I have a Win8 laptop on which I want to install Win7 Pro (for which a have a DVD and key). I know simply trying to boot the Win7 disk does not do it. Is the problem the Win8 drive is a GPT disk? If so can I use Partiton to change it to MBR and just go from there? If not, what else do I have to do?
The methods I see on line are quite confusing.
Why MS chose to mess with things that have worked for a decade is beyond me.
As your specs are for a desktop, what is the make & Model of the Notebook.
For Lenovo G500 with Windows 8 core Pre-installed.
1) Downgrade to Windows 7.
Downgrade Windows 8 to Windows 7
Warning you must have the UEFI/BIOS firmware setting in Step Three set.
2) If Using a USB Pen drive on a PC with a UEFI BIOS.
USB Pen drive need to be formatted to FAT32 as in
UEFI Bootable USB Flash Drive - Create in Windows
Take note of Step 11 for Windows 7.
Also you will need to use a USB 2.0 port, as there are no USB 3.0 drivers in Windows 7.
More information about UEFI BIOS vs. Legacy BIOS - YouTube
If you have problems with UEFI or prefer to not use it you can follow these steps to
Bypass UEFI to Install WIn7 which has worked for everyone who had problems with UEFI.
Quote