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General discussion

Windows 8 just isn't my thing, can I install Windows 7 over

Jan 25, 2013 6:58AM PST
Question:

Windows 8 just isn't my thing, can I install Windows 7 over 8?


I just bought a new PC that came with Windows 8 and it is just too
different for me and my wife. We'd like to go back one step and install
Windows 7 over it. Is this possible to do? And if it is, can you tell
me exactly what the procedures are and what version of Windows 7 (upgrade or full version)
is needed to accomplish this? Thank you for your help.


--Submitted by: Gary G.

Discussion is locked

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Not with all warranty claims
Feb 1, 2013 8:01AM PST

This is not always the case. I have had a few warranty claims with my laptops over the years and this has never happened. The warranties include mail-in repair. Part of the preparation for mailing the laptop is to remove the hard drive. That was also the case with laptops at work when I was an IT tech. Not sure how it works with desktop PCs as we had on-site repair (and very few warranty claims on PCs.) Most warranty problems were with monitors and printers.

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Stick with Windows 8
Jan 28, 2013 12:55PM PST

Learn a few keyboard shortcuts, and your PC will look and run like Windows 7, only faster, and with better browsing security. Other posts have given good tips on using 8 like 7, only better!

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One thing that I haven't seen mentioned is
Jan 31, 2013 10:47PM PST

support. If you bought a laptop and got an 3 year extended warranty you may have problems if you change the original configuration. Because the laptop manufacturers modify drivers you could still have issues getting drivers to work with Windows 7. Laptop manufacturers do modify graphic drivers for their machines.

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Maybe
Feb 1, 2013 8:09AM PST

Most of the time the support is aimed at the hardware if you buy Dell or Lenovo, NOT the software. For Software, you go to Microsoft (or whoever).

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Why?
Feb 1, 2013 7:21AM PST

I do not understand why you would want to go backwards. If you want to get to the desktop then just click on the desktop icon. My wife loves windows 8. The app store is more secure than downloading stuff on the internet. All windows 8 is, in my opinion, is an enhanced windows 7.

As soon as you get used the the changes, it is actually really nice. It is really, really nice with a touch screen!

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Windows 7 is a subset of Windows 8
Feb 1, 2013 7:26AM PST

Only the Start menu is missing. Find all of the new shortcuts and you have everything back. Install an aftermarket Start Menu and you are set.

You can also run Windows 7 as a VM under Win 8. You can also co-install your apps into Win 7 VM.

Don't abandon Windows 8. It is actually very much superior Win 7

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What? Windows 7 is a subset of Windows 8?
Feb 2, 2013 6:23AM PST

That is like saying Windows 95 is a subset of Windows XP.

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Downgrading to Windows 7 - could be problematic...
Feb 1, 2013 7:45AM PST

Ok so you got Windows 8 built into your computer and you don't like it so would like to go back to Windows 7.

It may sound simple enough as just buying Windows 7 CD and re-installing - right? wrong!

If you are one of the unlucky people who bought a computer with Windows 8 pre-loaded and the kind computer manufacturer decided to enable UEFI boot options - well you could be stuck with it.

UEFI boot doesn't allow you to install any non-approved OS (pretty much anything that came out before UEFI or that isn't Microsoft - where's the anti-trust deal on this???)

So you may find that you are stuck with it if your computer is locked with UEFI boot.

Ok if your computer is stuck then all is not lost.

Try downloading StarDock Start8 - it's only $4.95 and it will put the start menu back right where you want it (in it's normal place!!!), and will make Windows 8 behave much more like Windows 7. I have put Windows 8 on a number of people's PC's and once I show them this stardock and install start8 most of them are more than happy and find it much easier than Windows 8's new start menu (which leads me to question why Microsoft didn't just leave the start menu on the desktop in the first place - maybe they have shares in Stardock or something??)

If your computer isn't stuck and you'd like to go back to Windows 7 - unfortunately you won't be able to buy an "upgrade" 'cos your actually "downgrading" not "upgrading".

You'll need to buy the full Windows 7, or you can buy the OEM version (which is about half the price) as long as you buy a piece of hardware with it - like maybe a CD drive or cable or something!

You would then need to boot off Windows 7 install CD and wipe out the partitions on the hard disk and then re-install Windows 7 on the clean disc. Bear in mind to back up any data you have on your computer as wiping the partitions will remove all data from the computer.

