win8 downgrade to win7

[HankHell]

I have an hp envy 1015dx laptop and I recently tried to install windows 7 after an issue with windows 8 constantly (automatically) opening the winkey UI, making it unable to use the OS. system file checker (sfc/scannow and chkdsk /f) did not repair the win8 installation nor did it fix any of my issues.
“Windows Setup could not configure Windows on this computer’s hardware”




I completely formatted the hard drive and set it to MBR instead of GPT and am still unable to install windows 7 to the damned thing. I have a COMP TIA A+ certification but that was before win8 and GPT tables were released. starting to think it's impossible to install win7 to the laptop. I do not have another computer to put the hdd into.

ps. I absolutely hate everything about apple/mac but I'd rather be using it instead of this win8 piece of crap OS.

pss. love how microsoft forces win8 on you. just so you need to go out and buy microsoft surface crap to get full functionality. worst OS I've ever encountered in my life. not to mention the change of several command NAMES (that they have been using for several years now) in cmd, even though they have commands that do the exact same thing except renamed. win8 is a complete disaster. I have been doing IT for 9 years now. screw this touchscreen crap...all you get is a greasy screen to where you can't even read anything.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Hello and welcome Hank now to get it right you are stuck with the 8?
Your best bet would be to get a new drive and an OEM of 7 and install it mate or wipe that drive and do the same thing but if you do not have another machine to do that with then it's out

Now I have 8.1 on two machines and I use Classic Shell to run it in 7 style Classic Shell - Start menu and other Windows enhancements the only things that irritate me and they are not much really is things like backup and restore are now File Options etc and the msconfig is not quite the same.

 

[HankHell]

hm, actually... think maybe my hdd crashed while formatting. thanks anyhow guys

 

[theog]

I have an hp envy 1015dx laptop and I recently tried to install windows 7

YES & NO, down to your UEFI/BIOS firmware setting.

1) Downgrade to Windows 7.
Downgrade Windows 8 to Windows 7
Warning you must have the UEFI/BIOS firmware setting in Step Three set.

Make sure you read the NOTE at Step three.

2) If Using a USB Pen drive on a PC with a UEFI BIOS.
USB Pen drive need to be formatted to FAT32 as in
UEFI Bootable USB Flash Drive - Create in Windows
Take note of Step 11 for Windows 7.
Also you will need to use a USB 2.0 port, as there are no USB 3.0 drivers in Windows 7.


You will need to buy Windows 7.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Hmm an OEM and a new drive that what I was thinking of in post#2.

 

[gregrocker]

I've been able to get Win7 installed on any Win8 laptop but sometimes it requires tweaking the BIOS settings for CSM or Legacy. What are those settings now? You'll find them on the Advanced or Boot tabs. Installing Win7 usually requires some level of CSM or Legacy. If you want to go full Legacy with no UEFI then set everything full Legacy and boot the installer as a Legacy (non-UEFI device). What is the exact error message or behavior you receive?

It may help to wipe the drive and follow the other steps in Bypass UEFI to Install WIn7. Add the command "Convert MBR" at the end to be sure.

Make sure you have a correctly formatted Win7 installer with a fresh ISO for your licensed version downloaded and burned to disk or stick with tools provided in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 . Those steps will also assure you get and keep a perfect install.