Replacing Windows 8 with 7 on OEM desktop?

brent2 · 01 Dec 2013

I have a full retail version of Windows 7 on my old computer on its last legs and want to install it on a new computer. I don't have time to build one from scratch and would like to get a new desktop computer from HP. I don't want Windows 8, so can I just replace the hard drive on the new computer and install Windows 7 on the OEM computer? Is there anything in the HP computer to prevent this installation?

whs · 01 Dec 2013

You need a Windows retail license to do that. With an OEM license it will not work. And just swapping your old disk is not possible.

The new PC would be UEFI. That makes installing Windows 7 a bit iffy - but there are tutorials on this forum that tell you how to skin this cat.

gregrocker · 01 Dec 2013

Since you specified that you have a full retail copy of Win7, you of course can use it to Up~~Down~~grade Windows 8 to Windows 7.

You can try the install first in UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 7 with - Windows 7 Forums.

However if it gives you any trouble I wouldn't waste time with the added layer of crapware but instead Bypass UEFI to Install WIn7

theog · 02 Dec 2013

Downgrade to Windows 7.
Downgrade Windows 8 to Windows 7
Warning you must have the UEFI/BIOS firmware setting in Step Three set.

Make sure you read the NOTE at Step three.

would like to get a new desktop computer from HP.

As you are talking HP, you will need to use LEGACY mode.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...name=c03653226
Screenshots in the above link.

DESKTOP

HP said:

Disabling Secure Boot

You may want to disable Secure Boot in order to install new hardware or boot from a CD or DVD. Follow these steps to disable Secure Boot:

1) Turn off the computer.

2) Turn on the computer and immediately press the F10 key repeatedly, about once every second, until the Computer Setup Utility opens.

3) Use the left and right arrow keys to select the Security menu, then use the up and down arrow keys to select Secure Boot Configuration , and then press Enter .

4) The Secure Boot Configuration warning displays. Press F10 to continue.

5) Use the up and down arrow keys to select Secure Boot , then use the left and right arrow keys to change the setting to Disable .

6) Use the up and down arrow keys to select Legacy Support , then use the left and right arrow keys to change the setting to Enable .

7) Press F10 to accept the changes.

8) Press F10 again, then press Enter twice to restart the computer.

9) As soon as the computer starts, a message appears indicating that the boot mode has changed.

10) Type the four-digit code shown in the message, then press Enter to confirm the change.