Solved Can I go back to Win7 after the first month of Win10

[MamaWolf]

My Grandson can't get Windows 7 back & hates Windows 10. He is into gaming & says none of his games work right on Win 10. His games won't play really at all the have problems with FPS and lots of errors when the game starts up.

I hope that somebody can help me with this.
Many thanks,
MamaWolf

 

[Mellon Head]

If it's within 30 days, you can go back to your Win 7 license. If it's over 30 days, I think you're stuck with Win 10.

What is the problem that you're having going back to Win 7? In as much detail as possible, please.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
The 30 days refers to win-10 and it's system restore back to win-7 or a previous qualifying install upgraded.

That's when win-10 removes the windows old folder created by the upgrade.

After that you can reformat the drive = after backing up your personal files to a separate drive flash or otherwise.
Then clean install win-7 or which ever os was previously installed along with any programs/ games... you had before.

This time if not interested in win-10 when you update your new install change your windows update settings and cull out those updates most of which are Recommended and Optional anyway so only focus on Important updates section to begin with.
Use these settings so the updates are separated properly,
View attachment 376799

Then refer to this thread and some of the most recent update lists to avoid,
http://www.sevenforums.com/general-...ade-updates-windows-7-8-a-53.html#post3174719

There's also this little jewel to help avoid win-10
Upgrade to Windows 10 Update - Enable or Disable in Windows 7 or 8.1 - Windows 10 Forums

 

[MamaWolf]

Here's the problem with doing a clean install of Win 7. He had Windows 7 pro (I think) & can't find his original disc. My own PC has been upgraded to Win 10 but I have a boot disc I made for my Win 7 Ultimate. If we format his drive, can I use that on his PC since I would have to use my license key?

 

[Pauly]

Does his machine have a COA sticker on it with a legible product key ?

 

[MamaWolf]

Yes it does have a legible product key.

 

[Pauly]

Then all you need is installation media and you can use the original product key to activate.
If the disc you have that you mentioned was created on your machine by windows then it is likely to be a recovery disc and not installation media so you will not be able to install from it unless it is a disc you specifically created to install from

Have a look at this link and you can try the method to retrieve a copy of install media from MS but it doesn't always work
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164

If it doesn't work then you will need to get hold of a windows 7 disc from somewhere or find an alternative download

 

[MamaWolf]

I guess we are stuck with Win 10 because his product key is for OS installed on the PC by a retailer.

 

[Pauly]

No reason why you cant use the key again ??

 

[ThrashZone]

Review this thread
http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/383716-iso-image-2.html

 

[MamaWolf]

Thank you so much ThrashZone. I was able to download the file & have the ISO file burned to disc. I only have one more question. Can I use that disc to install Win 7 with Win 10 on or must I format the hard drive first?

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Yep you have to back up what ever personal files and format the drive
You would also have to redownload or load any programs and games again too

The iso's are not in place upgrades like 10 was
During the install you can format the drive booting to cd or flash media with the iso
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

You might double check to see if this is possible but I believe you stated it's past 30 days
Windows 10 - Go Back to Previous Windows - Windows 10 Forums

 

[AddRAM]

Thank you so much ThrashZone. I was able to download the file & have the ISO file burned to disc. I only have one more question. Can I use that disc to install Win 7 with Win 10 on or must I format the hard drive first?

You always format your install partition.

 

[MamaWolf]

We just finished installing Windows 7 on his computer. The only problem is it tells us his product key is invalid for activation. Now what?

 

[Pauly]

Have you installed the same version of windows that was on there originally, same version written on the coa sticker

 

[MamaWolf]

Yes, I did.

 

[Brds7t7]

If you're entering the key that is located on the COA sticker, there shouldn't be any issues activating. Have you checked every letter & number thoroughly when entering? That's usually the main culprit when it says it's invalid. Has the COA sticker faded at all and is difficult to read?

 

[MamaWolf]

My Grandson says you guys are the bomb! I am guessing that means you are great...lol. He must have typed the key in wrong because I tried it just now & it worked.

Many Thanks for all the help,
MamaWolf