[Old_Chipper]

I purchased a HP laptop, which came with Win-8. I hate it; don’t understand it and Laptop doesn’t have a touch screen. What is the cheapest way to replace this 8 with Win-7 pro.? What are the problems i will I run into?

Please don’t try to tell me to just use it. At my age I'm doing well to just wakeup each morning; I don’t have time to waste learning a new system with all the crap I will never live to use. Many thanks

 

[amgat]

Some Windows 8 PCs come with what are called "downgrade rights." If your PC comes with Windows 8 Pro, you can downgrade to Windows 7 Pro just by installing it on top of your existing OS. You'll need a legitimate disc and product key, but you can just use an old or used one—after you install, you can call Microsoft and they'll activate your downgrade for you. You can even downgrade multiple machines with the same CD and key.

Source : Downgrade Your New Windows 8 Computer to Windows 7 for Free

 

[alexondrums]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I'm trying to downgrade a laptop from Win8 to Win7 and running into problems at the first hurdle!

http://www.techsupportforum.com/forums/f217/windows-7-and-8-uefi-and-gpt-687251.html#post4045431

If you're Win8 laptop is using GPT partitions and has a UEFI BIOS, it's tricky without wiping and deleting all the partitions and starting from scratch. If you don't mind doing this, then it's easy enough. It'll be easier with an MBR style partition layout, if you can set it up.

 

[sobeit]

I purchased a HP laptop, which came with Win-8. I hate it; don’t understand it and Laptop doesn’t have a touch screen. What is the cheapest way to replace this 8 with Win-7 pro.? What are the problems i will I run into?

Please don’t try to tell me to just use it. At my age I'm doing well to just wakeup each morning; I don’t have time to waste learning a new system with all the crap I will never live to use. Many thanks

which version of win8 do you have. based on the info given, Basically that computer is not eligible for upgrade version of win7 nor is it eligible for oem version of win7 including both system builders and manufacturers. You will have to purchase the full retail version of win7 to be legal. And that is the most expensive option and the only way to be legal unless you have win8 pro.

you will need to go to hp's website, search for your specific computer model and see if they have hp win7 drivers. If not then it is best not to upgrade because it could be difficult to find the proper drivers.

 

[Sysesc]

Hello,

As amgat posted you will need the downgrade rights. To take advantage of your Windows 8 Pro downgrade rights, you need installation media (such as DVD or USB key) for Windows 7 Professional or Windows Vista Business. You also need a valid product key for the older OS.

If you have installation discs for Windows 7 Professional or Vista Business, you are almost ready to downgrade. As with any Windows installation, make sure any personal files already on your PC are backed up.

Once you're set to downgrade, insert your Windows 7/Vista installation disc or USB drive and install the system as you normally would. When prompted for a product key, use the Windows 7/Vista key that came with the older OS' installation discs and not the newer Windows 8 key. You will need your Windows 8 key after Windows 7 is installed.

Regular online activation for Windows 7/Vista will fail because you used a product key that is already in use or was in use at a prior date on a different machine. So now you have to activate your Windows 7 downgrade installation by telephone.

Your computer should automatically alert you that online activation failed. If it doesn't you can manually activate your machine in Windows 7 by clicking Start > Control Panel. In the search box of the Control Panel window type “activate” and hit enter. Click the link to “Activate Windows.” When you try to activate online, the process will fail and you should see a window with a bunch of empty text entry boxes as well as a phone number for the Microsoft helpline.

During the helpline call you may have to speak with a customer representative. Just explain the situation and have your Windows 8 Pro product key available to prove your PC has downgrade rights.

 

[The_Janitor]

This will fix all your problems for free:

Welcome to Classic Shell

Win8 is a better O/S, once you get rid of all the stupid junk. This makes your Win8 machine look almost exactly the same as Win7 (or WinXP if you want), in about 2 minutes.

 

[Old_Chipper]

Thanks to all of you!
To me this is an oversite on the part of Microsoft! Win-8 looks to me as being designed around the touch screen, right? Yet we are being sold machines, like this new HP laptop of mine with 8 already on it and no touch screen. At my age and failing health, I just don't have the time to waste nor the desire to start over.
I'll have to think about all this!
Thanks

 

[spunk.funk]

Check out the site Janitor linked in post #6. Classic Shell makes your computer look like XP, or Windows 7. you don't have to learn anything new.

 

[Tyree]

Thanks to all of you!
To me this is an oversite on the part of Microsoft! Win-8 looks to me as being designed around the touch screen, right? Yet we are being sold machines, like this new HP laptop of mine with 8 already on it and no touch screen. At my age and failing health, I just don't have the time to waste nor the desire to start over.
I'll have to think about all this!
Thanks

Not an oversight ....just marketing. :smile:
MS needed something new and 8 is what we get.