turn around! Windows 7 worked just fine; it wasn't a radical change from previous Windows, but Windows 8 makes me change everything from sizing and closing windows to loading software! I've built several desktops; the most recent with Windows 7 (I still like XP better) and it's not a problem with a clean formatted disk. You have your O/S and your drivers—you're good to go. I'm not sure with the laptop—I would have to buy the O/S of course, but not sure about the drivers. What do I need to do to ensure I can successfully get my Windows 8 laptop to run Windows 7 without a hitch? Any help would be appreciated! Thanks.
-- Submitted by: Bill C.
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Let me make this simple, DON'T go back to Win7. Besides the issues you will face driver wise, Win 8 is really a great OS. Yes it is different, but it is not going away. Just do it and learn the OS. Its very easy, it has many ways to tailor it to be like win 7, it is a stable OS, and you have the great added benefit of the app store where you can get low or no cost apps that are awesome. Don't get me wrong, Win 7 is great in its own right, but Win 8 is here to stay despite the false press on how "bad" it is.
So again, in a word DON'T!
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Bought my husband a new 17.3" Asus laptop with 8 os. Brought it home, did all the updates to 8.1, but did NOT install any office. He played around with it, decided to use the Office Standard 2007 that we already use on our desktop (we still had 2 more uses). Read all the hoopla on the Internet on how to install on 8.1 os. Too confusing for us laymen. Called our computer guy - no problem. He did it in 2 hours, added an anti-virus - all for about $40. My husband uses his laptop for business and personal. It's been over 2 months and he's had zero problems. Loves it.
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I would say if you're willing to buy the OS you want, it shouldn't be a big deal. Just reformat the HD and start over. Windows 7 should be supported until, I think, 2020. I seriously doubt drivers are going to be that much of a problem. Check your device manager (I don't remember how to get there in 8 but there definitely is one) to get a sense of what you would need, and go to the hardware makers' web sites to see if you can download drivers for Windows 7. I would be surprised if not, in most cases. Even easier, go to your laptop maker's web site and see if you can get all the Windows 7 drivers you need there. Perhaps you can even order a disk. You might not get as complete support for the touchscreen as 8 provides. If luck is completely on your side, you may find after installing 7 and the latest updates and service packs that all your hardware is detected and just works.
If you've accumulated stuff--documents, music, photos and the like--under 8 you will, of course, need to back those up first.
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Most of the responses in this thread are pure baloney! Assuming that your laptop does not have a touch screen (or at least has an embedded mouse pad), the change should be easy. You will need a licensed copy of Win 7, plus any of the application software which came with the laptop.
1 - Go to your manufacturers web site and you will probably find that they have Win 7 drivers for your laptop. Download those drivers, and save them to a thumb drive, or a DVD.
2 - Copy all of your personal files to a fresh DVD, or thumb drive.
3 - Format the laptop hard drive. This will erase everything.
4- Place the Win 7 disc into your laptop, and then boot the computer. This will load a fresh copy of Win 7. Go through all of the steps of registration and you will have a Win 7 laptop.
5- The go through the steps of making certain that all of the drivers are up-to-date for Win 7. The load your applications, and finally place your documents and personal files on the laptop.
The steps I've listed assume that you have some experience with loading a new OS onto a computer. If not, pay a local computer shop to do the job. The process I've listed could take about 3 hours, or more. And, I don't mean to "minimize" the need for experience accomplishing the process!
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It's the drivers that are the problem. Sure, if you pick the manufacturer and model well, you'll have no problems finding Windows 7 drivers, but if you are like most people who walk into a store and just buy whatever's on promotion that day, you're probably screwed.
Plus, we're talking about adding an additional expense of around $100 for an OEM copy of Windows 7, which is ignoring the fact that the EULA terms were changed recently to exclude exactly that sort of use. All that when a single piece of free software can get you probably 99% of the way to what you want?
Also, if they format the HDD on the laptop, odds are they'll wipe out the recovery partition as well, so what happens after people get over their irrational fear of anything new and different and decide that Windows 8 is acceptable? Remember, everyone hated Windows XP when it first came out, giving almost all the same arguments you hear about Windows 8. It's slow, it's buggy, programs don't work, there are no drivers, everything looks different... The list goes on, but now people are clinging white-knuckled to XP just like they likely will be to Windows 8 in 5-6 years.
I've yet to find anyone who can come up with a single solid technical reason why Windows 7 is better than Windows 8. Every single time I ask, I always get answers that involve how Windows 8 looks different and people don't like the tablet UI. Which are all valid opinions, but they're opinions about personal taste, not about what makes Windows 7 a technically superior product. Also, Classic Shell will eliminate probably 99% of the personal taste issues people have, so I'm always left scratching my head as to why people want to go through the pain, suffering and expense associated with trying to revert to the previous version of Windows on a brand name computer. In a year or two everyone will have gotten used to the new changes and everyone will wonder what the big deal was before.
