How to downgrade to Windows 7 without Pro

Edwin Finch · Aug 16, 2013

Hey there!

I have an HP computer I purchased at FutureShop (Canadian version of Best Buy) and I need to downgrade it to Windows 7 for some essential programs to work.

This is the computer: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/product?product=5297087&lc=en&cc=ca&dlc=en

I have a Windows 7 Ultimate DVD that I burned, and I have backed up all the files I need to.

What steps should I take? I am COMPLETELY fine with wiping the hard drive completely.

Thanks!

Pinhedd · Aug 16, 2013

Edwin Finch :

I've only run into one program that fails to run on Windows 8, and it's a result of the developer failing to update a particular memory management library. Backwards compatibility in Windows 8 is outstanding. Before wiping everything out, see if there are any solutions to your compatibility issues.

If there's no work around at all, just pop the CD in, boot to the CD drive (usually prioritized by default), and follow the prompts.

Edwin Finch · Aug 16, 2013

Pinhedd :

Edwin Finch :

I've only run into one program that fails to run on Windows 8, and it's a result of the developer failing to update a particular memory management library. Backwards compatibility in Windows 8 is outstanding. Before wiping everything out, see if there are any solutions to your compatibility issues.

If there's no work around at all, just pop the CD in, boot to the CD drive (usually prioritized by default), and follow the prompts.

Then why is there all this crap on "u must hav windows 8 pro"? I also get the error when I try to do what you say "the selected disk is of the gpt partition style"

Pinhedd · Aug 16, 2013

Edwin Finch :

Oh, sounds like secure boot. It's a security feature that prevents malware from affecting the computer's boot process. It's typically enabled by default on OEM computers (as they service consumers who need it the most) but it can be disabled in the UEFI settings. Consult your motherboard manual to find out how.

If you are getting a GPT partition error, make sure that you are using an installation CD for a 64 bit version of Windows 7 or Windows 8. 32 bit versions of Windows cannot be installed on a drive that has been initialized with GPT, they must use MBR. The drive partitioning scheme can be reverted to MBR but I have no idea how to do this from within the Windows installer.

Someone Somewhere · Aug 16, 2013

You can write a new MBR to the disk usually.

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How to downgrade to Windows 7 without Pro

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