Downgrade to Vista from Windows 7

[atsilv2012]

Hello,

I am trying downgrade from windows 7 to windows vista. When I put in my windows vista cd, my computer is unable to "get important updates" and says I will be able to download the updates after the download. I agree to the statement. Next, when it asks what kind of installation I want, I am only able to choose Custom and not Upgrade. After clicking custom, it tell me that "No drives were found. Click Load driver to provide a mass storage driver for installation. None of my drives work. Im stuck here and dont know what to do. Please help.

-Adam

 

[zigzag3143]

Hello,

I am trying downgrade from windows 7 to windows vista. When I put in my windows vista cd, my computer is unable to "get important updates" and says I will be able to download the updates after the download. I agree to the statement. Next, when it asks what kind of installation I want, I am only able to choose Custom and not Upgrade. After clicking custom, it tell me that "No drives were found. Click Load driver to provide a mass storage driver for installation. None of my drives work. Im stuck here and dont know what to do. Please help.

-Adam

Not even going to ask why you want to but the only way (i believe) is to do a format and re-install. That requires that you have the original vista dvd (not restore or oem).


Try googling it


Ken



edit I was wrong you can and the instructions are here. http://www.intowindows.com/how-to-downgrade-from-windows-7-to-vista-step-by-step-guide/

 

[gregrocker]

There is no Downgrade option for an in-place install, only Upgrade.

Why do you feel you need to reinstall Vista? If there is a program or driver that is giving you problems, try installing it in Compatibility mode: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/316-compatibility-mode.html

If this doesn't work, even after consulting experts on how to make it work, then consider shrinking your Win7 partition to install Vista in a Dual Boot until you get it worked out.

As Ken said, you'll have to clean reinstall if you want to go back to Vista. Or run your factory Recovery disks or partition if it still exists.

 

[atsilv2012]

Haha Im downgrading to vista then going to upgrade to 7 again. I got a virus and my whole computer is out of wack. I just want to recovery factory settings but when I go through the process of hitting f8 and all that, the opionn does not appear.

So can anyone help me recover factory settings in windows 7 withought going back to vista? I purchased windows 7 online and I have the setup files and serial number all ready. What do I do?

 

[bigmck]

Haha Im downgrading to vista then going to upgrade to 7 again. I got a virus and my whole computer is out of wack. I just want to recovery factory settings but when I go through the process of hitting f8 and all that, the opionn does not appear.

So can anyone help me recover factory settings in windows 7 withought going back to vista? I purchased windows 7 online and I have the setup files and serial number all ready. What do I do?

You don't need to install Vista again. Take your Win 7 disk and follow this tutorial. It will format your drive and install Win 7.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html

 

[sygnus21]

You don't need to install Vista again. Take you Win 7 disk and follow this tutorial. It will format your drive and install Win 7.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html

Unless I'm misunderstanding what he's saying....

So can anyone help me recover factory settings in windows 7 withought going back to vista? I purchased windows 7 online and I have the setup files and serial number all ready. What do I do?

a clean install isn't going to restore his system back to "factory settings"

@ atsilv, do you have a partition on your system that has a recovery disk? If so use that. otherwise the suggestion bigmck gave will be a good option, however this will wipe the drive and you'll have reinstall alll the programs and set the system to your liking.

And if you meant something else, bigmcks suggestion works like a champ

 

[atsilv2012]

I dont have a partition on my system and I dont mind reinstalling everything. I pretty much just want to start from scratch. When I am running windows 7 installation, It says it cant find a driver. I cant load driver for it to continue. This is so frustrating.

 

[bigmck]

I dont have a partition on my system and I dont mind reinstalling everything. I pretty much just want to start from scratch. When I am running windows 7 installation, It says it cant find a driver. I cant load driver for it to continue. This is so frustrating.

The Win 7 disk pretty much has all drivers on it. Normally even if you are missing drivers, the OS will load and you can get drivers later. Can you give us the exact wording of the message?

 

[bigmck]

Let me ask one other question. == Where did you get your copy of Win 7?

 

[sygnus21]

Let me ask one other question. == Where did you get your copy of Win 7?

good one.

