Windows 8.1 downgrade to Windows 7

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JCameron

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May 2, 2015
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Hello,

I am currently trying to downgrade Windows 8.1 pro back to Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit on my HP Pavilion G6 laptop. I would prefer it if I did not have to do a clean install as there are several programs that I do not want to lose and would probably struggle to install successfully again.

On a previous device I was able to do so by simply selecting Upgrade when I went to install it.
However, this time I am receiving an error, which is "You can’t do a typical upgrade using an installation disc that’s different from the language installed on your computer". This is strange as the language of my laptop and the installation CD are English (UK at that). I did have my laptop set to Cymraeg (Welsh) not so long ago, but then reverted back to English (UK). Because of this I am assuming that the language is the not the issue, but upgrading to Windows 7 is.

As I said before, I really do not want to have to do a clean install. Are there any other options that I could take?

Many thanks,

James
 
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M

Markeus

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Mar 28, 2015
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It's completely possible to downgrade to Windows 7 from 8. I've done it before. Assuming you have the installation disk, there is no option to keep previous files in the setup? Last time I checked there should be.
 
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JCameron

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May 2, 2015
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There is an option for "Upgrade" meaning that I can keep files and settings, however, I then receive an error (mentioned above) preventing me from doing so, which is my problem.
 
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Markeus

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Mar 28, 2015
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I looked on Microsofts Website and I dont see a clear solution to this. So you can try to multi-boot by installing Windows 7 on another partition. This way you keep the windows 8.1+data. I'll try to look around more for a better solution.

wait, nvm. I dont think its possible. Period. read this article for more info
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2832566

if you scroll down to the Downgrade Rights table, and see the Note right below it, it says: ' A Windows 8 customer who has multilanguage functionality cannot downgrade to Windows 7 Pro or to Windows XP Pro. This is because the multilanguage functionality is exclusive to Windows 7 Enterprise and is not available for a Professional edition.'
From what I understand, you're not even supposed to downgrade to an Ultimate version of Windows 7. Secondly you only have the choice to clean install or dual boot, as I've said before. But It's most likely best you read that article yourself for confirmation. Sorry dude
 
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J

JCameron

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May 2, 2015
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Thank you very much. I do not think there is an easy solution unfortunately!
 
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A

Alabalcho

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Jan 13, 2011
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Before jumping the gun and starting clean Win7 install:
- make and test recovery media for your Win8.1
- make sure your laptop is supported from HP under Windows 7. You don't want to reformat, install, only to find out that e.g. there is no driver for sound / video / WiFi / special keys.
 
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