I'd strongly suggest though before going down that route, give Windows 8 a bit of a try, especially with StarDock. I tried Windows 8 first and hated it, but now I'm getting bits of it organised I'm actually starting to really like it. It works a lot more faster than other versions of Windows and once you get used to it, it is better, it's only like when Microsoft changed Office menus for Ribbons - do you remember the problems that caused at first - people not happy, can't get work done, etc, but now people just open Office and know how to use the ribbons straight away.

I have Asperger's and can be quite resilient to change (which is one thing that puzzles me as to why Bill Gates - who also has AS is putting us Aspies through this!), however I've got used to Windows 8 now.

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Yep!
Feb 1, 2013 7:46AM PST

The way that I would do it if it was mine is : Format the disk, Get all that trash off of it, and take you Windows 7 disk and install the living love out of it, like you mean it. That-a-way you will have basiclly a clean start with a clean verified, proven to satisfy, and a workable OS, and your life will be so much better!

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Understand your frustration.
Feb 1, 2013 8:31AM PST

Have tried to assist more than one friend with Win 8.
Brand new HP laptop and HP would not support the
change back to Win 7. One friend even kept notes on
how to move the mouse and touch screen gestures
to use his laptop. It's more work than it's worth!

Been through many changes with MS over 25 years.
Even used Win 8 during trial period last year. The new
touch-screen interface is lost on me. Just keep cleaning
the screen of all the finger prints! Can't wait for the new
iris-interface to hit the market. Just kidding.

I really like any of the Linux distros after all of this!
And to think someone maybe stuck using Win 8 for work???

I don't recommend Win 8 to friends.

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I like Windows 8, more secure and faster...
Feb 1, 2013 8:47AM PST

Okay, I have done a couple of things to make it more usable for me, since I'm a desktop user. The first is simple, just move the desktop startup tile to the leftmost upper tile position, and then when you boot to the start screen, all you have to do is press <return> and your desktop comes up. Don't even have to click *smile*.

The other major thing was to use a piece of freeware, "SkipMetroSuite" just so that my computer boots to my desktop. That makes things really easy. As far as the Windows 7 "Start" menu goes, that was nice, but everything's there in Windows 8. Especially if you use the "Windows key" keyboard accelerators. Just take a look at a few of the tips articles, and it really is easy to navigate around. I ignore the Windows Store and the associated applications, since I'm not using it on a tablet.

I really do like Windows 8, it is definitely faster and more secure. I also like the desktop design, I don't find the navigation to be a problem, more on the novel side (like the upper lefthand corner taking you back to where you were, the lower lefthand corner taking you to the "Start" menu, and both righthand corners bringing up the side menu). I've also found the "Microsoft" key combinations to be very useful (especially the MSkey-r being the "run" combination). The list of these can be found in any number of Windows 8 tips articles on the internet.

The only thing that I miss from Windows 7 is the transparent window frames, but I've already gotten used to the opaque colored ones. That's really not much to miss *smile*, I feel that I'm gaining much more.

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This is the case of the dumbest user in the universe...
Feb 1, 2013 8:57AM PST

Arrrgh - what else can you invent to ditch Windows 8?

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Don't listen to the Win 8 salesmen.
Feb 1, 2013 9:11AM PST

If you don't like it, don't use it. I am not a fan of it either, but I do use it on my PC that I do finances on due to it being more secure. Either version should do a clean install over Windows 8. Since the kernels are different, I doubt you can maintain user files other than saving, and migrating back to Windows 7.

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This is the best option.
Feb 1, 2013 9:11AM PST

You can install any OS on your PC, considering what you have already paid for your W8 Computer you could create a dual boot system and keep W8 and install W7 as well. It's a good idea to install one of the programs like start8, classic shell or god mode first to give you access to all the control panel items (there are 250 of these) Now click Start> and in the search box type "create and format hard disk partitions" When this opens right click on the partition and select Shrink the volume. After the new partition has been created right click it and select create a new simple volume this will format it and assign a drive letter for it ,it will be called "new volume" you can change the name if you wish but it's not necessary. You can now insert your W7 installation disk in your dvd rom drive and restart your PC. On boot up you will be prompted to "press any key" and then set up will begin, Select "Install now" as the set up loads you will be given the option as to which partition you wish to install it on. Just select the new partition and that's it. Just remember that after each restart the press any key option will appear again, IGNORE this and just let it run until complete. You can install easybcd to set which OS you want to boot up has default.

