Where to buy Windows 7

OK, I've had it with Windows 8 and 8.1. Win 8 came installed on my new (a year now) laptop and there was one problem after another. I upgraded to win 8.1 and it was worse, including compatibility problems with my employer's software while working from home. I'm done with both of them! Can anyone tell me where I can find a reasonably priced copy of Windows 7 Home Premium. I have it installed on my desktop (that's about 4 years old), but also want it on my laptop. There are reasonably priced copies on ebay (under $75 for 64 bit), but how do I know if I'm purchasing genuine Win 7 and not a pirated copy that either won't work or could damage my laptop?

Thanks.

Thanks, Shawn. You're right, the peace of mind is worth more. Thanks for the links.

Jane

Brink said:

Hello Janesdf,

Personally, I wouldn't trust anything from ebay. Just to risky in my opinion.

If you like, both Newegg and Amazon has 64-bit Windows 7 Home Premium for $99.

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - Operating Systems - Newegg.com

Amazon.com: Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64bit, System Builder OEM DVD 1 Pack (New Packaging)

Best Buy has a copy for $95.99

Windows 7 Home Premium With Service Pack 1 64-bit - License and Media - 1 PC - PC - Best Buy

Hope this helps, :)
Shawn

Check with the computer manufacturers website to confirm that Windows 7 drivers are available. Better to be safe than sorry.

ThrashZone said:

Yes laptop's are very different than desktops,
Your webcam is probably toast in win-7,
Most of your touchpad features should be okay,
Download Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor from Official Microsoft Download Center

Your webcam is probably toast in win-7,

Why do you say that?

I just installed W7 Pro in my laptop and the webcam is fine.

Thanks for the suggestion. I just contacted Lenovo and yes, they have all of the Windows 7 drivers that I would need and my laptop can run Win 7. However, I would like to know if anyone here has done this. I've downloaded and installed software before, but never removed one os and then installed another one. Is this something I can take on myself or should I leave it to an expert? By the way, here is the Lenovo site I was directed to for Win 7 Home Premium drivers.

Laptops and netbooks :: Lenovo N Series laptops :: Lenovo N500 Notebook - Lenovo Support (US)

LMiller7 said:

Check with the computer manufacturers website to confirm that Windows 7 drivers are available. Better to be safe than sorry.

Laptop manufacturers tend to use proprietary hardware for which they are the only source of drivers. Often a manufacturer will choose to support only the OS the computer was sold with. For that reason it is always best to run the Windows 7 Upgrade advisor.

In many cases a new laptop will fully support Windows 7. Other users are not so lucky. Find out before you put down your money for Windows 7.

Thank you for that link. I looked over the tutorial and I will take on a positive attitude that I can do it. I've already ordered new usb drives to download the drivers to and will order the new Win 7 Home Premium. I will do the install this weekend so as not to interfere with working from home. Wish me luck and thanks again!

Jane

Brink said:

Janes,

If you are comfortable with doing a clean install of Windows, then it's pretty easy to do yourself. The tutorial below can help show you more on downgrading to Windows 7 from Windows 8 to see if it's something you are comfortable doing. We'll always be here if you have any questions. :)

Downgrade Windows 8 to Windows 7