New Laptop with Windows 8 Need Windows 7

[strgt]

I am an engineering student and I just recently picked up a new laptop that came with win8 preinstalled. This was a big mistake as my school offers some software that doesnt work on this OS. Id like to go back to windows 7 if possible but noticed I cant even get the student discount anymore on windows 7 from the microsoft site. Is there anywhere I can still get this version or can I downgrade my current windows 8 version?

 

[DeaconFrost]

For curiosity sake, what software doesn't work on Windows 8?

 

[AddRAM]

windows 7 software - Best Buy

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?CatId=306&name=Operating-Systems&cm_sp=Masthead-_-Computer%20Parts-_-Spot%2012

 

[gregrocker]

Downgrade Windows 8 to Windows 7

I would contact the PC's tech support to see if they already have any downgrade offers, which I'm expecting to occur based on consumer reaction to Win8 desktop experience.

If they instead bully you about not downgrading on your own then follow the standard advice for Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 to make your Recovery Disks and/or a backup image, not tell them that you have reinstalled. It cannot affect your hardware warranty under law, anyway.

 

[AddRAM]

What about a windows 7 key ?

 

[gregrocker]

Are you asking me? I thought the options you presented were sufficient, only adding that I'd check if the manufacturer has a "downgrade" option to Win7 yet. They should when they hear enough complaints, or PC sales slow as a result of a touchscreen OS being put on desktops. Dell already has a 7 option on their gaming rigs menu.

 

[strgt]

For curiosity sake, what software doesn't work on Windows 8?

So far its been Solidworks 2011-2012, and one of the diagnostic IO board programs designed for my school. Both I use on a regular basis.

 

[strgt]

Downgrade Windows 8 to Windows 7

I would contact the PC's tech support to see if they already have any downgrade offers, which I'm expecting to occur based on consumer reaction to Win8 desktop experience.

If they instead bully you about not downgrading on your own then follow the standard advice for Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 to make your Recovery Disks and/or a backup image, not tell them that you have reinstalled. It cannot affect your hardware warranty under law, anyway.

Will this work with my current Win 8 product key? I was under the impression that you could only downgrade win 8 if you had the professional version (which I dont).

 

[gregrocker]

This is why I said to ask your OEM. They may have a growing demand for downgrade rights and have something to offer.

 

[theog]

This is why I said to ask your OEM. They may have a growing demand for downgrade rights and have something to offer.

Only with Windows 8 Pro Preinstalled.

 

[gregrocker]

I am holding out hope that things will change when the full reaction of consumers is felt.

If Dell offers WIn7 as an option already, then others may follow.

Win7 is wildly popular, showing no age at 3, and offers a perfect desktop experience - which is not at all the case with Win8.

 

[DeaconFrost]

It appears that only 2013 works with Windows 8. So, it looks like you need to downgrade to 7, or upgrade Solidworks. Does your school offer that as an option?

SolidWorks System Requirements | Windows and Mac | SolidWorks

If it is a medium - large size school, they may also have Windows 7 freely available to you as a student.