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Windows 8 just isn't my thing, can I install Windows 7 over
Feb 1, 2013 9:20AM PST

You know, I'm not here to tell you how to downgrade to Windows 7. I just want all the other opinionated wanna be techs to get over yourselves! Read the freaking question again! He did not ask you if he should or not, he asked how! Wow! Shocked

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Touche'
Feb 1, 2013 11:11AM PST

Nicely said kcarr007. Some people like to over flex their pea-brain. Has something to do with narcissism I do believe.

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Two hints to easily get comfortable
Feb 1, 2013 10:01AM PST

OK, this lately "PhoneWindows" nominated Win8 look on a real normal/big screen desktop/laptop computer is really annoying! Of course, I understand it's aimed for phone/tablet users only consuming what the net offers and forgetting the other important part in all this!

The regular users and professional content/data producers in several levels of big/official organisations are suffering from this underestimating of their real needs, which has been leading to a catastrophal loss on Win8 sales lately. Maybe, and probably surely, MS have been considering this and will come "in a late train" trying to save their status on the market..

But, all the applauses to the technical improvements and speed enhancements on Win8, and that's why I wouldn't recommend any downgrading back to Win7. Anyway, in a year or two you'll have the only way to go further is once again upgrading to Win8 or "Win9/Blue" or so ... But, of course if some technical driver or other issue will require it, nothing may help.

So, please, in the meantime, check e.g. Start8 and 8Gadget, to get rid of the "PhoneWindows" and get directly to the so familiar Win7 look, still having also the Win8 look alive in background and all ready accessible if wanted!

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Stardock App
Feb 1, 2013 10:06AM PST

For $5 I downloaded an app for modifying Win 8 to look like Win 8. Simple, cheap, and keeps the option of having Win 8 on the machine if case you change your mind.

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Windows 7 ain't broke.
Feb 1, 2013 10:08AM PST

After a couple years on Win 7 and I finally have all the little tricks configured to my liking. I'm on a desktop only, Win 7 ain't broke so it doesn't need fixing.

Maybe all the crying about Win 8 is that the screen is not only butt ugly, it's offensively butt ugly. You know the old story about first impressions.

Anyway, I'm sticking with Win 7until my machine or I wear out.

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Start 8 by StarDock
Feb 1, 2013 10:13AM PST

I have loaded this for several clients who now have Windows 8 computers. I am very impressed by it and it is definitely worth the $4.99 price. I haven't looked at some of the other programs. I would love a side by side comparison of these programs. Maybe CNET can do an article on this.

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Start8 is great, Classic Start is too & it's free
Feb 1, 2013 10:39AM PST

I've tried both Start8 & Classic Start. They're pretty much the same except that Classic Start is free. In my opinion they're indispensable if you're using Windows 8 without a touch screen. MS should've given us something like these, but thank goodness somebody else did.

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Does anyone actually know the answer to this question?
Feb 1, 2013 10:30AM PST

It seems like 95% of the postings here are about stating opinions about Win. 7/8 or just encouraging Gary G. to stay with 8. I am wanting to buy a new laptop, but am unable to do it in any major electronics store right now because they all run on 8. There are still a few available online with 7 Home Premium, but they're going fast. I personally don't like 8 either after trying it, and am staying with 7, like many other people I know; it's just too far out of left field compared to their other versions, and Microsoft publically admitted this week that it's been a failure in sales, similar to Apple's Iphone 5. I also want to know if I were to buy a laptop how difficult it would be to change my OS. What I find disturbing is that when Microsoft puts out a new OS it doesn't seem to matter whether the buyer likes it or not; they push it down the public's throat regardless, and in this case it now sounds like they've made it almost impossible to uninstall it. Obviously my first step after buying a laptop with 8 would be also having to purchase a copy of Windows 7 brand-new (not an upgrade, so we're talking about another $200.00). Wouldn't it be possible to just re-format the hard drive and start over by installing 7?

Frankly, I think something's wrong with this picture. I'm leaning more and more toward Apple every day due to Microsoft's increasing need to control just about everything their users do, and have been a Windows user since 3.1!

