Desired 7 and 8.1 dual boot on HP Touchsmart Envy 15 laptop

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David31

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Apr 7, 2014
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I've just contacted HP about if my warranty will be affected by changing the Windows OS and apparently it won't and this is something I am considering. I currently have Windows 8.1 (not pro, so I don't think I have downgrade rights?).

My desired configuration is Windows 7 for older games and 8.1 as I actually prefer it to 7 with the exception of many of my older games not working. I'm guessing I'll need to install 7 first, but am not sure how the most cost effective way to do this is? Thanks in advance.
 
Solution
WyomingKnott
For cost effective, I am afraid that you will need to buy a windows 7 license. If you wipe the machine and install 7 first, you will also need a physical Windows 8 distro - your license is still good.

You _might_ consider installing 7 in a new partition and using some sort of boot manager to boot into either your HP-provided version of 8 or the new version of 7. SImpler, and I'm not sure about activating a version of 8 that isn't the factory install. In theory, your key is in the BIOS. In practice, I've never talked with anyone who has tried it. If you do do it, please let me know and I will have learned something.

Good luck.
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WyomingKnott

WyomingKnott

Legenda in Aeternum
Aug 29, 2006
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For cost effective, I am afraid that you will need to buy a windows 7 license. If you wipe the machine and install 7 first, you will also need a physical Windows 8 distro - your license is still good.

You _might_ consider installing 7 in a new partition and using some sort of boot manager to boot into either your HP-provided version of 8 or the new version of 7. SImpler, and I'm not sure about activating a version of 8 that isn't the factory install. In theory, your key is in the BIOS. In practice, I've never talked with anyone who has tried it. If you do do it, please let me know and I will have learned something.

Good luck.
 
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David31

Honorable
Apr 7, 2014
7
0
10,510
Thanks for your reply. It's good to learn that I probably won't need another 8 licence, more research needed into the details and probably a call to HP. I think I'll get the full version of 7 instead of the OEM as I understand I can deactivate and use on future computers but not with the OEM? I'll probably be able to report how it went in about a month when I next have enough spare to get the licence(s) I need.
 
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