Window 8 to Windows 7

If your SIL techie couldn't get Win7 loaded, it's time to bite the bullet and take it to a computer shop. Installing an OS can have many different problems depending on current and desired configurations. Do you really want to get 20 minutes into the install, then have to wait while you post another question on an RV forum?

We run into problems like this everyday at work. To properly load the WIN 7, you will need to format the hard drive. Easist way is get another hard drive and load WIN 7 on it, then have the WIN 8 hard drive as back up. You will also need the driver disk for all the different items in the computer, video, network, wifi, usb, etc.

monkey44 wrote:
As some have followed the dilemma - we tried to load the Windows 7 OS on this Windows 8 LT ... no luck, the W8 would not allow me to load the Wdw7 OS...

So, do I have to wipe out the W8 first? IF so, makes sense just to buy anew HD and keep this one, then it's intact with everything if I ever decide to go back to W8 - unlikely, but who knows.

SO, my question: If I buy a new HD, and load W7 on it - will I have complications with anything else that's inside the LT - like will the CD drive still work, etc., or do some things need the W8?

I might have to load a WIFI program,or other software, but I'm thinking more here of hardware - like the disc drive. In fact, accept for loading programs, most disc drive less useful anyway with the ease of data transfer now using the USB ports.

I also did not like the W8,,, but I downloaded HP Quick Start. It is a little program that gives you back the Start Button at the bottom of the screen. With this and using the Desktop window/option of Windows 8.1 update it is much better.

Was just reading on the news that Win XP and Win7 are running on far more computers even today than any of the Win8 variants. When oh when will Microsoft wake up?

donn0128 wrote:
Was just reading on the news that Win XP and Win7 are running on far more computers even today than any of the Win8 variants. When oh when will Microsoft wake up?

I also read that Win 8/8.1 is running on more computers than ALL versions of OS X combined. When will Apple wake up? :B

strollin wrote:

donn0128 wrote:
Was just reading on the news that Win XP and Win7 are running on far more computers even today than any of the Win8 variants. When oh when will Microsoft wake up?

I also read that Win 8/8.1 is running on more computers than ALL versions of OS X combined. When will Apple wake up? :B

I also recently read that Windows 8 was struggling to catch up to the existing market share of MS Vista users...Wondering if they would rather have reintroduced Vista:)

Seriously, touch is coming. The new ACER Chromebook has a touchscreen. The rumored 13" ipad "pro" will be a large touch device, as are a few android tablets.

I personally might buy an android tablet w/ a 14-15" screen and running Firefox. Otherwise, I'll stick w/ XP running FF until some security failure forces me to install a Linux distro on the failed computer. I really only use the browser, anymore.

donn0128 wrote:
Was just reading on the news that Win XP and Win7 are running on far more computers even today than any of the Win8 variants. When oh when will Microsoft wake up?

But of course those are just statistics. They don't really tell the whole story. I use Windows 8 at work and I like it. Not real different from 7 once you understand the Start menu. But I have a 4 year Win 7 laptop at home that works perfectly fine and suits my needs. Why would I need to replace it? Why would anyone replace what works? Not to mention that there is a tablet craze right now. Spend $500+ on a tablet, or a new laptop? What do you think people are going to do?

When the PCs and laptops come to their life's end and the percentage of people who need more than a tablet have to replace the laptop, sales will go back up and Windows 8.x will increase its market share. Of course PC/Laptop sales will never be what they once were. For many people all they need is a tablet. Personal computing has changed and the market changes with it.

QUOTE: "If your SIL techie couldn't get Win7 loaded, it's time to bite the bullet and take it to a computer shop. Installing an OS can have many different problems depending on current and desired configurations. Do you really want to get 20 minutes into the install, then have to wait while you post another question on an RV forum?"

NOPE ... :)

QUOTE: "We run into problems like this everyday at work. To properly load the WIN 7, you will need to format the hard drive. Easist way is get another hard drive and load WIN 7 on it, then have the WIN 8 hard drive as back up. You will also need the driver disk for all the different items in the computer, video, network, wifi, usb, etc."

Ding, ding ding, we have a winner (s) here. This has been hassling me for months on the road, and I wanted to wait until I got home. Now, home. Called a tech today right down the road, he said:

Quote: I can make my entire living back-loading Wdw7 on Wdw8 machines - and will do it for $40 ... Drop it off for two hours - Monkey can't beat that deal anywhere. One huge headache gone tomorrow.

And for those folks that think finger slashing and touch screen is wave of the future -- maybe so, but I don't need it or want it. I do just fine with this technology I know and learned. And won't run out a buy a new one every time MS wiggles its fingers.

Don't need new tech for my work or my play. So, will be satisfied with Wdw7 for a very long time. I once went in and exchanged my cell phone when it quit working totally. The phone guy said: "Wow, I've never seen a phone that old." Still have one that only answers the phone, and doesn't contain my entire life its little black box. Course, that's just an old monkey talking.

I think I'd just get used to Win 8 (or 8.1) if you can. I think that it's here to stay and really not a problem once you get a little used to it. Try downloading Classic Shell, a free program that makes your 8 look like 7 if you want. Some of your choices may be limited on LT but I think it'll work fine. I use 8.1 and it lets you set it up so it boots right into the old classic screen so you don't have to use the tile version unless you want.

monkey44:

I would hold off on your bragging just a little bit.

I expect to hear back from you on Windows7 quite soon. I have checked many of your past posts. I suspect like many people you have a harder time remembering things about computer use since getting older.

It doesn't help when computers are sold without manuals. ;)

However; I am happy with Windows7 on my Asus i7, 8-core, gaming computer and have no urge to move to a Windows8 touch unit. Not that it isn't also a good unit, but why fix what isn't broken? :B