Solved Thinking of going back to Windows 7

james1st

Member
Member
Messages
17
Location
Beer Sheva, Israel
I am totally fed up with Windows 8. This is my computer. I bought it, I paid for it. I tried Windows 8 for two months now, and it gets worse each day. So anyone have some suggestions on installing Windows 7 on mu computer? I will have to buy Windows 7 and install it and I just want any advice to make the transfer easier.

Dell Inspiron 5721
x64-based PC

Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-3517U CPU @ 1.90GHz, 2401 Mhz, 2 Core(s), 4 Logical

RAM 8.00 GB
HD 1 TB
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 17r
    CPU
    Intel Core I7
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon
    Browser
    Firefox, Chrome, I.E.,
    Antivirus
    McAfee
James, you are not alone. Plenty have done the same.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
But in the mean time: what do you not like about Windows 8? We may be able to help you remedy those without downgrading, or they could be problems specific to your system and factory configuration. Not to mention Windows Blue is supposed to come out in the next few months, which should remedy a few major problems.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Tansformer Book Flip TP500LN
    CPU
    Intel i5-4210U
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 SDRAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce GT 840M
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" Touchscreen
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    1TB Hybrid
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000
Have you tried "Start is Back". It is probably about as close to Windows 7 as you can get on windows 8. There is a free trial and if it fixes your problems would save you the cost and hassle of doing an install with Windows 7
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 3930K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte X79s
    Memory
    16.0GB Corsair Dominator DDR3-1866
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI GTX 680
    Sound Card
    Sound Blaster ZxR
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2711 and 2407WFP
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440 and 1920x1200
    Hard Drives
    3 x SSD
    Mix of 2, 3 and 4 TB Hard Drives
    PSU
    Corsair HX1050
    Case
    Lian Li Diamond Series PC-Z70 Full Tower, Black
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo CPU cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Revolution
    Internet Speed
    20mbs
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Avast Free and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Pro
    Other Info
    Win 8.1.1 and Office 2013 via Virtualbox
Startisback will not work on the leaked 8.1 versions. Almost guaranteed it won't work with the final 8.1.

Tihiy said the code it relies on has been removed by MS.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
Startisback will not work on the leaked 8.1 versions. Almost guaranteed it won't work with the final 8.1.

If you do not like Metro, I don't think it matters to much. If Blue is like the leaks out at the moment (which are only showing tweaks to the Metro interface) just don't install 8.1.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 3930K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte X79s
    Memory
    16.0GB Corsair Dominator DDR3-1866
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI GTX 680
    Sound Card
    Sound Blaster ZxR
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2711 and 2407WFP
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440 and 1920x1200
    Hard Drives
    3 x SSD
    Mix of 2, 3 and 4 TB Hard Drives
    PSU
    Corsair HX1050
    Case
    Lian Li Diamond Series PC-Z70 Full Tower, Black
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo CPU cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Revolution
    Internet Speed
    20mbs
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Avast Free and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Pro
    Other Info
    Win 8.1.1 and Office 2013 via Virtualbox
Hey James, I use Stardock's Start8 and ModernMix, these will give you the look and feel of windows 7 but with all the benefits that windows 8 has to offer. There is also Classic Shell which is free, Stardocks are free to try but only cost $5 each. This way you'll have the best of both.

Welcome to Classic Shell

Get the Start menu back with Start8™!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom build
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X 4 965 BE
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-MA790X-DS4
    Memory
    G-Skill 8 GB PC 8500
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD XFX HD Radeon 6790D
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2l Samsung SyncMaster S20B300
    Screen Resolution
    1600 X 900
    Hard Drives
    Seagate Barracuda 320 GB w/OS
    Seagate Barracuda 1 TB data storage
    PSU
    Ultra X4 750 watt fully modular
    Case
    Thermaltake OverSeer RX 1 fulltower
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper212 120mm
    Keyboard
    Logitech G510
    Mouse
    Razor DeathAdder 3.5
Startisback will not work on the leaked 8.1 versions. Almost guaranteed it won't work with the final 8.1.

Tihiy said the code it relies on has been removed by MS.

I'm wondering, are they going to remove the code for the rest of the software out there that some of us are using?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom build
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X 4 965 BE
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-MA790X-DS4
    Memory
    G-Skill 8 GB PC 8500
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD XFX HD Radeon 6790D
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2l Samsung SyncMaster S20B300
    Screen Resolution
    1600 X 900
    Hard Drives
    Seagate Barracuda 320 GB w/OS
    Seagate Barracuda 1 TB data storage
    PSU
    Ultra X4 750 watt fully modular
    Case
    Thermaltake OverSeer RX 1 fulltower
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper212 120mm
    Keyboard
    Logitech G510
    Mouse
    Razor DeathAdder 3.5
If they do, I will have two copies of Windows 8 Pro Upgrade for sale at a very reasonable price!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
Fear not.

MS clearly do not want us using start menus - they want to shove the start screen at us. MS is removing their own code which some of the better start menu replacements rely on.

That makes it harder for the people making them. They will have to rebuild them to use services instead. Some already do it that way - they may need adjusting.

Therefore there will be start menu replacements which will be able to function on 8.1

MS can't do anything more than that. They dare not send out anything specifically aimed at killing those. That would be suicidal.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
I'm personally going to wait for Blue to come out before passing judgement. But the big mess surrounding the Xbox One does have me concerned about how MS is handling 8.1.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Tansformer Book Flip TP500LN
    CPU
    Intel i5-4210U
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 SDRAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce GT 840M
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" Touchscreen
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    1TB Hybrid
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000
Some simple tweaking and you can have Win8 looking and acting almost identical to Win7. I had a new laptop come in this week that the owner just hated and he was completely lost. I added Stardock's Start8 & tweaked it so it would boot straight to the desktop with automatic logon. Now there is no need for him to ever see the Metro screen again and he has the added benefit of Win8's speed. He has called me 3 times telling me how much he likes it. I recommend you try doing the same thing-it's a whole lot cheaper than buying Windows 7 and going through the hassle of downgrading.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
Hey, great responses from you all. I will certainly have a go at those suggestions,
Have to admit I'm over my angry spell. The thing that sent me over the top was that I couldn't slap a cd-rom in and load it. I suppose there are different BIOS for the various machines, and the information I received from the Internet just didn't seem to work. But that is straightened out now so I've calmed down a bit. :)
I really appreciate your responses, thanks so much.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 17r
    CPU
    Intel Core I7
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon
    Browser
    Firefox, Chrome, I.E.,
    Antivirus
    McAfee
8.1 or Blue, or whatever MS wants to call it. Will be a major update for Microsoft's future imo(and yea they have plenty of money to do whatever they want with). But, a lot of people where put off by the whole Metro UI, and the obviously tablet oriented features being forced on the traditional desktop users. It has lead to a lot of bad reviews, and negative publicity. When in all honesty the desktop mode of Windows 8 (minus the lack of a start button) is a more refined, and in my experience so far, better performing OS then 7 was.

I got Windows 8 about 6 months ago, on my girlfriend's laptop, then a little later when I built my PC. As a desktop only user Windows 8 has been a great OS. I have had a few blue screens, and other issues. I think more related to my HDD then the OS. But, it is really dumb imo that you almost need to get Start8, and ModernMix for the OS to "feel" right on a desktop machine. If anyone is new to Windows 8 I would very highly recommend getting both programs, they are both from Stardock and fairly cheap. Start8 is obviously the start button only you can actually customize the menu's, and the actual look of start orb its self. And ModernMix allows you to run Metro apps on the desktop just like any other program. Run them in a window, or full screen. It also adds the Windows 8 style minimize and close buttons in their traditional places. Along with placing them on your task bar like any other currently open program would appear. Finally my personal favorite part of the package, you can completely disable the hot corner nonsense if you want, and boot straight to the desktop. I personally have all them turned off. And only the charm bar active when I am in the Metro UI itself.

Microsoft really should take at look at what third party software devs are doing. And see how successful they are. These two programs are in my opinion two very basic features that Windows 8 should and needs to have built in. If they want to focus on tablets that's fine. I love my tablet. But, don't force a tablet experience on my desktop PC please.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 64-bit OEM
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Me, Intel Machine.
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3350P
    Motherboard
    GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UD3H
    Memory
    G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (timing 8-8-8-24, Cas 8)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS GTX 650ti
    Sound Card
    VIA VT2021 (on board)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS VH242H(primary) ASUS VS Series VS197D(secondary)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080(primary) 1366x768(secondary)
    Hard Drives
    Seagate ST3500630NS
    PSU
    TopPower - 800W non-modular (Lesson Learned)
    Case
    NZXT Source 210 Elite Black Steel
    Cooling
    Air, 4 case fans.
    Keyboard
    RAZER Blackwidow Ultimate, Wired Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9x Black 5700dpi (best mouse I have ever owned next to my old Logitech G500)
    Internet Speed
    5.22Mbps Down, 1.05Mbps Up
    Browser
    Chrome 90% of the time. FireFox on occasion, and if I am forced IE.
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    This was my first true build from scratch.The PC was built with gaming, and multi-tasking in mind. I tried to get the best parts I could get for under $1,000. The Keyboard was a gift, and the HDD was one I had bought for my old machine. The entire build came out right around $900. Only regret is I didn't get an SSD
Screenshot (112).png
Or you can just do this and have a full sized start menu.... :think:

You can't simply attach a CD drive to your laptop and just boot off a disk. ALL new Windows 8 PCs have the new BIOS firmware called UEFI BIOS. It is the reason why you see the Dell OEM logo at the boot screen over the Start icon when you turn your PC on. When you try to find information to get something to boot with EUFI, I bet you found that some uninformed individuals out there say hit F2 or F12 at boot up. THIS DOES NOT WORK.

The BIOS's on other PCs are the same. Usually, you'll need to press and hold the Esc key and THEN hit the power button to get into a boot menu or firmware settings. I think on Dell PCs, you can press and hold F2 and then hit the power button to disable certain things to get back to traditional BIOS or a boot menu.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Welcome to Windows EightForums, james1st, glasskuter, and Nerva. It's good to have you all aboard. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
View attachment 22339
Or you can just do this and have a full sized start menu.... :think:
I cannot think of anything I would want less than a full sized start menu. Just like full screen apps, i don't like them. I don't want my whole screen changing into a bloody menu of applications to pick from. On a cell phone with a tiny screen, sure. On a full sized computer with a monitor between 13.3" or 27"....nah.

When you try to find information to get something to boot with EUFI, I bet you found that some uninformed individuals out there say hit F2 or F12 at boot up. THIS DOES NOT WORK.
Well, that is a radical change from the norm. And for the majority of people, who haven't purchased Windows 8 and aren't familiar with UEFI BIOS's it's a very reasonable suggestion. I work with a bunch of techies and these guys haven't worked with it day in and day out. Most believe UEFI just means a graphical BIOS where the mouse works.


The BIOS's on other PCs are the same. Usually, you'll need to press and hold the Esc key and THEN hit the power button to get into a boot menu or firmware settings. I think on Dell PCs, you can press and hold F2 and then hit the power button to disable certain things to get back to traditional BIOS or a boot menu.

On a Dell, you press F2 and that puts you in the BIOS. Usually to boot from a non UEFI boot media, you have to disable Secure Boot and enable legacy boot support. That's how it is on a Dell. That is also my experience as well with Acer.

We recently purchased a Samsung Series 7 laptop for my wife and it's also F2 to get into the BIOS. By default, it won't boot from a UEFI key, you have to go into the BIOS and disable FAST BOOT. Then, you boot up, press F2 to get to BIOS and the boot options are listed in there and you pick to boot from your USB key.

My work desktop, running an Asus P8z77-v LK mobo is the same was as the Samsung. You have to access the BIOS and pick the device to boot from in there. There isn't the typical F8 or F12 boot option on power on.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
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