Thanks -- yes, I have my own copy of the W7 - I bought it and just can't get it to install over the W8 -- my own tech ignorance, I'm sure. Matter of fact, the repair guy offered to walk me though the steps if I got stuck. But this has been a hassle for too long, so will take it in and let the experts fix it.
I did not want to do on the road, and that's why it took so long. My LT crashed just a couple days before we left - so made the mistake of buying new LT w/W8, then found all the troubles, some of which are simply my dislike for the OS.