[DGS] Posted November 9, 2013 Author Share Posted November 9, 2013 Yes! retail version from amazon! in the blue box and everything.. so i can have two pcs working simultanesly?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LimeMaster Posted November 9, 2013 Share Posted November 9, 2013 Yes! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noir Angel Posted November 9, 2013 Share Posted November 9, 2013 Yes! retail version from amazon! in the blue box and everything.. so i can have two pcs working simultanesly?? Technically... yes you could. Legally however, it's against your licensing terms. While you don't usually have to re-activate by phone for 2 activations, you're still only licensed for one concurrent running of the OS. So you can probably do it but you will be violating the terms of the EULA and technically unlicensed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
threetonesun Posted November 9, 2013 Share Posted November 9, 2013 Technically... yes you could. Legally however, it's against your licensing terms. While you don't usually have to re-activate by phone for 2 activations, you're still only licensed for one concurrent running of the OS. So you can probably do it but you will be violating the terms of the EULA and technically unlicensed. He's downgrading, his Windows 8 license should cover this scenario. As the link posted earlier said, even if the Windows 7 key doesn't work, you can call and get a one time activation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noir Angel Posted November 9, 2013 Share Posted November 9, 2013 He's downgrading, his Windows 8 license should cover this scenario. As the link posted earlier said, even if the Windows 7 key doesn't work, you can call and get a one time activation. Wouldn't using the retail key still technically be a violation of his licensing terms? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
threetonesun Posted November 9, 2013 Share Posted November 9, 2013 Wouldn't using the retail key still technically be a violation of his licensing terms? From the MS site: Obtain genuine Windows media and a corresponding product key for the version of Windows that is eligible for downgrade. The media should come from a prior legally licensed version from the OEM or retail channels. Seems fine how I read it. I'm not sure how else you would ever install a prior version if you were a normal user. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noir Angel Posted November 9, 2013 Share Posted November 9, 2013 Ah, fair enough then Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boo Berry Posted November 9, 2013 Share Posted November 9, 2013 My question is, why do you want to downgrade in the first place? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notuptome2004 Posted November 9, 2013 Share Posted November 9, 2013 My question is, why do you want to downgrade in the first place? I 2nd that question to the OP are you having troubles with windows 8.1 and if so what troubles are you having issues figuring stuff out cause if so ther is a tips and tricks tile in the start screen to show you how you do everything Also downgrading to windows 7 you will sacrifice performance that windows 8.1 gives you as well as battery life Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Praetor Posted November 10, 2013 Share Posted November 10, 2013 Well, Dell doesn't provide a Windows 7 DVD with a new computer that has Windows 8 pre-installed, so if you want to downgrade you have to call Dell and ask them to deliver to you a Dell Windows 7 DVD(in my country they do that for free, either postal or by person if it is an business machine). It's free btw, as long you are entailed to downgrade rights (again, ask Dell if unsure). Also for installing Windows 7 you must deactivate Secure Boot, did that to 3 Dell laptops in the past months (same problem; downgrade rights to Windows 7). And this is important: it must be a Dell DVD of Windows 7 (either x32 or x64, doesn't matter); you can't use another Windows 7 DVD and expect to activate with you Windows 8 key because it wont, the downgrade rights are valid for the OEM keys, not retail. So unless you have a Windows 7 DVD with a retail key or a valid volume license, your only way to install Windows 7 is with the Dell DVD of Windows 7. In fact, HP because of this mess pre-installs Windows 7 in newer laptops / workstations and provides the DVD of Windows 8, so if the user wants Windows 7 it's pre-installed but if it want's Windows 8 it just needs to install using the provided DVD. It's a much user friendly solution than Dells. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cooky560 Veteran Posted November 10, 2013 Veteran Share Posted November 10, 2013 TBH, there is more good about windows 8 than bad, if you really hate the modern UI, you can mostly hide it using apps like startisback or start8, so I'm not sure why you are so set on Windows 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dot Matrix Posted November 10, 2013 Share Posted November 10, 2013 My understanding is that the OP has a Windows 8 installation and a Windows 7 key separate from his Windows 8. If that's the case, the OP should have no legal or technical road blocks in downgrading to Windows 7, he'll only have to install like normal. Upgrading back to Windows 8 might be more problematic without install media. