Solved Asus Win8 laptop Win 7

[miztrniceguy]

I am considering this laptop.

Amazon.com: ASUS G750JW-DB71 17.3-Inch Laptop (Black): Computers & Accessories

What I would like to do is install Win 7 on an SSD drive, set it to boot to that drive first, and then pretend Win 8 doesn't exist.

Potential problems? Recommendations? Better to Wipe HDD before install? Ideally Win 7 would store all data on HDD and just have OS on SSD.

What would YOU do? And why?

 

[Golden]

I would purchase Start8 and install that.....W8 will then look and feel like W7. You wont notice the difference....and W8 boots up and shuts down quicker than W7.

 

[miztrniceguy]

Well, that's an option, but it wouldn't BE Win7. Thanks!

 

[Golden]

In that case,

1. Use Macrium Reflect to image the pre-loaded W8 installation - just in case you want it in the future
2. Wipe the drive (or keep)
3. Install SSD (or use wiped HDD) - warranty implications for opening case? research that
4. Change from UEFI to Legacy BIOS
5. Install retail copy of W7

 

[miztrniceguy]

That's what I had in mind. In doing so, what would I need to do to make sure Win 7 puts everything on HDD and just the OS on SSD? I want to make sure all programs, downloads and documents are on HDD. And would it be best to have SSD as C: and HDD as D: ?

 

[theog]

As you are talking ASUS.

1) DISABLE Secure Boot.

2) Fit SSD.

3) install x64.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...e-firmware-interface-install-windows-7-a.html

 

[Golden]

Good one theo...I forgot you could install as UEFI as long as secure boot is disabled

 

[theog]

That's what I had in mind. In doing so, what would I need to do to make sure Win 7 puts everything on HDD and just the OS on SSD? I want to make sure all programs, downloads and documents are on HDD. And would it be best to have SSD as C: and HDD as D: ?

From your link, I can see no option for a second drive bay.

 

[gregrocker]

Here's what I'm doing on laptops I've tried over the past year including this one it looks like I'm going to keep though I have til Jan 15 to decide with Best Buy's friendly return policy: HP Pavilion 17.3" Laptop 4GB Memory 750GB Hard Drive 17-e019dx - Best Buy

Shrink C by enough to install Windows 7, enter BIOS setup to disable Secure Boot, install Win7 in UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 7 with - Windows 7 Forums
if necessary using the tool here to make a UEFI Bootable USB Flash Drive - Create in Windows.

This should configure a Dual Boot so you have the ability to try Windows 8 periodically to realize fully you don't want it. Later you can wipe the HD to Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 in Legacy BIOS/CSM if you also don't want the UEFI crapware add-on which confers no real benefit for all of the trouble.

At any time in the future you can Clean Install - Windows 8 or 8.1 which should auto-activate from the BIOS.

If you're already set on installing an SSD then you can buy one large enough for your files, or store your User folders on the HDD linked to Win7 on the SSD via Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums setting each User data folder as the default save location: Library - Set Save Folder - Windows 7 Help Forums

 

[miztrniceguy]

That's what I had in mind. In doing so, what would I need to do to make sure Win 7 puts everything on HDD and just the OS on SSD? I want to make sure all programs, downloads and documents are on HDD. And would it be best to have SSD as C: and HDD as D: ?

From your link, I can see no option for a second drive bay.

This unboxing video shows this model #G750-DB71 at 0:50 and if you go to 9:55 you can see both drive bays. Asus G750 Haswell Gaming Laptop Unboxing Review and Benchmarks - YouRepeat

The manual I downloaded from Asus also shows 2 bays and specs say dual HDD support

ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support- Drivers and Download G750JW

 

[miztrniceguy]

Just realized I never closed out the thread. Thanks for all the suggestions. I ultimately went with a custom configured G750 with Win 7 Pro on a Samsung 840 SSD and a 1TB second drive for everything else. Love it and it kicks butt!