if I install windows 8 can I still use a windows 7 backup image if things dont work out?

spiroth10

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May 22, 2015
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I have a windows 7 backup image on a secondary hard drive, and its been well worn.

I'm about to make another backup image thats more up to date and still stable, with all my software attached -- but one question --

I'm also thinking of updating to windows 8 for the enhanced boot time -- but I want to make SURE that I can easily restore to windows 7 if need be or if I dont like it.

the upgrade will come at no cost to me, so its not really an issue of wasted money -- its more an issue of can I just pop in the windows 7 install disc like always and use the restore tools to restore my image and overwrite windows 8 with little trouble?

or will the installer of windows 7 not recognize windows 8, and not let me write over it?
 

spiroth10

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May 22, 2015
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I actually DO Have a windows 7 install disc.

I know 8.1 does NOT have windows 7 backup image support.

but if I boot into windows 7 install disc, can I override the compatibility problem?

I ABSOLUTELY require the ability to do a full reinstall of the windows 7 image before I will even attempt to touch 8.1

otherwise I will wait for windows 10 free update which is coming soon.