Removing Windows 8, installing 7

[Proto]

I've bought a new laptop (Samsung Series 9 Ultrabook). It came with Windows 8 (not Pro) installed. Also other stuff on it that I don't need or want. If I wanted to install Widows 7, is it simply a matter of hooking up an external DVD drive, and loading the Windows 7 DVD?

 

[green1]

I've bought a new laptop (Samsung Series 9 Ultrabook). It came with Windows 8 (not Pro) installed. Also other stuff on it that I don't need or want. If I wanted to install Widows 7, is it simply a matter of hooking up an external DVD drive, and loading the Windows 7 DVD?

Reformat the HDD then stick the disk in boot from disc and install.

 

[DWiggy]

...or install Linux (its free)

 

[PeteXXX]

I would think about a creating a dual boot system just in case it doesn't work. At least you'll still have 8 there (as you probably won't have an installation disc)

 

[fossala]

...or install Linux (its free)

And isn't in NSA's pocket. This is old news but people like being blind.
http://cyberinsecure.com/microsoft-windows-got-backdoors-for-nsa/

 

[Alex H]

I would think about a creating a dual boot system just in case it doesn't work. At least you'll still have 8 there (as you probably won't have an installation disc)

This + create the recovery disks and get something like DriverMax to save all the PC drivers before you potentially trash everything

 

[ian turner]

Create some restore dvds first so you can do a full restore.

 

[Acyclo]

Or perhaps try Classic Shell: http://www.classicshell.net/

 

[Chris Norton]

Duel boot with windows is a right pain. Duel boot the version of windows with a version of Linux, install windows first then linux as the bootloader will work.

My laptop runs windows xp (don't laugh, it's still the best version of Windows imho) and ubunto linux.

Think I will try another linux distro though soon as this xp installation is beginning to get flaky with all the fiddling. windows 7 does nothing for me. no real advantage as far as I see.

 

[ian turner]

Proto I think it's time we discussed your personal relationship with god
Oh and make sure there are windows 7 drivers available, which there seem to be.

 

[Proto]

I thought I was reasonably computer literate but my age is beginning to show. All this is very embarrassing. I bought the new laptop as I had failed to 'gel' with the Macbook Air I bought a few months ago. Nearly bought the Samsung then (with Windows 7) but fell victim to the seductive style and overall loveliness of the Apple product.

However, Windows 8 is a complete nightmare. The machine is barely usable. I can't find programmes, I can't find settings or controls, I can find, however, plenty of worthless apps, in which I have little or no interest. You may laugh, but I had to get the instruction pamphlet out to find out how to switch the damned thing off.

Anyway, short term I've installed the ClassicShell as suggested by Acyclo, which looks excellent, and I can now start navigating around the computer and getting rid off the stuff I don't want and loading up stuff I do. Then I'll create some restore discs as insurance then I think I'll do a fresh install of Windows 7 Pro (I've got a copy somewhere here)

Thanks all. If you don't hear from me again, you'll know the Windows 7 install hasn't gone well ...............................

 

[compo]

I installed Ubuntu last week on this laptop, and replaced Windows 7. Trouble was when I decided I would prefer W7 back on I couldn't get it to boot into the W7 DVD. In the end I had to download a copy of the Ubuntu live CD, boot up with that, and use Gparted to remove the partitions and NTSF format the hard drive. Then it took the W8 DVD and installed it. It is actually an upgrade DVD but it installs straight onto a clean drive with no Windows to upgrade from.

 

[MrJamie]

There should be an update for Windows 8 soon that restores some of the start menu functions to make it more like 7.

Until then, to run or find something hit your windows key and type the name and itll list matching apps. Also if you put the pointer bottom left corner and rightclick the little popup you get a sort of start menu.

It's a nightmare to use initially, but I much prefer it now, just stay away from metro and those apps unless you're on a touchscreen, stay on desktop mode

 

[Glenn]

Dell produced a free dummies guide to Win 8 http://marketing.dell.com/windows-8-ebook it may help

 

[Proto]

[QUOTE 2512266, member: 259"]This may be a silly question, but why didn't you just stick Windows 7 on the MacBook Air?

I know two people who run W7 on Macbook Pros just because they like the style of the machines but prefer to use Windows.[/quote]

Mort, do you mean run Windows as a virtual machine via Parallels? Or can I wipe the Macbook, removing the Apple OS, and then install Windows alone?