Windows 8 Problems / Switch to 7

[bullbearish]

I recently bought a laptop with Windows 8 on it. I didn't like the interface, so I installed the Windows 7 shell and it became tolerable. I've since had installation problems with TeamSpeak, Quicken, and stability problems with Battlefield 3 (which I've reinstalled now twice).

I am very comfortable with Windows 7 and would like to switch without dropping $300. Does anyone know if I can use a Windows 7 upgrade disk over Windows 8 to put 7 on the machine?

 

[ViRGE]

Over Win8? No, you'd have to do a clean install with a full copy of Win7. You'll also want to check and be sure your laptop supports BIOS booting, otherwise you're going to have to modify Win7 to install in UEFI mode.

You can also look into downgrade rights, but good luck finding a retired copy of Win7 Pro for cheap (assuming you have Win8 Pro in the first place).

 

[Ketchup]

People are realizing even more how valuable their copy of Windows 7 is. Your best shot is probably either (a) a Newegg sale or something similar, or (b) a friend who is in college, in a tech-related field. They can often get a free license or two (at least I and my classmates did). I would recommend getting a free evaluation copy and trying the install before you thow money into it though. Could have the BIOS issue ViRGE mentioned. I haven't heard of a way around that one yet.

 

[Underclocked]

Doesn't the Windows 8 Pro key work for Windows 7 Pro installation? If so, wouldn't the digital river download of 7 pro be all he would need?

 

[ViRGE]

Doesn't the Windows 8 Pro key work for Windows 7 Pro installation? If so, wouldn't the digital river download of 7 pro be all he would need?

Negative. Win8 and Win7 keys are not interchangeable.

 

[13Gigatons]

Understanding downgrade rights:

http://webcache.googleusercontent.c...wngrade_rights.aspx+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

Also this:

Q. Will the downgraded software require product activation? If so, what product key should be used to activate the software?

A. Once the downgraded software is installed, the PC will prompt for a product key in order to activate the software. The product key associated with the original Windows software should be used for activation. If the product key has been previously activated, which is likely if the media came from a prior legally licensed version that has been activated in the past, the software may be unable to activate over the Internet, due to the hardware configuration change when installing this media onto the Windows 8 or Windows 7 system. When this happens, the appropriate local Activation Support phone number will be displayed, and the person performing the downgrade will need to call the Activation Support Line and explain the circumstances to a customer service representative.

Once it is determined that the end user has a valid Windows 8 Pro, Windows 7 Professional, or Windows 7 Ultimate license, the customer service representative will provide a single-use activation code that can be used to activate the software.

More from the FAQ: http://webcache.googleusercontent.c...wngrade_rights.aspx+&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

 

[13Gigatons]

Plain English:

1. Acquire Windows 7 Pro or Ultimate ISO or disc.
2. Use a non-blacklisted key.
3. Install Windows 7 Pro or Ultimate.
4. Try to activate it...fails but says call phone number.
5. Call number and give them your Windows 8 Pro key and tell them you are exercising your downgrade rights.
6. They give you a single-use activation code. Enter that activation code into the window and your Windows 7 Professional installation will be activated.
7. Enjoy!!!

 

[Underclocked]

Thanks to both Virge and 13Gigatons. I happened to be researching this upgrade/downgrade requirement(s) when I saw this post.

Bottom line (and 13Gigaton's summation is exactly right based upon all I have read), is that you have downgrade rights so long as you have or obtain a Windows 7 Pro/Ult disc with matching key.