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I think I understand your concern - fear MS miss-innovation
Feb 1, 2013 11:19AM PST

I fear any move to Windows 8 because of my poor experience with MS Office upgrades. Microsoft added the ribbons with 2007 and I have been using these products all day for years. I gave them a chance but the workflow still doesn't flow well. I have never been able to achieve the productivity I had with the pre-ribbon versions. I dont trust Microsoft to improve my workflow. I inderstand their desire to be relevant in the pad / touchscreen market but I also want to get some work done at my desktop; with my mouse and keyboard.

Another problem with the new Microsoft products is pixel bloatware. I finally get a bigger monitor and Microsoft's new software versions use up all the new real estate. Besides those big ribbons I am thinking of the taskbar. Many users greatly miss the "Always on top" checkbox. This allowed us to arrange applications on the screen even if they covered the task bar. Now when I am on my Win 7 laptop this is a big problem. I am a software designer and I need every pixel. When I maximise my data model it should cover the task bar. Instead, I fiddle with the "Autohide" option which frequently refuses to hide and interfers with buttons at the bottom of the application.
Finally, I often have as many as 8 applications going at once and I use alt-tab almost constantly. I know how difficult it is to switch apps on my Android phone. CNet reports have suggested that Win 8 interface assumes you genrally dont switch apps frequently. This raises more fear about productivity if I upgrade.
Don't get me wrong, I loved the bug fixes and speed of the Windows 7 upgrade. However recent Microsoft trends in UI confusion make me fearful of what is next. Recent Office changes fan that fear.

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New to Windows 8 nterface?
Feb 1, 2013 11:50AM PST

Although Microsoft replaced the classic Start Menu with a new tile-based Start Screen on Windows 8, there are several ways to bypass that and get your Start Menu back on Windows 8 desktop. You may try any one of these applications:

1. Start8 -- http://www.stardock.com/products/start8/
For only $5, you get a full-fledged Start menu replacement that fits in with Windows 8's more "flat" theme, though you can also choose a theme with more rounded corners like the old Windows 7 start menu. You can also set the Start button to launch a small version of the Start screen, so you can get the benefits of the Start menu with the features of the new Start screen.

2. Classic Shell (Free) -- http://classicshell.sourceforge.net/
Classic Shell starts off looking like an old school pre-XP Windows Start menu, but you can switch to a more XP- or 7-style Start menu with the press of a button.

3. StartMenu8 (Free) -- http://www.iobit.com/iobitstartmenu8.php
Install it, and you'll have your old Start menu back—that's it. It feels a little different than the others (it's more of a popup than a menu), and it has a somewhat annoying "Send Feedback" button, but it does the job without any complicated configuration menus. The only options it has—when you right-click on the Start button—are to run it at startup and to skip the tiled Start screen. This is the best option if you just want to install something for free and get on with your day.

4. Pokki (Free) -- https://www.pokki.com/windows-8-start-menu
Search for apps, control panels, and files. Add your favorite apps, sites, files and folders for quick access. Boot to the desktop and skip the Windows 8 Start Screen. Disable Windows 8 hot corners on the desktop and more. Get free apps and games from the included Pokki App Store.

5. ViStart (Free) -- http://lee-soft.com/vistart/
Enhance your windows start menu with Vistart 8. With cool custom start menu skins like the windows 8 start menu metro skin, start menu buttons and lot's of extra features. The ultimate start menu for Windows 8 and compatible with Windows 7, Vista and XP you can download for free. So get your start menu back in windows 8 or replace your start menu in windows 7, Vist or XP.

Some users say that the best among them are Start8 and Pokki.

If you are still not happy with any of the alternatives above then nothing will stop you from buying a full version of Windows 7 OS. Nobody will give you a refund for Windows 8 in exchange for Windows 7.

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Also tried Windows 8, but went back to Windows 7
Feb 1, 2013 11:54AM PST

I purchased a Sony Vaio laptop, that was "Windows 8 Ready" that had Win7Pro 64bit installed. When the time came I used the option to pay for a low cost Windows 8 Update.

After months of problem after problem (the supposedly compatible graphics drivers weren't so couldn't access GPU which messed up photo editing/graphic works, couldn't copy/paste files or move them from one directory to another, Updates wouldn't) , I ended up putting Windows 7 back on and things have been working fine. So yes, you can, you just have to get an installation disc for Windows 7.

