Can't install Win 7 on Win 8 Dell for dual boot

[gregrocker]

There will be no problem installing in Legacy Mode once you wipe the HD following the steps in Bypass UEFI to Install WIn7 . This has worked for everyone thusfar who couldn't get a UEFI install to work for Win7.

If you want to try UEFI install with USB flash stick it requires special edit of files as shown in Step 11 of UEFI Bootable USB Flash Drive - Create in Windows.
This may be worth a try if UEFI DVD install won't work as shown in UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 7 with - Windows 7 Forums

BTW the Windows Home Premium Upgrade Family 3 pack allows install on any 3 PC's at a time. Like any Win7 retail license it can be reinstalled or moved to other hardware as often as you like as long as it qualifies by having XP or Vista previously on the PC, or a retail copy of XP or Vista on hand which is not used again while it is qualifying for the Upgrade. These qualifiers do not need to be installed first - this is on the honor system.

 

[cougdan]

gregrocker-
Thanks again for all of your help.
I believe I followed the instructions you mentioned in "If you want to try UEFI install with USB flash stick it requires special edit of files as shown in Step 11" and still no luck.

At this point, do you think I can do the Win 7 install and dual boot with Win 8 or should I do a Win 7 clean install and then install win 8 with oem disks from Dell? or should I abandon the idea of dual boot altogether?

I will check out "This may be worth a try if UEFI DVD install won't work as shown in UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 7 with - Windows 7 Forums

 

[gregrocker]

I would enable Legacy BIOS then do a http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164Clean Install Windows 7 deleting all partitions using the drive options shown in Steps 7 and 8.

Afterwards you can decide if you want to Clean Install - Windows 8 in a Dual Boot. Every time I do this I never use it nor does anyone else I've installed it for.

 

[theog]

Theog-
I really can't remember. It was quite a while back. Got a 3-pack and only used it once before, but that install went very smoothly.

The family 3 pack is a Upgrade version.
Get Windows 7 for the whole family.

You need to have a full version.

 

[gregrocker]

If you have any retail copy of XP or Vista then you qualify to use Upgrade version, whether it is ever installed or not.