Windows 8.1 to Windows 7?

8.1 has got to go

from WinCustomize Forums

Ok I gave 8.1 a try and the more I use it the more it annoys me. I am wondering how to go about Installing windows 7 on my new laptop that came with Windows 8. Is it possible to down grade which I think would be an upgrade to Windows 7. I would have to buy a copy and install it some how online or some other source because I do not have an Optical drive. Can someone walk me through it?

11,380 views 21 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

You might try contacting the laptop manufacturer to see if they have some sort of option readily available.  Most likely you won't be the first person to have asked.  It's worth a try and might save you some cash.

Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Dave's advice is good, JC. It certainly can't hurt to ask. Also there might be UEFI complications.

Incidentally, did you try W8.1 with SD's Start8/ModernMix, etc.? Might make all the difference for you...

SoundPackager - Customize the Windows sound scheme
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Thanks Dave and Doc. Yes I have those installed but that is not my problem now with Windows 8.1. The issues I am running into are administrative rights and installing software. For example I still have been unable to install Windowblinds (ticket has been opened) and last night was unable to install Silverlight. It tells me I do not have the rights to modify a certain file even though I am clearly logged in as administrator and in the properties of that file it says I have full control. It also does not create the needed files during install. 

I just like to go back to what I am use to and what seemed to be a smoother running system.

Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Ken, go to the laptop maker's site, look up your model, see if you can get Windows 7 drivers. If you can,download and save them. 

 Then it should be as simple as installing Windows 7 and using the 7 drivers you downloaded beforehand. No problems should arise. I use both 7 and 8.1 with my UEFI bios with no problems.

Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top

It is finding the drivers that is the problem. I contacted Acer and they were not much help. Apparently they have no compatible drivers on their site. I only got basic instructions.

Changing from Windows 8 to another operating system

I bought a system with Windows 8, can I install a different operating system?

You can install an operating system different from what shipped on your computer. If you choose to do so, you are responsible for locating and installing any drivers or software needed. Acer will not be able to troubleshoot any issues you have while installing or using another operating system.

Use the following steps to to install another operating system.
  1. Make a backup on a USB flash drive in case you wish to reinstall Windows 8. For more information, please visit Create Factory Default Backup in Windows 8.
  2. Insert your installation media and completely shut down your computer.
  3. Power on the system. As soon as the first logo screen appears, immediately press the F2 key, or the DEL key if you have a desktop, to enter the BIOS and disable Secure boot for notebooks or change the BIOS mode to Legacy BIOS for desktops.
  4. Power on the system. As soon as the first logo screen appears, immediately press the F2 key, or the DEL key if you have a desktop, to enter the BIOS.
  5. Press the RIGHT arrow key to select Boot and use the DOWN arrow key to select the installation media type and press F6 to move it to the top of the list.
  6. Press the F10 key to save changes and restart the system.
  7. The system will load from your installation media. Follow the on-screen instructions to install your operating system.

 

 

Anyone want to buy a laptop less then a week old?

 

Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top

 

 

I can't buy, but I'd be willing to trade a good 17" Toshiba laptop and maybe give a little money.

 

I have an excellent like new Toshiba Satellite with 7 on it, and it has an SSD in it.

 

http://support.toshiba.com/support/modelHome?freeText=2681585

 

PM me if interested in talking.

 I'm sure you'd rather just sell your outright. I'm sorry you didn't like 8.1, many don't.

 

Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Link to your laptop specs?   ;)

Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting JuniorCrooks, reply 5
I contacted Acer and they were not much help.
End of JuniorCrooks's quote

Well golly that's handy.  I was hoping they might be able to fix you up with a Win7 download at some (slightly) discounted rate.

Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top

http://www.staples.ca/en/Acer-Aspire-V5-572P-9655-Touch-Screen-Laptop-156-200GHz-3rd-Gen/product_213881_2-CA_1_20001

Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting DaveRI, reply 8

Quoting JuniorCrooks, reply 5 I contacted Acer and they were not much help.

Well golly that's handy.  I was hoping they might be able to fix you up with a Win7 download at some (slightly) discounted rate.
End of DaveRI's quote

 

I guess I am not so lucky Dave. It was a good thought though.

 

Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Touchscreen, whoa. Probably paid a good bit for it. Not getting anything with that link. It asks for delivery zip code.

Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
 
 
 
PRODUCT DETAILS
  • 3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-3537U processor (4 MB L3 cache, 2.00 GHz with Turbo Boost up to 3.10 GHz, DDR3 1600 MHz)
  • 8 GB of DDR3 system memory on board
  • 500 GB, 2.5-inch form factor HDD
  • Microsoft® Genuine Windows 8 64 Bit
  • 15.6" HD 1366 x 768 resolution LED-backlit TFT LCD with integrated 10-finger Touch support
  • 16:9 aspect ratio
  • Frameless, Super-Slim design
  • Mercury-free, Environment-friendly
  • Intel® HD Graphics 4000
  • Optimized Dolby® Home Theater® v4 audio enhancement; High-Definition Audio Support; Four Built-In Stereo Speakers; MS-Sound Compatible; Built-in Digital Microphone
  • Dimensions: 0.90" H. x 15.03" W. x 10.07" D.
  • Product Weight: 4.4 lb.
  • 1-year manufacturer's limited warranty (details with product)
 
SPECIFICATIONS
Processor 3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-3537U processor (4 MB L3 cache, 2.00 GHz with Turbo Boost up to 3.10 GHz, DDR3 1600 MHz)
Memory 8GB
Hard Drive Size 500GB
Screen Size 15.6"
Operating System Microsoft® Genuine Windows 8 64 Bit
Laptop Use Everyday
# of USB Ports 1 x USB 3.0 port, 2 x USB 2.0 ports
Additional Features Acer Crystal Eye HD webcam, Built in Digital Microphone
Audio Optimized Dolby® Home Theater® v4, High-definition audio support - Four built-in stereo speakers, Built-in digital microphone, MS-Sound compatible
Cache 4MB L3
Battery Life 5 hours
Battery Type 53 W 3560 mAh 4-cell Li-polymer battery pack
Blu Ray Drive No
Bluetooth Enabled Yes
Camera Yes
Colour Iron
Dimensions 0.90" H. x 15.03" W. x 10.07" D.
Hard Drive Speed 5400RPM
HDMI Port Yes
Keyboard Type 53 W 3560 mAh 4-cell Li-polymer battery pack
Media Card Reader 2-in-1 Build in card reader -SD™, MMC
Memory Type DDR3
Other Ports 2 in 1-Build in card reader -SD™, MMC, HDMI® port with HDCP support, Combo Headphone/Microphone-in Jack, DC in jack for AC adapter, Kensington lock slot
Screen Type 15.6" HD 1366 x 768 resolution LED-backlit TFT LCD with integrated 10-finger Touch support, 16:9 aspect ratio
Speakers Optimized Dolby® Home Theater® v4 audio enhancement, High-definition audio support - Four built-in stereo speakers
Video Graphics Intel® HD Graphics 4000
Warranty 1-year manufacturer's limited warranty (details with product)
Weight 4.4 lb.
Wireless Network Card Acer InviLink™ Nplify™ 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi CERTIFIED
Laptop Colour Iron
Touchscreen Yes
Retina Display No
Laptop Hard Drive Size 500GB
Laptop Memory 8GB
Laptop Operating System Windows 8
Laptop Screen Size 15" - 16"
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Nice laptop...too rich for my blood, though. I like Windows 8 ok. I seldom use my 7 laptop.

 

Seems there should be a way to put 7 on that puppy.   X|

Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I am sure I can put 7 on it but without driver support it is a waste of time. I think I will refresh back to 8 and forget about 8.1. Maybe I will have more luck with 8. 

Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top

You have me thinking about putting 8.1 on my laptop.

Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting RedneckDude, reply 15

You have me thinking about putting 8.1 on my laptop.
End of RedneckDude's quote

If you are happy with 8 I would not put 8.1 on it. After doing so to mine I began to experience a lot of administration problems which effects installing software. If you do decide to install it my suggestion is do not delete your windows old file. I did that and for some strange reason I got more problems. I know it should not work that way but that is what I experienced.

Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Well, 8.1 is fine on my desktop, I haven't tried it on my lappy, but I don't have an extra install of 8, so I'd have to remove it from my desktop if I add it to the laptop.

Reply #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Had to refresh back to Windows 8. I will not install 8.1. I am now able to install Windowblinds and I am not having anymore administrator problems.

Reply #19 from WinCustomize Forums Top

HEY CROOKS!  :grin:

Me n Kitty bought new laps with 8, obviously we wanted 7 when we bought them, -Here´s what we did. Wiped the disk, -formatted it to MBR, -then make sure Bios is NOT set to secure boot. -Install 7

Reply #20 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting neone6, reply 19

HEY CROOKS! 

Me n Kitty bought new laps with 8, obviously we wanted 7 when we bought them, -Here´s what we did. Wiped the disk, -formatted it to MBR, -then make sure Bios is NOT set to secure boot. -Install 7
End of neone6's quote

What did you do for drivers? I read that some Windows 8 drivers will work but not all.

Reply #21 from WinCustomize Forums Top

We put the most suitable for the Brand & type on them  :sun: