How do I format Windows 8 and install Windows 7?

[theog]

In some uEFI/BIOS firmware, CSM needs to enabled.

 

[Apolymoxic]

This is becoming EXTREMELY aggravating. I have tried just about everything. I have made a boot USB, but it won't read. I have checked the USB and other discs on another computer... all load like they are supposed to. The only one that does work on the new computer is one Win 7 disc but it hangs at "Starting Windows". I can't even run the win 7 programs (disc or downloaded) from the win 8 desktop because windows "setup has encountered an error". Every time... from every platform. So, annoying.

The only thing I haven't tried is to make a new boot disc and that's simply because I don't have any blank discs lying around. So I guess I need to get one of those. Again, I'll keep you posted.

 

[Apolymoxic]

In some uEFI/BIOS firmware, CSM needs to enabled.

Wait!!!! Thank you! I think that's what it was....
It was set to UEFi and it needed to be CSM. It now reads the disc... let's hope this works!

 

[gregrocker]

What are the settings in BIOS? Did you complete the steps Ray posted in #17?

 

[Apolymoxic]

What are the settings in BIOS? Did you complete the steps Ray posted in #17?

Nope. Some how I missed that post. It is working now, and it was indeed the CSM setting. It is currently in the middle of installing. I am hoping nothing else hangs up.

 

[gregrocker]

Since you've missed steps that would have solved your problem 9 hours ago, read now through Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 while it is installing so you have fresh in your mind how to get a perfect Win7 reinstall.

That way you won't also fumble drivers, Updates and setup so that your install is a cripple from the start.

Ask back if you have any questions at all.

 

[Apolymoxic]

It was only one post that I missed.... granted, that one post would have solved the problem, but it was a single post nevertheless. That one step was my entire problem.

I am now up and running with Win 7! Thanks for all the help!

 

[theog]

It was only one post that I missed.... granted, that one post would have solved the problem, but it was a single post nevertheless. That one step was my entire problem.

I am now up and running with Win 7! Thanks for all the help!

You also missed Step Three in the tutorial that gregrocker linked you to.

 

[Apolymoxic]

You also missed Step Three in the tutorial that gregrocker linked you to.

Um... No, I didn't. That step says to ensure secure boot was disabled and it was. I did see the part about uEFI but I didn't understand the difference in the legacy boot until I had seen the post I was referring to. (#17)

Anyway, I do appreciate all the help, and hopefully I'll be able to help other n00bs like myself in the future.