Install Windows 7 to EFI system?

[jnojr]

I have a new HP laptop that came with the Windows 8 abomination. I created a partition for Windows 7 Home Premium, disabled Secure Boot, and can boot from my Windows 7 DVD, but I get:

Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause. To fix the problem: 1. Insert your Windows installation disc and restart your computer 2. Choose your language settings, and then click Next. 3. Click Repair your computer. If you do not have this disc, contact your system administrator or computer manufacturer for assistance. File: \EFI\Microsoft\Boot\BCD Status: 0xc000000d Info: An error occurred while attempting to read the boot configuration data

Sorry for readability, I can't make line breaks stay put. Anyway, I've been Googling, and I can't find anything that clearly explains why the DVD can't boot because it isn't happy about something on the disk.

 

[gregrocker]

Are you booting the installation disk as a UEFI Device? This is absolutely required to install to UEFI as shown in UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 7 with - Windows 7 Forums.

In addition in some cases it requires changing BIOS setttings to enable some level of CSM or legacy BIOS, but with UEFI boot first, to install Win7. Scour all BIOS settings, post back camera snaps if in doubt showing all settings choices. Most BIOS' should give interpretive messages when each setting is highlighted.

Be sure to try googling your laptop model for Windows 7 install or downgrade to see if anyone else has already found a solution.

If not you can contact the OEM Tech Support to ask what is required.