Needing to get win 10 OFF and win 7 back on...

[Debiec68]

I was given a very used toshiba satellite A505-s6980 (per what's on the back) the tags and stickers on the laptop say "win 7 home premium 64bit. But it's actually win 10. The hdd, says 500gb, but it's 160. Basically everything is not what it says.
I'm hoping someone can tell me how to revert this cluster#^$& BACK INTO Win 7.
Hopefully without losing my library of music, movies & pix.
Im not TOTALLY new, but...

 

[whs]

You are lucky. If it says Win7 on the COA sticker, you can activate a Win7 with that key. But you must get a win 7 home premium 64bit.

 

[Debiec68]

It does. Win 7 home premium. But the key code (or whatever it's called. ..) is very difficult to see. If I do just re-activate using the key, will I lose the content in my libraries? The HDD isn't the 500 GB listed. It's 120 is on a C drive and 30 something on a D drive. Any ideas how I might combine those? I have an older HDD that's 360 gb, but no idea how to get it to boot up. Of course that's another soap opera, but would be nice if...
Main concern is my photos, music, etc... really don't want to lose those.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi and welcome to SevenForums
Show use this image
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/274797-disk-management-post-screen-capture-image.html

 

[whs]

I suggest to first save all the files you care to keep.

 

[Debiec68]

Where do I save them? The other Hard drive doesn't respond when inserted into the toshiba, I've no idea how to make it an external storage, and my SD cards and thumb drives are already full. Got grand babies pix...recorded giggles and other irreplaceable moments I can't lose.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Best thing to do is get a new hard drive to install win-7 and keep the win-10 as is.

 

[Brink]

Hello Debiec68, and welcome to Seven Forums.

If the computer was upgraded to Windows 10, then you may be able to go back to the previous Windows.

Windows 10 - Go Back to Previous Windows - Windows 10 Forums

 

[Debiec68]

I have a bigger hard drive from my long gone HP, but (wishing I was as knowledgeable as I pretend no idea how to get it to work. If I insert it, then go thru the win 7 activation steps, using the key from the sticker, will it recognize, and activate win 7 on that hard drive?
I've no clue what I'm doing. I have only basic USER knowledge of windows 7. Lost with win 10. Also... if your wanting a screenshot.... I'll be a while. Cuz LOST on win 10. Using my android to ask for this help. :-/

 

[whs]

I don't think you need to activate another system. You have a running system - don't you. If I understand that right, all you need is some storage space. Maybe you can post a disk management picture of this HP drive.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
About all you need is a inexpensive external hdd enclosure
Sabrent ECS-STU35K Hard Drive Enlcosure - 3.5 IDE/SATA to USB 2.0, eSATA at TigerDirect.com

 

[Debiec68]

I asked someone to remove the win 10, a win 7 ultimate, but to leave the win 7 that were all installed. Not sure how to explain, but it had all 3, on a 160 gb HDD thus taking up valuable needed space. Also asked for the C (110gb) & D (40 gb)drives to be somehow COMBINED into just one usable 160 gb drive. Instead, MY new (used) laptop came back with win 10, meaning I'd have to learn to use a computer AGAIN(and told id ENJOY it) etc... and both C (120gb & D (35gb)drives, as well as the previous owner/ users files, info, etc... I TRIED the win 10, finding it difficult to navigate, very different from the win 7 I learned on. All I'd like, is for Windows 7 Hm Prem with MY libraries, and not have the previous admin, or owners name be where MY name should now be. If I'm LUCKY enuf to eventually get the 360 gb to work on this toshiba, that'd be my silver lining.
But hoping only for the simpler (for me anyway) windows 7 Hm Prem I originally wanted (and what is listed on all tags, sticker etc...
Not trying to seem snotty, or.... I'm old. Got a small plate! And it overfloweth with other bumps & bruises.
So... how can I get the original win 7 Hm Prem reinstalled, maybe combine the 2 drives into one (160), or get the other one (360) to work? Yup. More storage would be awesome, but I can't effectively use win 10 like I can win 7. PLEASE HELP?!
Win 7, MY name as user/owner, THEN maybe we can get to the storage issue?!?!?!

 

[ThrashZone]

Getting a win-7 home premium 64 bit is pretty easy
How to remove Windows 10 upgrade updates in Windows 7 and 8 - gHacks Tech News

Just use the activation key on the case or on the bottom of the laptop.

Did you look at the external enclosure I posted at tigerdirect
take the model number and search it for a local retailer.
Here's a cheaper price I just bought another
SABRENT ECS-STU35K Aluminum 3.5" Supports Standard 3.5" Serial ATA or IDE Hard Drives USB 2.0 Black External Enclosure - Newegg.com