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Laptop w/ Windows 8 OEM. Can I install Windows 7, format all partitions, then load windows 8 later with original OEM key?

Tags:
  • OEM
  • Format
  • Laptops
  • Windows 8
  • Windows 7
Last response: in Windows 8
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September 29, 2014 8:43:07 AM

Hi all,

I'm sure this topic has been done to death so I apologise for the drudgery. I just couldn't find this specific question, and answer anywhere. I've found it in parts, but not in it's entirety.

Essentially I want to format every partition and install Windows 7 onto my laptop that came with Windows 8. Which I'm sure is possible. However I want to know whether I will be able to reload Windows 8 later using the original OEM product key after a complete format? I have a copy of the product key from Belarc advisor, but have heard mixed ideas about whether I will need that again. Either way I have it. I also have a genuine copy of the Windows 8 - 64 bit disc from a neighbour, which is the same as my version, except it's a retail disc obviously. I've also read mixed opinions on whether that's ok. So I'm thoroughly confused...

Main question is, is there any concern that formatting everything/all partitions (along with clean Windows 7 install) will in any way remove or eliminate the original OEM product key from my system/bios? If not I should be fine. Then will the retail disc either work automatically with the key held in bios, or with the copy I'd written down from Belarc?

I'm guessing it will all be fine, but was hoping to double check with some experts... Which I'm not!

Appreciate the time taken to read and reply.

More about : laptop windows oem install windows format partitions load windows original oem key

a b * Windows 8
a b $ Windows 7
September 29, 2014 8:50:43 AM

best bet if you want to do this is to create an image of the machine as Win8 before you wipe it. This will give you everything as it is captured to disk (external HD).

I use Easus ToDo Backup (there is a free version that works great too) When I do something like this, I create a system image to an external HDD AND copy the utilities installer in the directory with the image. This way, when/if you want to go back to factory, you install the version used to create the image, make recovery media, and restore it.

The other way is to replace the existing HDD and start fresh, placing the OEM HDD in a safe place (LABELED) so you can swap it back later if needed....

Either way, no need for the license code.!.
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September 29, 2014 10:21:45 AM

corroded said:
best bet if you want to do this is to create an image of the machine as Win8 before you wipe it. This will give you everything as it is captured to disk (external HD).

I use Easus ToDo Backup (there is a free version that works great too) When I do something like this, I create a system image to an external HDD AND copy the utilities installer in the directory with the image. This way, when/if you want to go back to factory, you install the version used to create the image, make recovery media, and restore it.

The other way is to replace the existing HDD and start fresh, placing the OEM HDD in a safe place (LABELED) so you can swap it back later if needed....

Either way, no need for the license code.!.


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Thanks corroded. Great answer, and options... I think. Haven't tested them yet, but it makes sense. Will probably make a system image using one such program. I'm guessing I can't use the Windows system image option?

Also, I'm not sure if I'm supposed to start another thread (which I may do) on this but I'm also wondering whether changing my bios boot settings will effect a future install of windows 8, after I've installed windows 7. As I've now learnt that the bios boot settings need changing to successfully complete a Windows 7 downgrade on a new-ish Toshiba laptop. And both Windows 7 and Windows 8 have different boot config so messing with them isn't wise for the uninitiated, which I am (uninitiated). UEFI is greyed out, so I can't change to legacy yet, so I also need to spend more time getting my boot settings right without messing it up. I've heard this can go badly wrong. So I'm also trying to avoid losing the ability to boot up at all... I'd like to be able to read another post here without having to use a library computer...

Ridiculous that it's THIS hard to downgrade. Absurd.

Nonetheless, thanks again. All help is appreciated.

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a b * Windows 8
a b $ Windows 7
September 29, 2014 1:10:43 PM

I do not trust the Microsoft native tools... Just me...

Again... Making an Image with ToDo or something like it as well as jotting down the current settings in the BIOS will be most benificial.

I'd also turn on the Legacy F8 Safe Mode in Win8 before imaging. ;-)

The main things are the HDD inteface use type, AHCI or IDE... Get that wrong or not what the system was installed as and the system blue screens. Most of the others should not do to much, in a laptop. You can always mess with it a bit by (again noting the current settings) setting the "System Defaults" in the save section of most BIOS' and restart. Does Win 8 still boot properly?

Make single setting changes and note the effect, reversing them if an issue arises... As you said, it should not be that hard...
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