installing Win7 over Win8

[JohnD]

I recently bought a new PC with Win 8 pre-installed. I can't get on with it so bought Win7 from the dealer.

However when I try, windows says it can't install older files in place of the newer one.

I presume I need to format the hard drive and do a clean new install.

how can I do that?

 

[rjm2k]

I thought the same about w8 but installed classic shell for free and wouldn't go back.

 

[JohnD]

I have a specialist application which the vendor does not support on W8. We were unable to get the installation directories to work. So I need w7.

 

[rjm2k]

Fair enough, there should be an option to wipe when you boot from the w7 disk. Or download something like system rescue CD and format the c drive but don't format anything else . worth backing up w8 first in case they add support later.

 

[XtraRaptor]

Some info on here:-

Understanding downgrade rights

http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/licensing/sblicensing/pages/downgrade_rights.aspx#fbid=jl--Vg8UPLK



Downgrade rights details and FAQ

http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/lic..._to_do_downgrade_rights.aspx#fbid=jl--Vg8UPLK


Hope that helps, I know our IT at work have struggled to do this on some new laptops we have just bought.

 

[Astra99]

FWIW, Windows 8.1 is being released in three days (on Oct 18th.) This, if reports are to be believed, gives you back the Start button.

As far as installing WIN7 over the top of WIN8 goes, the short answer is "It Don't". You will have to format the partition and do a clean install, not from an upgrade CD, and you will need a legitimate licence key as well.

 

[JohnD]

I've done it now, found a couple of settings I had to change on the BIOS