I am considering the purchase of a new computer for use as a test machine. After investing way too much time in research, I am finding only downgrades from Win 8 Pro to Win 7 Pro. Can the other versions of Win 8 be downgraded?
I prefer to use Win 7 (most likely Pro 64-bit) on the new machine. Are my only realistic options to buy a custom built machine, build my own, or buy a used computer to employ Win 7?
Thanks for your feedback.
drpepper
Not sure I fully understand your question, but if you simply want a NEW 64-bit computer with Windows 7 Pro pre-installed, there are plenty of them to choose from, IE newegg.com
I've read that consumer level downgrades are hard to come by, even if you have Win8 Pro. The downgrade has to be supported by the manufacturer, and I have the strong impression that most of them don't want to do that.
Another alternative is to simply buy Windows 7 and install it, as if the computer came without an OS. That supposes that you can get all the drivers you need to run Win7 on the hardware. (Shouldn't be unreasonably difficult at the moment, although laptops and all-in-ones may pose special problems due to driver customizations done by the manufacturers.)
I'd probably use a System Builder license, in violation of the license agreement. (I can only speculate as to what fraction of S. B. licenses sold by Newegg are used that way. 50%? 90%?) Still expensive, though; roughly $100US for Home Premium, $140 for Pro.
For my own purposes, I'd stay with Win8, and install one of the Start Menus restoration utilities as a crutch. And hope that Microsoft changes their minds soon about the level of configuration permitted to Win8 users.
Buying Win8 Pro only earns you downgrade rights to a free copy of 7 Pro.
You still have the right to install anything you want to your property once you disable Secure Boot and then follow the steps to Install Windows 7 with UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), or turn UEFI off to Bypass UEFI to Install WIn7
If you have a retail copy of Win7, you can use it following the same steps for Downgrade Windows 8 to Windows 7.
I would look for a new Business OEM Desktop or Notebook with Windows 8 Pro Pre-Install.
Just a question? Why not partiton the HD and install Win 7 pro on added partition. However it was mentioned finding the proper drivers for a downgrade may be a little difficult.
Again this is just a question.
Still Learning, Learning Still
Curtis
I have access to Dream Spark because of a class I am enrolled in. That would be a good source for Win 7 Pro (free of charge w/ perpetual license). I guess the only issue on a new machine would be hardware/drivers for Win 7 if I find a good deal on a new Win 8 machine. That should be easy enough.
Thanks,
drpepper
In order to Dual Boot you'd have to disable Secure Boot so that another OS besides Win8 can be installed.
Then if Win8 will still start you can follow the steps to Dual Boot Installation - Windows 8 and Windows 7 or Vista - Windows 8 Forums installing Win7 in UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 7 with - Windows 7 Forums.
If this fails you can see if your BIOS has Compatibility Support Module (CSM) to change its setting to Dual Mode so you can install Win7 normally to an MBR HD.
For dual boot:
Follow Step one to five in this tutorial:
Downgrade Windows 8 to Windows 7
Warning,you must have the uEFI/BIOS firmware settings in Step Three set.
Also take note of the note about Dual booting.
Than follow this tutorial: (installing in uEFI mode.)
Dual Boot Installation - Windows 8 and Windows 7 or Vista
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