Before Downgrading to Win 7.
1) Windows 8.1 will be available on Oct 17. This may fix your problems plus adds some improvements.
2) Have you checked Sony's support to insure you have the latest BIOS Update - Sony may have updated the bios to improve compatability.
.. To check Bios and driver availabilty, goto:
http://esupport.sony.com/perl/select-system.pl?DIRECTOR=DRIVER
Enter your Model Number, ie SVF141212CXB
.. Select BIOS to check for latest Bios
.. For Windows 7 drivers, make sure you change the OS from Win 8 to Win 7 64 Bit (Pull down box at top).
3) Have you tried Start8 ($5), there are some freebees:
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-33642_7-57496506-292/how-to-get-the-start-menu-back-in-windows-8/
This makes the Laptop Windows 7, Look and feel just like windows 7
I'm Currenly running Win 8 on a Older Samsung Laptop (about 6 months now) with NO problems - Personnally not a lover of it, But it DOES have a Very fast Boot time. I have a 256 Gig SSD and from the time I press Power On to displaying a Webpage (In IE) is ONLY 8 Secs.
Before YOU down grade to Win 7, Recommend:
1) You verify on Sony's support site that the HAVE All of the needed Windows 7 drivers. Link isted above.
2) I'd recommend you try it first, by:
.. Buying a cheap Laptop HDD (320 ->500 Gig) for around $50. NOT a good move to delete win 8 only to find out you also have problems with Windows 7. PS This is not a waste as you can use it as an external drive later, They come in very handy as a backup device.
3) Download Win 7 ISO fro uSoft, or barrow, a Windows 7 Installation DVD, You have upto 30 Days to try it -
Then Must BUY it . If Barrowed, DO NOT enter Lic Key during Installation