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[DGS] Posted November 11, 2013 Author Share Posted November 11, 2013 My question is, why do you want to downgrade in the first place? I just didnt like the new UI. I feel more comfortable working in Windows 7. I dont need any of the Windows 8 features. I am satisfied with what Windows 7 has been for years now. I installed Windows 7 64bit on my new i7 laptop with no hassle. Used my retail disc. I 2nd that question to the OP are you having troubles with windows 8.1 and if so what troubles are you having issues figuring stuff out cause if so ther is a tips and tricks tile in the start screen to show you how you do everything Also downgrading to windows 7 you will sacrifice performance that windows 8.1 gives you as well as battery life I did everything from tips and tricks and still wasnt satisfied with Windows 8. Why would we want to change Windows 8 from what it is to look like 7 when we can simply continue using Windows 7 and not have any problem software wise. It all comes down to producing the work you are paid for in the company you work in. I'd rather do it in a more "friendly" and familiar Windows environment. TBH, there is more good about windows 8 than bad, if you really hate the modern UI, you can mostly hide it using apps like startisback or start8, so I'm not sure why you are so set on Windows 7 I agree. Windows 8 are advertised as better than all previous. But all Windows 8 brought to my work experience is discomfort. Now I'm back to Windows 7, laptop works perfectly, DELL provided me with all of the needed x64 drivers through their support page. My understanding is that the OP has a Windows 8 installation and a Windows 7 key separate from his Windows 8. If that's the case, the OP should have no legal or technical road blocks in downgrading to Windows 7, he'll only have to install like normal. Upgrading back to Windows 8 might be more problematic without install media. Yeap. And that's what I did. I already have the Windows 8 reinstall discs from DELL so IF for whatever reason (which I doubt) I decide to switch back, I will be able to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boo Berry Posted November 11, 2013 Share Posted November 11, 2013 The simple solution to make Windows 8.1 more-or-less like Windows 7 is Classic Shell or StartIsBack+. No more start screen, restored start menu, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
game_over Posted November 11, 2013 Share Posted November 11, 2013 The simple solution to make Windows 8.1 more-or-less like Windows 7 is Classic Shell or StartIsBack+. No more start screen, restored start menu, etc. I agree. I've done a Windows 7 downgrade myself and it's a right old headache.. not only do you need to install W7 but also the 200 updates that come with it.. I went back to 8.1, learned to embrace it and couldn't be happier.. if you can't learn to live with it just install a classic shell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freak180 Posted November 11, 2013 Share Posted November 11, 2013 how often does anyone do licensing legally anymore? I sure dont. I been transferring them countless times. I have a spare windows 7 PKC i can sell you if you want Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisj1968 Posted November 11, 2013 Share Posted November 11, 2013 If you're only frustrated with the tiles and want the start menu back have you considered using Startisback+ instead? I think he simply likes windows 7 better and wants to downgrade. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atomic Wanderer Chicken Posted November 11, 2013 Share Posted November 11, 2013 The differences between Windows 7 and Windows 8 are like Windows 98 and Windows ME, meaning they aren't enormous. If the OP wanst so return to Windows 7, he isn't losing out on a whole lot other than the Metro stuff, improved performance (varies between PCs), the ribbon menus and the new task manager. The aero glass seems to be an upgrade from WIndows 8 UI. If the OP wants to upgrade downgrade to Windows 7, it is his choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LimeMaster Posted November 11, 2013 Share Posted November 11, 2013 The differences between Windows 7 and Windows 8 are like Windows 98 and Windows ME, meaning they aren't enormous. If the OP want so return to Windows 7, he isn't losing out on anything other than the Metro stuff, improved performance (varies between PCs), the ribbon menus and the new task manager;I disagree, I think Windows 8 is a big difference from Windows 7. Also, Windows Me was rushed and buggy, so why compare it to Windows 8, which Microsoft put a lot effort into? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Warwagon MVC Posted November 11, 2013 MVC Share Posted November 11, 2013 The differences between Windows 7 and Windows 8 are like Windows 98 and Windows ME, meaning they aren't enormous. If the OP wanst so return to Windows 7, he isn't losing out on a whole lot other than the Metro stuff, improved performance (varies between PCs), the ribbon menus and the new task manager. The aero glass seems to be an upgrade from WIndows 8 UI. If the OP wants to upgrade downgrade to Windows 7, it is his choice. Umm no that would Be Windows Vista to Windows 7. Because of the UI overhaul the difference to most people is enormous and requires a lot of relearning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atomic Wanderer Chicken Posted November 11, 2013 Share Posted November 11, 2013 I meant the difference between Windows 8 and Windows 7 was like the multimedia functionality they put into Windows me, not the crapiness factor. Desktop wise, Windows 8 and Windows 7 isn't ginormous I disagree, I think Windows 8 is a big difference from Windows 7. Also, Windows Me was rushed and buggy, so why compare it to Windows 8, which Microsoft put a lot effort into? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boo Berry Posted November 11, 2013 Share Posted November 11, 2013 I honestly don't see the point to downgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 7, especially when there's third-party solutions to the 'issues' out there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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