Going back to Windows 7 (New Dell XPS 8700 with w8.1 preinstalled)


Recommended Posts

Okay, let me start with a few statements here....

I am not the most "tech" savy person in the room. I am familiar with using Xp (a lot) and w7.

I have searched a lot for the answer to my issues (and have found some) but many of them conflict each other.

I have contacted Microsoft twice, once by chat, other by phone, and I have also contacted Dell (All 3 conversations gave me different solutions)

The computer is a Dell XPS8700 with w8.1 preinstalled to it.

Alright, so obviously, I want to go back to Windows 7. I have my reasons, and I don't feel like I need to list them. I am not interested in installing "apps" that make it "look" like windows 7. I "want" Windows 7 Pro 64bit installed, with windows 8 only being a short angry memory in my life.

I've read about the free downgrade if you have 8pro, but I'm pretty sure this computer only has the standard w8.1 on it (I don't see the word "pro" anywhere). So... no free downgrade (although I would like to call it a upgrade).

If I have to buy a copy of windows 7 pro to do this, that is fine by me. I would much rather pay the $50-$100

 for a copy if it meant I would never have to deal with w8 again in this life time.

So what are the actual steps to "downgrade" to windows 7 from a w8.1 computer?

I really just don't understand why it wouldn't be as simple as "Put in w7 cd, reboot, install, enjoy life".

Oh, the computer is only 3 days old, and NOTHING is on it except what came on it, so I am not worried about "losing any personal data".

Thanks for all the replies.

Shawn

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I really just don't understand why it wouldn't be as simple as "Put in w7 cd, reboot, install, enjoy life".

Oh, the computer is only 3 days old, and NOTHING is on it except what came on it, so I am not worried about "losing any personal data".

 

I don't understand why you think it's more complicated than that. If you don't care for anything that's already installed, then do just that: put in the cd, reboot and install

 

Then after install, go on dell's site and install the drivers.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah, if Dell isn't giving you a downgrade pathway (some OEMs do with certain machines/offers), then you'll need to buy a 7 license, insert media, install, and enjoy life.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I

 

I don't understand why you think it's more complicated than that. If you don't care for anything that's already installed, then do just that: put in the cd, reboot and install

 

Then after install, go on dell's site and install the drivers.

 

Pretty much the above posts. Not that much into it.

 

I couldn't resist, but watching a Youtube video tutorial on how to use Windows 8.1 would have solved your anger. Solved mine, I went from hating to loving Windows 8.1 in 10 minutes.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I really just don't understand why it wouldn't be as simple as "Put in w7 cd, reboot, install, enjoy life".

 

Because it would be? If there's no downgrade path, you'll need to buy a copy of Win7, and clean install.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The link you posted basically says to backup your Windows 8 (I guess if you change your mind) and then do what every one else here is telling you.  Put the Windows 7 DVD in, reboot, and install.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I

 

 

Pretty much the above posts. Not that much into it.

 

I couldn't resist, but watching a Youtube video tutorial on how to use Windows 8.1 would have solved your anger. Solved mine, I went from hating to loving Windows 8.1 in 10 minutes.

 

Look, I'm old. I don't like "change"... haha. Been using a pc since windows 95, skipped ME, Vista, and hopefully 8.  :)

 

I just feel like w8 was made for a 9 year old who out grew his tablet. Nothing "feels" familure, I feel like I'm on a old mac or something with the graphics enhanced. I don't like it, I don't want to "learn/adjust" to it, I just want w7 back in my life.  You know the first few hours of having the pc I only sucesfully removed every box (I think they are called tiles?) from the start screen except for the desktop one. lol After that I just gave up on it and went back to my w7 laptop.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would recommend that before you do the install of Win7, go to Dell's support area of their website and download all of the relevant drivers for your system. For the XPS 8700, you can find them here. By default it will show drivers for Windows 8.1 x64, so click the "Change OS" link.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would recommend that before you do the install of Win7, go to Dell's support area of their website and download all of the relevant drivers for your system. For the XPS 8700, you can find them here. By default it will show drivers for Windows 8.1 x64, so click the "Change OS" link.

 

 

Yes, I have been there and that is part of the reason why I get confused lol. Some are saying you don't need it, while others are suggesting to do it... I have no interest in going back to w8 once I make the switch. I'll wait for w10 or just not upgrade at all.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Look, I'm old. I don't like "change"...

