Want to buy Asus UX21A, but only if can downgrade from Windows 8 to 7. Will it be possible?

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
L

lars87

Honorable
Jul 8, 2013
2
0
10,510
I found the exact laptop I want: Asus Zenbook UX21A.

Problem is, it's only Windows 8 nowadays. I need to have Windows 7.

I won't buy it if I can't get it fully functional and error-free with Windows 7.

I would want to do a clean install of Windows 7.

I've see the downgrade guide on this forum (mostly about Windows downgrade rights, then standard installation procedure).

But I've also read lots of posts from people very frustrated from issues that come up: it has only USB 3.0 ports (no 2.0, which seems to be a problem for Windows 7 installation), problems with power management driver and cam driver, problems with uefi, secure boot control.

I also know that Asus doesn't officially support it with Windows 7, and it voids the warranty. I'm fine with that assuming I can get it to work with Windows 7.

I don't have access to the machine before I buy it.

Here are the specs I know:
ASUS ZENBOOK Prime UX21A K1008H - Ultrabook - Core i5 3317U - Windows 8 64-bit - 4 GB RAM - 256 GB SSD - 11.6" 1920 x 1080 / Full HD - Intel HD Graphics 4000.

I'm not an expert at all and just don't have any way to judge if it's possible.

What do you think? Will I be able to get it fully functional with Windows 7?

Thanks!
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
markwp

markwp

Dignified
Jan 22, 2013
3,183
0
14,960
It should be fully compatible and have no problem with W7. I have a UX31a (using it for this post) running W7 home premium with the same processor. I would suggest you buy an OEM version of W7 so you have a legitimate copy, download all the drivers, etc from Asus for a W7 installation (HERE) to a thumb drive, then run a clean install of W7. Be sure you use secure erase (GUIDE) on your ssd, not format, to prepare it for the new install.

Since you don't have a disc drive, download the correct W7 iso HERE, use the microsoft usb installer tool HERE to create a bootable usb.

THIS guide is very well written and will be of use to set up the ssd.

You're going to need at least one, and preferably two, usb's - I use 16gb usbs for my installs, etc (one for drivers and one for W7 iso).

Mark

Mark
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
bryonhowley

bryonhowley

Splendid
Oct 24, 2011
3,742
0
23,960
The problem you might have is installing a out dated Windows on a USB 3 port. Unless the installer has drivers for the USB 3 it will fail. I do not see any reason to degrade a computer by installing a obsolete out dated OS in the first place but what ever.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
L

lars87

Honorable
Jul 8, 2013
2
0
10,510
Hi guys.. Thanks for your help. I especially really appreciate all the advice and links, Mark, that's a great start.

I'm going to get the computer and try it. I'm a little worried after reading all the stories of people who get stuck at the "missing CD/DVD driver" stage of Windows 7 installation because of the USB 3.0 problem, but hopefully with your tips it will work out ok for me!

Thanks again :)
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom