Win8 to Win7 back to Win8 (HELP! w BIOS, product key on BIOS etc.)

[Fieldinator89]

Hello everybody!

I received a laptop awhile back that came pre-installed with Windows 8 which I did not enjoy, so I decided to downgrade to Windows 7. Which has been going fine and everything is good, but 2~3 weeks ago I had some questions involving my computers performance that I also requested advice about via this forum and was told that my process is pretty bottom shelf and that Win8 was better for this. Plus, the newest update just released so I am curious as to how they improved on it and if I will like it now. I have been reading and am just a little nervous because I don't want to ruin my only computer that I need for school. Being that Win8 has the UEFI funky new BIOS thing, I recall having to change certain items involving booting when I went back to Win7. So, I am wondering if the BIOS is still the same as when I had Win8 (other than those values that I could change back) or did it completely refigure it? I am not extremely well versed with these sorts of things and have just begun really 'tinkering' a few months ago. So, do I need to update the BIOS for Win8 or is it fine? I am currently backing everything up right now and just want to take the proper steps to ensure a smooth installation. Lastly, I read that the product key for Win8 was now stored on the BIOS and there were programs to retrieve it, but I'm assuming that is when you are running Win8. Is that key lost and do I need to purchase another one? Or would it still be on the BIOS? Any advice is greatly appreciated and thank you for your time and assistance!! I truly appreciate it.

 

[gregrocker]

Hi Jeremy-

What I would do is shrink C in Disk Mgmt to install Win8 in a Dual Boot to try the new update to see if its anything compelling. This is how I tried Win8 repeatedly until I finally deleted it for the last time realizing it doesn't hold a candle to Win7.

The steps are here for Dual Boot Installation - Windows 8 and Windows 7 or Vista - Windows 8 Forums.

If you changed to Legacy Mode to install Win7, then you can install Win8 in Legacy Mode too. You don't need to use Secure Boot or UEFI which is crapware that adds no extra value but plenty of complications.

 

[Fieldinator89]

Is it true that it's better running for low end processors though? I agree 100% I love Windows 7 but I want to maximize processing speed because I got a lot of stuff on this thing.

 

[Fieldinator89]

Also (slightly unrelated) is there anyway to enable the AMD-V hardware virtualization if I do not see it in the BIOS? I have read several things, and discovered that my processor supports virtualization, but I am not able to enable it for some reason? Agh who knows.

 

[gregrocker]

I do not know what advantage WIndows 8 would confer on lesser processors. In fact being a newer OS I would think it would work less well. It is not the solution to the issue you bring as far as I know.

Again, focus on having a perfect install of Win7, with only the recommended tools and methods being used to assure best performance. You can also go over your install with http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/220165-troubleshooting-steps-windows-7-a.html which will familarize you with the troubleshooting and optimizing efforts which work best and uncover any problems.

 

[theog]

So, do I need to update the BIOS for Win8 or is it fine?

Just reset the UEFI/BIOS firmware bask to as was.

Have you made the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?

   Information

We always assume you have made your Recovery Disks using the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Media Creator app the first day you had your new PC.
& made the Startup Repair CD. (Windows 8 only)
Recovery Drive - Create with USB Flash Drive in Windows 8
System Repair Disc - Create in Windows 8 (Windows 8 only)
​

I would recommend you making the OEM manufacturer's Recovery DVD's or USB drive.
How to make Toshiba Recovery disks.
Toshiba How-To: Create System Recovery Media DVDs on a Windows 8 Laptop - YouTube
Toshiba How-To: Understanding Windows 8 system recovery options - YouTube
Creating Recovery Media for Windows 8 - TOSHIBA FORUMS
or
You can order the Microsoft official OEM Recovery disks from the OEM manufacturer's website.
Toshiba Service Portal - Laptop Recovery Media Services - Toshiba