What Microsoft needs to to is maybe put out a version of Win8 that is for desktops/laptops that aren't touch screen, because that tiled screen/touch interface is of no use to me and many others.

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I have a friend who called Dell to buy a new desktop.
Feb 2, 2013 4:06AM PST

The Dell sales-sleaze didn't bother to tell him that 8, that it came with, is 1. designed for touch screen use - not mouse and keyboard, and 2. that so many people despise 8, and 3. that the productivity level for people needing multiple open windows at once was pretty much zero. He ended up having to buy an expensive touch screen that he didn't really want.

IF, and ONLY IF, MS doesn't live up to its threat to block out things like Classic Shell, I'll eventually put 8 Pro on one PC but with CS or the like.

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I switched but it was more difficult than I expected.
Feb 1, 2013 12:17PM PST

I purchased a new notebook with Win 8 and decided I wanted to stay with Win 7. I had an unused license of Win 7 Pro which I needed since the basic Win 8 license does not have downgrade rights.

The first problem was backing up the Win 8 hard drive so I could go back to Win 8 in the future. Microsoft disk imaging would not work because of some obtuse error. I created a recovery disk (on USB since Win 8 will not allow this on DVD) and I created a total disk image using the free version of Macrium. So far so good.

Then I had a problem getting into the Bios since Win 8 does not normally do a complete shutdown, even when you tell it to do so. A lot of rummaging through Win 8 commands finally found one to allow me access to the Bios. My computer came with EUFI and Secure Boot which are a new part of the firmware writtten specifically for Win 8. It was necessary to disable them to be able to boot Win 7. I also found that the new computer had Fast Bios enabled which is a feature that allows the computer to boot faster. That had to be disabled before the computer would recognize a USB DVD or USB flash drive that I could boot from in order to load Win 7.

Once those obstacles were overcome, the computer booted from the USB drive and I was able to delete all the existing partitions and install Windows. It helped that I found a web page on the computer OEM's website that showed each step with screen shots.

The computer then booted up from the hard drive into Win 7. However I still had hours of downloading Win 7 updates and then many hours more finding all the appropriate drivers and software from the OEM's website.

I thought about returning the computer and buying one with Win 7 already installed. That would have been easier but the latest version of this OEM's notebook has a few features like an extra memory slot that were not available on the versions that are still available with Win 7. Plus I like knowing I will have EUFI and Secure Boot for when I move to Win 8 sometime in the future.

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Baffled
Feb 1, 2013 12:21PM PST

Really ? Dump 8 for 7 ? And there are actually suggestions here to spend money to do this. I don't get it.

I paid for the upgrade from 7, hesitated for a week or two and never looked back. I run 8 in Desktop mode, paid $5 for Start8 from Stardock to get the Start button back and am loving it. Running in Desktop is virtually identical to running in 7 with the added benefits of the ability to jump over to Metro, adding Multi-touch monitors ( the prices are dropping) and ridiculously quick boot times.

Wait for Windows 9 ? Are you kidding me ? This is already awesome.

Time to start using the other side of your brain.

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Where do I begin?
Feb 1, 2013 1:00PM PST

I don't have money for a Win8 machine but I've had the opportunity to toy with it a little at Wal-Mart where I work. Granted, a display model (with no wireless when working with a wireless machine) is difficult.

I have come to the conclusion that Win8 will be for some people and not others. For businesses, it is most useful for using applications built around a "quick in, quick out," environment. For example, vendors can use it for tracking how much Pepsi they gave my store. Most vendors have switched to iPad for this very reason (grab only the apps they need). For consumers, it is not just for tablets/touch devices. I have a blind friend and for him, it is easy to navigate from (what are they calling Win8 icons now?); granted he has never actually worked with a true desktop environment. Even for those of us with sight and hearing, there are some applications where you don't need to or want to sift through an entire traditional desktop environment.

Right now, I'm using a Win7 Pro, 64bit Asus EB121 Tablet PC. Win7 i the epitome of the Tablet PC model: a touchscreen traditional OS. Traditionally Tablet PCs have been heavy, underpowered, and too many tiny details to work with even with a stylus. Apple listened to the gripes and fixed them.

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Back to basics
Feb 1, 2013 1:39PM PST

Yes, go back to Win7. If possible go for 64bit edition. I tried Win 8, I think its no less than "garbage". I am using Win 7 & Linux.