replace win 8 with win 7 on an asus x551ma laptop

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inmanwea

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Mar 8, 2014
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I recently bought 3 asus laptops, Model X551MA, with windows 8 os. Would like to install windows 7 on them. I also have 3 win 7 dvd;s that I bought.

I cannot get the bios to let me change it to boot from the DVD rom.

Can someone advise me on the proper procedure to do this, I need it step by step.

ASUS will not help at all.

 
Solution
J
I just encountered the same issue tonight, I work at a computer retail shop and I sold my friend this laptop thinking we could install Windows 7 on it. Then I took it home to prepare it and I panicked when I couldn't find the CSM module in the bios that you usually find in similar models. And then I started thinking about it, you might be able to get around this issue by making a UEFI Windows 7 installation USB disk. download Rufus, select GPT partition scheme for UEFI computer, then next to ISO image click the small icon and link it to your windows 7 iso. I am currently creating the USB stick this way, waiting for it to copy all the files and I'm pretty sure this should solve the issue. I'll update you on the results as soon as I am...
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J

jimpz

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Jan 20, 2012
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Before you even attempt this, ensure you have all the WIN 7 drivers you need, many ARE different than win 8. ASUS doesn't seem to have any drivers for this model & WIN 7, you would need to go to potentially all the chip & part mfg's & see if the have win 7 drivers for their components. The last thing you need id to get win 7 on it & find your network doesn't work - or worse.
 
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inmanwea

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Mar 8, 2014
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jmbullet

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Mar 28, 2014
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I just encountered the same issue tonight, I work at a computer retail shop and I sold my friend this laptop thinking we could install Windows 7 on it. Then I took it home to prepare it and I panicked when I couldn't find the CSM module in the bios that you usually find in similar models. And then I started thinking about it, you might be able to get around this issue by making a UEFI Windows 7 installation USB disk. download Rufus, select GPT partition scheme for UEFI computer, then next to ISO image click the small icon and link it to your windows 7 iso. I am currently creating the USB stick this way, waiting for it to copy all the files and I'm pretty sure this should solve the issue. I'll update you on the results as soon as I am done.


UPDATE: I finally got it to boot using this method, however, the installation kept hanging before I could even select any option. It turns out the gpu in this laptop is incompatible with Windows 7. Sounds like you'll have to stick to Windows 8. I returned the laptop today and will be advising my friend to get a Lenovo G505s instead.
 
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Solution
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Marc T Zicari

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Apr 16, 2014
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I Bought the same one. You do have to have the latest bios. I believe 5.0.2. Get it from their support site. Once that is updated you have to go into bios by holding f2 after reboot. Go to Advanced and turn off secure boot. Then under Boot There will be an extra command regarding launch or enable CSM. You have to disable the command above that one to enable the Launch CSM. Modify those save and exit reboot and press ESC to get to boot selection. Doing this from memory but should be 90% accurate. Hope this helps.


 
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PWIng

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Apr 18, 2014
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To: Mac T - Thank you VERY much for posting your solution...as it was bothering me very much that such a common PC feature was not included in the original BIOS. Sincerely, PWIng, New York, NY, USA, 18 April 2014

UPDATE - The good news was that the DVD Ram Drive showed as a BOOT OPTION...but the BIOS will not let the computer BOOT into the two BOOTABLE programs on CD-R's that I want to use. Trying EaseUS Partition Master Pro Edition 9.3, I got a BLUE SCREEN which required the computer battery to be removed as it was otherwise impossible to turn off or restart the computer. Trying EZ Gig II, a program to create a backup image of a partition, I repeatedly received error messages stating that the Linux was not loading and to re-boot. After a trying a few times, I just remove the CD and booted into the operating system....at least there was no BLUE SCREEN. I guess BOOTING into a Windows Operating System CD/DVD would work, but that was not my interest.
 
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yendy00

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Oct 31, 2014
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before following all recomended steps. "UPGRADE YOUR BIOS" :bounce: i used bios 512. after that you should be able to change the priority boot. CSM boot. wallaaa! :bounce::bounce: now installation will go on as normal. i hope this works....
 
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PWIng

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Apr 18, 2014
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I have tried to BOOT my Asus Model X551MA into ANY DVD, CD or USB DRIVE....but have found that I the computer (I think it must be the BIOS) prevents any BOOT UP into ANY DVD, CD, or USB DRIVE.

WARNING....I tried BOOTING into computer imaging software on a CD (which I use regularly on two of my old Dell laptops plus a Lenovo Desktop to backup my C: drive partition)....and got a locked into a BLUE SCREEN that I could only turn off by disassembling the computer and removing the battery. Unfortunately, the very delicate leads for my touch pad were damaged, and I can only use a mouse.

Windows 8.1 is not all that bad and with Classic Shell http://www.classicshell.net/ installed it CAN work like (close to) Windows 7 or Windows XP.

Also, forget about replacing the battery (it can be replaced, but can't be purchased anywhere I could find.) OR the hard drive (because of BOOT problem and you would probably damage the delicate leads anyway just opening the computer.).

I now think of this computer as a "throw-away" which will serve for the 3-5 years of life....at a cost per year MUCH lower that than of any other previous computer.....This computer does running GREAT...and the features included are unbelievable for the price paid.
 
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