 

We all have our personal preferences, and to be honest I didn't like Windows 8 much from the start because it essentially forced a touch-centric UI on to the desktop, which made no sense to me. I'm a fan of the tile-based UI on my tablet and phone, but I never understood their original decision to focus on touch on the desktop (then again, I'm also someone who has no idea why anyone would use a touch monitor with a workstation PC). That said, Windows 8.1 really did mitigate the vast majority of those annoyances. You can boot straight to the desktop, and the much-maligned Start page is not even something that I find myself using that much. And under the hood, there have been some nice improvements to the operating system that are worth the switch, IMO.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Make sure you make a backup image of the Windows 8.1 installation, assuming there isn't already a recovery partition on the hard drive,

which there most likely is. In which case, when you install Windows 7, be careful you don't overwrite that recovery partition, in case you

need to return the machine during the warranty period. Still make a backup image either way to be on the safe side.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes, I have been there and that is part of the reason why I get confused lol. Some are saying you don't need it, while others are suggesting to do it... I have no interest in going back to w8 once I make the switch. I'll wait for w10 or just not upgrade at all.

 

Some of those drivers will be optional, but others you will definitely need. Keep in mind that Windows 7 is 5 years old, so you'll also be downloading a lot of updates. IIRC, the last Windows 7 system that I installed, along with Office 2010, ended up needing over 1GB worth of updates on top of the base SP1 install. So expect to spend some quality time with Windows Update (you'll need to run it multiple times).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Make sure you make a backup image of the Windows 8.1 installation, assuming there isn't already a recovery partition on the hard drive,

which there most likely is. In which case, when you install Windows 7, be careful you don't overwrite that recovery partition, in case you

need to return the machine during the warranty period. Still make a backup image either way to be on the safe side.

 

If his Dell system didn't come with downgrade rights, then just installing Windows 7 could cause problems with obtaining support. Dell makes you go through a lot of self-diagnosis/toubleshooting steps before they're willing to consider sending out a tech with replacement parts or accepting a return, and as part of that they may require that he reinstall Windows 8.1 so that the system is in its original factory configuration.

 

If the XPS 8700 really is just a few days old, and the OP is not very tech savvy, a simpler option for him may be to simply contact Dell to return the system and order one with Windows 7 preinstalled. They do still offer some 8700 models that include it, such as this and this. That way he gets what he wants, no need to purchase a different license or reinstall, and no potential warranty/support problems.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't understand why you think it's more complicated than that. If you don't care for anything that's already installed, then do just that: put in the cd, reboot and install

 

Then after install, go on dell's site and install the drivers.

It is more complicated than that actually. You'll need to modify the BIOS to enable you to install Windows 7. Without modifying the BIOS you won't be able to get Windows 7 installer to boot...

 

Basically, you need to disable Secure Boot (all Windows 8+ PCs have this enabled by default). You also need to enable "Legacy" support for the BIOS/EFI implementation to be Windows 7 capable.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oh I'm use to that lol. Had to reinstall xp last year on my old machine. Me and windows update are good old friends. :)

 

 

Seketh, if you care to share those videos I would watch them, although I am hard-headed, it's going to take a lot to convince me not to downgrade at this point.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Make sure you set Legacy/Compatibility/CSM option in the BIOS to enabled to ensure the computer will run Windows 7 correctly.

 

Apart from that, drop in the Win 7 CD (or insert Win 7 USB stick), load and go. (Y)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It is more complicated than that actually. You'll need to modify the BIOS to enable you to install Windows 7. Without modifying the BIOS you won't be able to get Windows 7 installer to boot...

 

Basically, you need to disable Secure Boot (all Windows 8+ PCs have this enabled by default). You also need to enable "Legacy" support for the BIOS/EFI implementation to be Windows 7 capable.

See, this right is exactly why I posted. Not saying who is wrong or who is right, but obviously some feel there is much more to be done than pop the disc in. I don't need a $700 cinderblock lol.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would recommend you download classic shell and give Windows 8 a try. You'll be surprised how fast you'll feel right at home.

 

http://www.classicshell.net/

 

It's really not that bad once you get rid of the horrendous start screen and bring back the start menu. The only other thing that may drive you nuts is the lack of aero.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well, I have been playing with w8.1 some, and I just hate it more and more. Found out the audio lags on everything.... -_-

 

Tried many solutions, nothing worked as usual.... I am honestly failing to see what anyone sees in this software as being good....

 

 

I would bring it to a shop if I felt like I could trust said shop. I live in Louisiana, people are very stupid here.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well, I have been playing with w8.1 some, and I just hate it more and more. Found out the audio lags on everything.... -_-

 

Tried many solutions, nothing worked as usual.... I am honestly failing to see what anyone sees in this software as being good....

 

 

I would bring it to a shop if I felt like I could trust said shop. I live in Louisiana, people are very stupid here.

Skimmed through the posting but have you tried updating all your drivers? Dell doesnt necessarily put the latest on their new systems and they must be updated later on.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.