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I have used Start8 on mine and this os usually what i recommend, especially if you want the win xp/win 7 interface we're used to.
However, i instslled 8.1 on my Macbook Pro and resisted the Win7 look temptation and guess what? After just 2 weeks i start to like it (even though i'm 80% on mac os x now.... But i must admit that as long as you don't have either a touch screen on your laptop or a trackpad such as on the Mscbook Pro, win8 interface can be somewhat a PITA without Start8....
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Bill,
In addition to my post above, I'd really advice *not too* go through any hassle of trying to go back to Win 7 (plus either paying a licence or anything). While I son't think you would have serious issues with Win 7 (on new hardware), I believe the Start8 option is just what will allow you to be on familiar interface, but *if you wish*, also to alternate between the ''real feel'' of Win 8 and the ''common ground'' of Win 7. For $5 it is really worth to do.
(I'd also make sure you have updated Win 8 to 8.1 if not already done). On that newer (8.1) version, you can easily toggle between a Start button (brought back) and the metro look (we all hate at first... unless being on a tablet or touch screen).
Once on the ''desktop view'' (with Win 8.1) you have everything we always strive for : access to drives, normal Windows explorer view, control panel, and so on). This is especially true with the Start8 app (don't look for this on Windows App store... Seek for the website of Stardock Software. See other posts before on the settings.
There is *nothing wrong* about Windows 8 (aside of the annoying fact that Microsoft tries to frighten you not to create ''local account'' but to use ''microsoft account'' which between us can be a Gmail address or any other webmail you are using... ). What people (and you and I) ma dislike - at first or forever - with Win 8 is really about the look and feel, the feeling you have no more control over the computer, the locations of your files (if old school like me you want to create folders, chose locations, and so on....) BUT: you can recover all this control, as effective as under Windows 7 !...
Good luck !
Rob
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I had a similar problem trying to update from Windows Vista to Windows 7. I mistakenly got an OEM CD for Windows 7, and the install aborted because tne OEM install program said it had no driver for the hard disk.
I copied the entire directory of Vista drivers to a USB drive, and pointed the OEM install program to the USB drive.
I think the directory is C:/Windows/System32/Drivers in all versions of Windows.
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When I inquired about having this done on my new Win 8.1 laptop, Geek Squad informed me that Win7 would not work properly on a Win8 machine since the hardware is built to run with Windows 8. Hope this helps.
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There really are no Win 8 (8.1) drivers with exception of touch screen function. If you don't have a touch screen on your laptop, you don't need Windows 8.
If anyone at MS had thought about how we use a PC (laptops included), touch screen function is not truly functional.
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Assuming the stories are true, the brass at MS were sold on this idea that they could have a unified platform across the Xbox, cell phone and tablet, and PC systems. Complete with a single API for developers to use to write programs. Obviously what was actually delivered was an even more fractious set of platforms with Windows RT dying almost as soon as it was born and virtually no effort seems to have been spent trying to figure out how to leverage the metro system on the PC side of things. All of this cost the Windows division head his job.
Microsoft is actually making progress on those goals however. They recently demoed an update slated for after Tuesday's update to Windows 8.1 that brings back the start menu and meshes it with the metro tiles.
But giving the geek squad people the benefit of the doubt, that was probably just an easier answer to give than explaining that they no longer sell Windows 7, and even if they did, it'd be an extra $200 give or take on top of the labor to do the downgrade. You tell that to a customer and they'll probably make a huge scene and accuse Best Buy of trying to rip them off. It's a sad but true fact of life for retailers.
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will I still be using classic shell ? Is the update going to make a start menu like it used to be? Should I uninstall Classic Shell before I update?
Digger
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Classic Shell is a bit of software on your hard drive which won't be affected.
Unless MS use voodoo.
Dafydd.
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What I mean is, with the MS update, am I going to need Classic Shell.
Digger
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The update may return 8 to standard who knows?
A case of suck it and see.
Dafydd.
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Nope. The start MENU won't return until some future update to Windows 8.1. Presumably it'll be the one after tomorrow's patch tuesday update since they were already far enough along to have a live demo for a trade show, but AFAIK no specifics on release dates were given.
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I have installed 7 on dozens of windows 8 computers without a single hitch. I have also ordered dozens of new computers with 7 for customers who don't want 8. My recommendation has been firmly against 8, HOWEVER Microsoft has just finally admitted that their GUI for 8 sucks. They are releasing a fix THIS WEEK. Hopefull it will be better than the 8.1 "fix!" I would wait and see how it works out. Hopefully some of those people who threw their new Windows 8 computers in the closet and went back to using their Windows XP computer will FINALLY get to USE the new one!
