How do I format Windows 8 and install Windows 7?

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  1. Posts : 25
    Windows 7 Home Premium 32bit
       #1

    How do I format Windows 8 and install Windows 7?


    There was a similar question asked before, but the site says that the last reply was 241 days ago and that I should start a new thread. So here it is.

    It seems like no matter what I do, I cannot get rid of Win 8. I have the discs and product key for Windows 7, I have changed the boot order in the bios, and I have even tried to just install Windows 7 over 8 (Yeah, I know... bad idea). Nothing works.

    It seems that when starting the computer, it scans the disc and then loads Win 8 anyway. Is there a way to force the disc to be read upon start up? Or can I just format Win 8 and get to a dos prompt? Anything??? Something??
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 14,606
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7600
       #2

    you need to set the boot order in the bios,
    you want to set it to boot from the dvd drive and not the hardrive.
    do this by pressing F12 on start up. at least its F12 on my machine.
    however. there are people more qualified that i to instruct you how to clean install .
    and the steps you need to take to make it more successful.
    hang tight and you will get the help you need soon.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 25
    Windows 7 Home Premium 32bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    I did set the boot order so that the DVD drive was first, I thought I had said I changed the boot order, but I may not have been clear. I even set it so the HDD was last, but that doesn't help.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 3,133
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit SP 1
       #4

    One question, have you tried booting any other programs that can run from CD/DVD? Something like a Linux live cd, or Partition Master Mini Tool, which boots from CD? If you can, then you might have a bad Windows installation disk. If you can't, then there might be something going on with your optical drive. Just something you might consider checking out.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 25
    Windows 7 Home Premium 32bit
    Thread Starter
       #5

    I haven't. But, I know that its a good cd because it worked on my other computer when I bought the discs. The cd is in perfect condition. I was thinking maybe an issue with the bios? That may seem far fetched though.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 3,133
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit SP 1
       #6

    It wouldn't hurt to try booting up into another disk to see if it works.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 25
    Windows 7 Home Premium 32bit
    Thread Starter
       #7

    That's true. I'll try the 32 bit disc rather than the 64 bit. I don't think I have any other bootable discs. I'll keep ya posted.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 14,606
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7600
       #8

    Apolymoxic said:
    I did set the boot order so that the DVD drive was first, I thought I had said I changed the boot order, but I may not have been clear. I even set it so the HDD was last, but that doesn't help.
    your quite right, another case of me posting when i should be asleep. sorry.

    going to bed now ,
      My Computer

  9.    #9

    Is this a Windows 8 preinstalled PC you bought? If so you need to follow Downgrade Windows 8 to Windows 7.

    If not, Unplug all other HD's and peripherals,

    Boot into BIOS setup, reset to defaults, save changes. If an EFI BIOS, enable Legacy BIOS, set DVD drive first to boot, HD second. Then set SATA controller to AHCI. Save changes and Exit.

    Then boot into installer DVD or flash stick burned or written using tool and latest ISO for your licensed OS version here.

    At first installer screen Press Shift + F10 to open a Command Box, type:

    DISKPART
    LIST DISK
    SELECT DISK 0 (after confirming Windows 7 target HD #)
    CLEAN
    CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY SIZE=102400 (for 100gb partition, adjust as desired)
    FORMAT FS=NTFS LABEL="WINDOWS 7"
    ACTIVE
    EXIT
    EXIT

    Next click Install Now, then Custom install to Clean Install Windows 7 to the partition you created. If it fails then report back at which step and the verbatim error message.

    In addition read over these steps to understand the tools and methods which work best to get and maintain a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. The steps are the same for retail.

    After install you can adjust partition size or Create new partitions for data, etc. in Disk Mgmt. We are creating the partition here to mark it Active which overcomes certain install failures.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       #10

    Is this a new PC with Windows 8 Preinstalled?

    What is the make & model of the PC?
      My Computer


 
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