How do I format Windows 8 and install Windows 7?

[Apolymoxic]

There was a similar question asked before, but the site says that the last reply was 241 days ago and that I should start a new thread. So here it is.

It seems like no matter what I do, I cannot get rid of Win 8. I have the discs and product key for Windows 7, I have changed the boot order in the bios, and I have even tried to just install Windows 7 over 8 (Yeah, I know... bad idea). Nothing works.

It seems that when starting the computer, it scans the disc and then loads Win 8 anyway. Is there a way to force the disc to be read upon start up? Or can I just format Win 8 and get to a dos prompt? Anything??? Something??

 

[boohbah]

you need to set the boot order in the bios,
you want to set it to boot from the dvd drive and not the hardrive.
do this by pressing F12 on start up. at least its F12 on my machine.
however. there are people more qualified that i to instruct you how to clean install .
and the steps you need to take to make it more successful.
hang tight and you will get the help you need soon.

 

[Apolymoxic]

I did set the boot order so that the DVD drive was first, I thought I had said I changed the boot order, but I may not have been clear. I even set it so the HDD was last, but that doesn't help.

 

[LittleJay]

One question, have you tried booting any other programs that can run from CD/DVD? Something like a Linux live cd, or Partition Master Mini Tool, which boots from CD? If you can, then you might have a bad Windows installation disk. If you can't, then there might be something going on with your optical drive. Just something you might consider checking out.

 

[Apolymoxic]

I haven't. But, I know that its a good cd because it worked on my other computer when I bought the discs. The cd is in perfect condition. I was thinking maybe an issue with the bios? That may seem far fetched though.

 

[LittleJay]

It wouldn't hurt to try booting up into another disk to see if it works.

 

[Apolymoxic]

That's true. I'll try the 32 bit disc rather than the 64 bit. I don't think I have any other bootable discs. I'll keep ya posted.

 

[boohbah]

I did set the boot order so that the DVD drive was first, I thought I had said I changed the boot order, but I may not have been clear. I even set it so the HDD was last, but that doesn't help.

your quite right, another case of me posting when i should be asleep. sorry.

going to bed now ,

 

[gregrocker]

Is this a Windows 8 preinstalled PC you bought? If so you need to follow Downgrade Windows 8 to Windows 7.

If not, Unplug all other HD's and peripherals,

Boot into BIOS setup, reset to defaults, save changes. If an EFI BIOS, enable Legacy BIOS, set DVD drive first to boot, HD second. Then set SATA controller to AHCI. Save changes and Exit.

Then boot into installer DVD or flash stick burned or written using tool and latest ISO for your licensed OS version here.

At first installer screen Press Shift + F10 to open a Command Box, type:

DISKPART
LIST DISK
SELECT DISK 0 (after confirming Windows 7 target HD #)
CLEAN
CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY SIZE=102400 (for 100gb partition, adjust as desired)
FORMAT FS=NTFS LABEL="WINDOWS 7"
ACTIVE
EXIT
EXIT

Next click Install Now, then Custom install to Clean Install Windows 7 to the partition you created. If it fails then report back at which step and the verbatim error message.

In addition read over these steps to understand the tools and methods which work best to get and maintain a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. The steps are the same for retail.

After install you can adjust partition size or Create new partitions for data, etc. in Disk Mgmt. We are creating the partition here to mark it Active which overcomes certain install failures.

 

[theog]

Is this a new PC with Windows 8 Preinstalled?

What is the make & model of the PC?

 

[Apolymoxic]

Is this a new PC with Windows 8 Preinstalled?

What is the make & model of the PC?

Why, yes. Yes it is.
Toshiba Satellite C855D

It does appear that LittleJay was onto something... I tried the other disc and it did indeed attempt to boot from CD. There was an issue at first because of secureboot, so I disabled it and the disc ran. But now there is a new issue... it loads the files, then goes to "Starting Windows" and just hangs. I thought maybe I was being impatient, so I let it sit all night. It's still there at the screen.

I'll try to follow the instructions that gregrocker provided. I'll keep you guys posted.

Thank you for the help.

 

[AddRAM]

Where did you get the disc you`re using to install 7 from ?

 

[Apolymoxic]

Microsoft. They are the actual windows 7 discs (32 and 64 bit home premium)

 

[theog]

Is this a Windows 8 preinstalled PC you bought? If so you need to follow Downgrade Windows 8 to Windows 7.

Do you read the tutorial gergrocker linked you to?

 

[Apolymoxic]

I'm doing that now... but I have class in a bit, so I might not get it finished. I will finish it up tonight if it takes that long.

 

[Apolymoxic]

That tutorial didn't help. I go to the one time boot loader and select DVD, but it still doesn't load the disc. I guess it's just a bad disc. And when I try to load up the other disc, it hangs on the "Starting Windows" screen.
Should I just call microsoft and see about getting another copy of the disc? Or maybe I can download it and use my old product key? I have only used that product key once before...

 

[theog]

You to do step 3 first.

3) Reset BIOS to default, and reboot to BIOS make sure Secure Boot is disabled.
NOTE: Check your manufacturer's uEFI BIOS manual for settings.

How to enable CSM for a Toshiba.(Satellite Pro C870, Satellite Pro L830, Satellite Pro C850, Satellite Pro R950, Portege R930, Portege Z930)

To downgrade from a installed Windows 8 OS to a Windows 7 OS, using a Windows 7 recovery media, follow these steps:

1) Boot unit and press F2 to get into BIOS

2) Go to "Security" tab and disable "Safe Boot"

3) Go to "Advanced" tab, select "System Configuration" then change boot mode from "UEFI" to "CSM"

4) Press F10 to save changes and exit.

5) Boot unit from recovery media (Press F12 on bootup to boot from USB or DVD media)

6) At the first screen prompt during recovery, double click on the top left hand corner to open a command prompt

Steps to Install Windows 7 on a Windows 8 Unit
Necessary changes in the UEFI Firmware (BIOS) for a successful downgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 7

 

[AddRAM]

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html

This will help you to get a proper, working W7 install disc.

 

[theog]

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html

This will help you to get a proper, working W7 install disc.

OP has a good working disc.

 

[gregrocker]

This is the second thread in a week where CSM is the choice in BIOS instead of Legacy BIOS.