Windows 7: How do I format Windows 8 and install Windows 7?

In some uEFI/BIOS firmware, CSM needs to enabled.

This is becoming EXTREMELY aggravating. I have tried just about everything. I have made a boot USB, but it won't read. I have checked the USB and other discs on another computer... all load like they are supposed to. The only one that does work on the new computer is one Win 7 disc but it hangs at "Starting Windows". I can't even run the win 7 programs (disc or downloaded) from the win 8 desktop because windows "setup has encountered an error". Every time... from every platform. So, annoying.

The only thing I haven't tried is to make a new boot disc and that's simply because I don't have any blank discs lying around. So I guess I need to get one of those. Again, I'll keep you posted.

Wait!!!! Thank you! I think that's what it was....
It was set to UEFi and it needed to be CSM. It now reads the disc... let's hope this works!

What are the settings in BIOS? Did you complete the steps Ray posted in #17?

Nope. Some how I missed that post. It is working now, and it was indeed the CSM setting. It is currently in the middle of installing. I am hoping nothing else hangs up.

Since you've missed steps that would have solved your problem 9 hours ago, read now through Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 while it is installing so you have fresh in your mind how to get a perfect Windows 7 reinstall.

That way you won't also fumble drivers, Updates and setup so that your install is a cripple from the start.

Ask back if you have any questions at all.

It was only one post that I missed.... granted, that one post would have solved the problem, but it was a single post nevertheless. That one step was my entire problem.

I am now up and running with Win 7! Thanks for all the help!

You also missed Step Three in the tutorial that gregrocker linked you to.

Um... No, I didn't. That step says to ensure secure boot was disabled and it was. I did see the part about uEFI but I didn't understand the difference in the legacy boot until I had seen the post I was referring to. (#17)

Anyway, I do appreciate all the help, and hopefully I'll be able to help other n00bs like myself in the future.