New
#1
Is it possible to install Windows 7 on a Windows 8 computer?
Hello I recently purchased a Samsung NP780Z5E, it comes with Windows 8 installed and I believe the product key is embedded in the bios because there is no sticker on the laptop with a product key. With that said I would like to install Window 7 on the same hard drive Windows 8 is currently installed. I would also like the ability to dual boot into either OS, is this possible. I have followed many guides and my computer fails with the following error:
Windows cannot be installed to the disk. The selected disk is of the GPT partition style.
Windows cannot be installed to this disk. This computer's hardware may not support booting to this disk. Ensure that the disk's controller is enabled in the computer's BIOS menu.
I am using a 16Gb flash drive that I have used previously to install a variety of operating systems so I'm confident the flash dive its self works fine. The Windows 7 iso is from Microsoft. I also used the Microsoft Windows 7 usb tool and had no luck. Then I tried the command prompt and a few other automatic usb prepping and install tools with the same result Windows can not be installed to this drive...
Is there anything I can do to solve this? I thought about reformatting the hdd and doing a clean install of the Windows 7 OS and then the Windows 8 OS, however I read several post stating that the same error occurs. My other problem is I don't have a Windows 8 installation disc or iso. I do have a image of the hdd, I don't think I can use that to install the OS though.