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Ok, this task is not difficult at all but you must have the time to do it because it takes between 5 to 6 hours to properly program any PC today especially if you consider the time it takes for the updates for windows and antivirus program. We do this task about 10 times a week because most of our customers prefer Windows 7 since it is a stable platform and because they like the standard menu which Windows 8 radically changed. Now the First important thing you must do is to go to your Control Panel and open up your Controller Administrator. Jot down the Controller names of your Video, Audio, LAN, Wireless Lan and any other component separately installed. This is necessary as you may have to separately get the Windows 7 drivers for each. Then copy all your records and files into another hard drive or USB Memory Stick. ]If your computer had just one partition, this is the time you might want to consider partitioning your hard drive. However, drives should only be partitioned if the size are 500GB or higher. Be sure you CMOS is set to run off the CD/ROM and insert your Windows 7 CD. Go ahead and eliminate your existing partition. Then create a partition of 135GB for the first one (Which will be your C drive) and for the second one use the remaining space in the drive (Which will be your D drive). Now select the first partition and format it. Once formatted install Windows 7 on it. Once Windows 7 is installed go ahead and format your second partition. Once finished go ahead and look at the Controller Administrator in your Control Panel. See how many components Windows 7 has found controllers for.Whatever is left you need to go online and get the Windows 7 controllers from that manufacturer using the controller numbersyou jotted down before you wiped the hard drive. Be sure you took care of your Network connection. Once all your components are ready now you can proceed to install the rest of your programs starting first with your antivirus. Then download all the antivirus updates followed by the Windows 7 updates. Create a folder called Programs in your D drive and put all your controller programs
there by name.Also any other programs you may have.Copy the My Documents folder into your D drive and put all that important information copied previously there.Last item is for you to open your Control Panel go to Systems and at the bottom you will see a message that Windows needs to be actualized. Go ahead and do so by Internet and if it fails you must do so telephonically. Once done congratulations you are ready to use your computer under a Windows 7 environment. Most of it is common sense and you just need to have the time to do it.
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The answer to getting Windows 7 back on your Windows 8.1 laptop is to install and use Classic Shell. I use it and it feels just like Windows 7 with the ability to also use Windows 8 apps should I want.
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Bill, If your laptop is not a touch screen and if you are unable to get drivers for your laptop to bring it back to win7. You can always wait until Win8.1.1 is out soon. It will allow computers that don't have a touch screen to boot into desktop mode to give it a win7 feel.
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I can not , for the love of god, understand what this all hoopla is about?
what is peoples issue with win8 other than a bit different GUI?
I have seen it, tried it and see nothing that should stir all this controversy.
Yes the initial release was a bit buggy and not too user friendly I can agree.
but it was fixed with subsequent update.
I have a coworker switch his workstation to win 8 about 6 month ago with absolutly no issues except for some incompatibility for couple of very very old custom apps. but we expected this as the apps are 16 bit 10yo db2 in-house developed. can not be rebuild since there is no source code left.(at least nothing we can find 
).
other than that it's fast, very stable (we had run it as a test for 4 month with no reboot and no issues or anything. I have to restart my win 7 machine at least once a month to clear all the crap that gets left in ram).
it is not to difficult to learn how to use it and it does give you a lot more stuff to work with.
so you have to click on desktop when it starts so what? other than that everything else works practically the same.
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One of the major issues with Win 8 is that Metro/modern apps are not always as good as the Desktop equivalent. It's like the Win 8 version is an afterthought.
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It's bizarre but I didn't keep any of them.
Bob
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I don't get it either. I mean, I'm right there with everyone else questioning the wisdom of trying to ram the whole windows phone interface down everyone's throats, but it's not like they forced everyone to use only the metro interface and nothing else. So a little grumbling about that I can understand, but it's a little beyond ridiculous the levels people have gotten themselves worked up to.
As I've said before, I've yet to come across a single person who can offer up even a single technical reason that makes Windows 7 superior to Windows 8. Not one. It's an open challenge, so anyone can feel free to chime in at any time, but after this long, I don't expect I'll ever see anyone be able to meet the challenge. There are plenty of examples for Windows 8 being technically superior to Windows 7 however, such as running better on less hardware, expanded use of GPU functions across the GUI, and better backwards compatibility with old programs even compared to Windows 7. I'll even give Microsoft some credit for at least attempting something new with regards to computer user interfaces. It was executed about as well as BOB way back when, but at least they tried.