 

[atsilv2012]

I bought it online. It is a digital copy. I purchased it when they had the college discount offer. I ran the program "DLMWin7HP32US" and after that I opened "Win7-HP-Retail-en-us-x86". That opens the windows 7 installation. I click "go online to get the latest updates for installation", I accept "license terms", Then when it asks what kind of installation I want I click custom becasue I want to install a new copy of windows and dont mind starting from scratch/losing data. The next screen says "No drives were found. Click Load driver to provide a mass storage driver for installation". Any ideas?

 

[atsilv2012]

i downloaded it from digital river I believe

 

[atsilv2012]

please help me

 

[gregrocker]

You don't need to reinstall Vista to upgrade to Win7.

Since you were infected you need to wipe the HD to overwrite any infected code using this tutorial: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html

You need to boot the installer from DVD or flash stick. If you didn't get a bootable ISO file from Digital River, here is the link to where MS made good for student purchasers: Microsoft Fixes Windows 7 Student Edition Upgrade Problems

Burn the ISO to DVD or flash stick using this tool: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31541-windows-7-usb-dvd-download-tool.html?filter[2]=General%20Tips

Then boot the Win7 installer, Custom install to partition created. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html

The installer is mostly driver-complete, with newer arriving quickly via optional Windows Updates. Any drivers then missing in Device Manager can be found on the Support Downloads webpage for your model computer or device.

Install updates and then programs slowly over time to gauge performance after each. Don't let any programs write themselves into msconfig>Startup as they become freeloaders on your RAM/CPU and can spy on you. I only allow AV and gadgets. http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-debugging/70248-troubleshooting-msconfig.html

Use a lightweight free AV like MS Security Essentials which works perfectly with Windows 7 Firewall. http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

When it is finished, clean and order the HD perfectly using state-of-the-art free CCleaner then Auslogics Disk and Registry defraggers monthly. CCleaner - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com
Auslogics Disk Defrag - Reviews and free Auslogics Disk Defrag downloads at Download.com
Auslogics Registry Defrag - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com

Then save a Win7 Backup image externally so you never have to reinstall again, just reimage the HD or replacement using DVD or Repair CD. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/663-backup-complete-computer-create-image-backup.html

 

[atsilv2012]

I started the SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation. When I typed "list disk" it says "there are no fixed disks to show".......

 

[DeaconFrost]

First, fill out your system specs, so people know what they are dealing with. Second, if you downloaded Windows 7 from digitalriver, it should be legit, but they have a tool on their website for making a bootable flash drive or a DVD to handle the installs. This should have been the very first thing you did once the download completed. Get that free app from their site, and make whichever install media you have available.

Then, back up your data, boot from the flash drive or DVD, and do a clean install. Load your drivers, install your apps, restore your data....and enjoy.

 

[gregrocker]

Are you're HD's showing up in BIOS Setup correctly? If not, check the cable's condition and that they are plugged snugly.

Try booting free Partition Wizard bootable CD to check what it shows for disks and partitions..

I would first run the HD File System Check and Surface Test of all partitions from PW. If errors appear, then run your HD maker's diag/repair full CD scan: http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287

You can wipe your target HD using the PW Disk tab or your target partition by rightclicking it to Wipe

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/93322-partition-wizard-use-bootable-cd.html

 

[atsilv2012]

all of this sounds so complicated. Im not that good with computers and its getting frustrating. I hate not being able to just re download windows 7 by running the program I have. Can you explain the process better. Please

 

[wds7]

I had the same problem before and tried to reinstall Wds but it would not let me ...
"same thing ..kept saying there is no drive to install .."
Instead i did a windows 7 repair with the same installation disc ....
It put back my system as a new install .
Good luck.

 

[DeaconFrost]

all of this sounds so complicated. Im not that good with computers and its getting frustrating. I hate not being able to just re download windows 7 by running the program I have. Can you explain the process better. Please

There is software on their website, found here: Microsoft Store: Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool Help

That software will take your downloaded files and create a bootable DVD or USB Flash Drive for you to install Windows 7 on. Once you have that created, back up your data off the computer (external USB drives are very cheap these days). Boot from the DVD or Flash Drive, and reinstall Windows 7. There are plenty of guides here to walk you through this step...but it is actually very simple.

If you aren't good with computers, or are just learning, have a friend look over your should. That's how most of us got our start.