Restoring Windows 7 after upgrading to Windows 8


  1. gallicbear
    Posts : 104
    Windows 7 and XP
       New #1

    Restoring Windows 7 after upgrading to Windows 8


    Hi. I am wondering if it is LEGAL to go back to Windows 7 after upgrading to Windows 8. I am not talking about the consumer preview, but about the final release since October 25. I have a laptop by HP, with pre-installed Windows 7. Can I simply restore Windows 7 and go on without a reactivation? How would that work? And what would happen to the upgrade disk of Windows 8? I do have an image of windows 7 to reinstall. I am not worried about windows.old folder. Just wondering about the legality of the process. Thanks for helping.
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  3. AddRAM
    Posts : 13,576
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       New #2

    If you go back to 7 you will be fine. You bought the pc with 7, you own the license, correct ?
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  4. gregrocker
    Posts : 50,642
       New #3

    You only lose the use of the underlying OS during the time it is qualifying for Upgrade.

    If you decide to use the Windows 8 upgrade elsewhere, you can run HP System Recovery which self-activates, or do the superior Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 which reactivates with the Product Key on COA sticker.
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  6. gallicbear
    Posts : 104
    Windows 7 and XP
    Thread Starter
       New #4

    Thank you, AddRAM and Gregrocker. I just wanted some reassurance. Appreciate your replies.
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