Microsoft and Apple, despite their numerous and prolific claims of being such innovative companies, have been recycling the same tired concepts they both shamelessly ripped off from Xerox in the 70s. Apple's idea of innovation lately seems to be rounding the corners on a cell phone. Round corners on a rectangular object are hardly a new idea as any parent who has childproofed a home can surely attest. Apple's iOS was just a rehashing of software they sold back in the early Mac days. I can't think of the name of it, but you had pages of buttons that you clicked on to start specific programs. Sound familiar? You can argue Microsoft's metro/modern UI is a rehashing of their old Program Manager style interface, and that would certainly carry some weight, but the metro/modern UI is a pretty major overhaul of the concept compared to Apple which more or less transplanted the exact same concept, just with better looking icons. So, at least Microsoft is trying something fairly new. Granted it kind of fell flat on its face, but points for the effort, which is more than anyone else has done.
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I tried using Win 8.1 the first two months without installing Classic Shell and, I did get used to it as I just clicked on my desktop and never used the metro apps. I didn't have install it Classic Shell though. I could have left it alone and been just fine.
I think it's simply is a frame of mind....
Don't laugh but I think I'm just old fashioned and like to see a menu. It's the same reason I don't like the Chrome web browser. It's fast and safe and does everything I need just like Win 8.1 does BUT,,, it doesn't have a tool bar or in other words, a menu. I couldn't get a grip on it .
So ,other than that I think Win 8.1 is the superior operating system.
I dunno, makes sense to me, My story and I'm stickin' to it ...
Digger
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Which is fine, so long as you recognize that it's a matter of personal taste. I have no problem with people preferring one over the other, everyone has opinions and are entitled to them. I still hold a soft spot for the old Program Manager style interface and to this day contend it was far better than the desktop nonsense they went to starting with Win95. I also very much prefer the "glass" look of Windows 7 to the flat and dull look of Windows 8, but I'm not so shallow that those things even register when deciding what OS to use.
Anyway, as long as people are up front about their opinions being opinions, I don't really care. It's when people start trying to couch their opinions in the form of "facts" that I get annoyed. Like the Mac user I laid into earlier in this thread. I also have very little time for people who attempt to stifle people from expressing opinions like the person saying how comments about Apple products or Linux are not welcome. I'd say those people are even worse than the Mac user. The Mac user was simply trying to convince themselves that they have the right opinion by convincing others, they weren't telling other people that their opinions were worthless. It's bad enough with people like the Mac user who basically refuse to think for themselves, it's even worse when you have someone who takes it upon themselves to create the illusion of consensus by bullying people into a narrow range of discussion topics.
Opinions are all well and good, just have stones enough to stake a position and stick with it. If you don't like Chrome because of the lack of a menu bar, that's fine with me. Perfectly valid opinion and as long as you don't go trying to claim that Internet Explorer and/or Firefox are the superior browser because they have (the option of) a menu bar, we're good. People like like or dislike Windows 8 all they want, I don't care, just admit it's an opinion based on personal taste instead of trying to hide behind a bunch of BS "facts" about how much better Windows 7 or XP is. Now, if someone has some actual facts, I'd be interested in hearing them, though I'm not exactly holding my breath.
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Hi Bill,
As you have no-doubt read, moving to Win7 is a bad idea, mainly for hardware compatibility reasons.
Also, moving to Linux is no small undertaking. It's taken me 3 years to become adequate, and I'm an IT pro. The payoff is worth it for me, but as many users have said, it's not quite ready for prime time for a standard user.
I advise that you keep windows 8 on your computer, but I believe that the learning curve will be much smaller if you upgrade to 8.1 as the 8.1 start menu is much more straightforward for the Win7 or WinXP user.
If you haven't already done so, go install all of the Windows Updates, then repeat. Yes, it takes two iterations of full update installations to get your 8 ready for 8.1.
Then go to the "Store" icon, and a giant (GIANT) icon will appear offering 8.1 for free. Follow that bouncing ball, and after several hours of downloads, you will have 8.1 on your laptop, along with a start button.
Keep in mind that the start button opens the Metro Menu (or whatever they're calling the tiles), and you can tweak that menu with ease with a simple right-click on the icon you want to change.
Also, learn the Windows Shortcut keys - they'll get you through the curve more naturally.
Alt+F4: Close a window
WindowsKey+D: show desktop (Minimize everything)
WindowsKey: Show start menu
Alt+Tab: Show a list of all open windows, continue tabbing to select one, then let off Alt.
These will get you started, but there are MANY more.
Happy Learning!
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I have a win 7 Laptop that I just installed Linix Mint 16 on, and I am telling you that so far, it makes windows look sick. It is cleaner, more intuitive, and the programs look like the ones I used to love on my Mac like word 5.1, which was a word processor without all the bloat of the new versions.
I do not know if your new laptop will run Mint, but I would bet that it will, but it is most definately worth looking into. ALL the best programs come with it, AND THEY ARE FREE!!!!
It does not BUG you to install an antivirus program, BECAUSE LINIX DOES NOT NEED ONE!
It is just better by design, and its free. Check it out, it is definately worth it.
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