Downgrade from Windows 8 to Vista

evandrews · Apr 21, 2013

I have a Gateway laptop that came with Windows 8. I have tried for several weeks to get used to it, but really hate it.
I would like to downgrade to Vista, but would be happy if I can even downgrade to Windows 7. Does anyone know if downgrading to Vista is possible, and if so, how?
Thanks for any help!

dudewitbow · Apr 21, 2013

as long as you have a disc for it, of course you can always downgrade by clean installation.

runswindows95 · Apr 21, 2013

Why not install something like Start8 or Classic Dock so the Start menu is back on instead of going through all the hassle of wiping it clean?

http://www.stardock.com/products/start8/

wdmfiber · Apr 21, 2013

I'd take Vista over 8 as well. But my first choice would be 7.

Anyway, try a clean install from DVD and you may have to buy a licence key.

evandrews · Apr 21, 2013

wdmfiber :

I wouldn't mind using Windows 7, but when it comes to the technical stuff I'm not very savvy.
I've made a backup of Windows 8, but from there I'm not sure where to start. Do I just buy Windows 7 and install it?

unksol · Apr 21, 2013

If you wanted 7 you should have bought it with 7. I doubt it has vista drivers anyway. 7 is going to cost.you $100. So I highly suggest trying classic shell which is free and gets rid of all the windows 8 stupidity

www.classicshell.net/

kckckc · Apr 23, 2013

runswindows95 :

^^

Yes, this is by far the easiest choice .... I went from 'Vista the PIG' to Win8 (and have win7 on 2 other machines). Win7 is by far the best OS from MS for desktop machines and a fitting upgrade from XP ..... but, that being said, with Start8's bypass of Metro I am happy. I can almost excuse Microsoft's obviously incompetent management now .... almost (First Bob, then Vista, now win8).

Whoever these guys at Start8 are I hope they stick around for a while .... for Microsoft's sake if nothing else. Try it before you bail on win8 .... its not so bad when you can avoid the marketing driven Metro environment.

KC

evandrews · Apr 23, 2013

kckckc :

runswindows95 :

^^

Yes, this is by far the easiest choice .... I went from 'Vista the PIG' to Win8 (and have win7 on 2 other machines). Win7 is by far the best OS from MS for desktop machines and a fitting upgrade from XP ..... but, that being said, with Start8's bypass of Metro I am happy. I can almost excuse Microsoft's obviously incompetent management now .... almost (First Bob, then Vista, now win8).

Whoever these guys at Start8 are I hope they stick around for a while .... for Microsoft's sake if nothing else. Try it before you bail on win8 .... its not so bad when you can avoid the marketing driven Metro environment.

KC

evandrews · Apr 23, 2013

kckckc,
thanks for your answer. I just downloaded Start8 last night and it does help a lot. However, I still can't keep the pesky "charms" side bar and the enormous date and time from popping up whenever they feel like it. Not sure how to stop that, but I have to admit that they don't pop up as often as they did before Start8.

Thanks again.

kckckc :

TortoiseWrath · Apr 23, 2013

Just so you know, you could also consider downgrading to XP if you're attributing your fear of 7 to lack of technical knowledge.

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Downgrade from Windows 8 to Vista

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