dual boot setup issue HP envy with win8 pre-installed

[kennytent]

Hello,

I have an HP Envy with Win8 pre-installed. I am trying to do a dual boot setup with windows 7, as some of the software I use daily, is not compatible with win8. The new software has yet to be released, and will not run in any compatibility modes.

Knowing this is beating a dead horse, I have searched for hours, and have gotten some of the pre-req stuff done ie: created virtual drive 20gb, initialized it, turned UEFI Mode/Secure Boot OFF, etc.

I can see the vhd, but when I try to load win7, the vhd is not visible. When I exit win7 install, and win8 reboots, I can no longer see the vhd.

I'm sure I'm not doing something right.

 

[theog]

Welcome to EightForums.

Take a look at the NOTE at end this tutorial:
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/13326-downgrade-windows-8-windows-7-a.html

Also take note of Step Three, you will need the BIOS setting.

 

[kennytent]

Thanks for the welcome.

I took that to mean, I only needed to do that if I was doing the full downgrade to win7 not a dual boot.
Before I delete the recovery, I did a backup, but did not select the copy recovery drive (I did not have a usb flash big enough). To be safe, do I need to do the full backup (like 32gb) or will the smaller one be satisfactory?

Am I correct in assuming I cannot load that to a external harddrive, it needs to be a flash?

 

[theog]

Step Three must be set, to downgrade to Windows 7 or dual boot with Windows7.

   Warning

Have you made the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?

   Information

We always assume you have made your Recovery Disks using the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Media Creator app the first day you had your new PC.
& made the Startup Repair CD.
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5132-recovery-drive-create-usb-flash-drive-windows-8-a.html
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2855-system-repair-disc-create-windows-8-a.html
​

Am I correct in assuming I cannot load that to a external harddrive, it needs to be a flash?

You are correct.

 

[kennytent]

Of course I did not do any of that the first day.... You intend to do everything by the book, but you know, it's like Christmas...
I'm going to have to pick up a 32gb flash this week, and get backed up before I go any further. I'm not sure why I have not just given up and done a fresh install to get rid of all the bloatware, like I've done before, but I had no idea win8 was going to be such a pain.

 

[theog]

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c03502680.pdf

Creating HP Recovery media

HP Recovery Manager is a software program that offers a way to create recovery media after you
successfully set up the computer. HP Recovery media can be used to perform system recovery if the
hard drive becomes corrupted. System recovery reinstalls the original operating system and the
software programs installed at the factory, and then configures the settings for the programs. HP
Recovery media can also be used to customize the system or aid in the replacement of a hard drive.

Using System Diagnostics

System Diagnostics allows you to run diagnostic tests to determine if the computer hardware is
functioning properly.
To start System Diagnostics:
1. Turn on or restart the computer, quickly press esc, and then press f2.
2. Click the diagnostic test you want to run, and then follow the on-screen instructions.

Try press F11 for Recovery Option.

You can initiate this option by using the f11 key or from the Start screen.
To use the f11 key:
1. Press f11 while the computer boots.
– or –
Press and hold f11 as you press the power button.

Using HP Recovery media to recover

You can use HP Recovery media to recover the original system. This method can be used if your
system does not have an HP Recovery partition or if the hard drive is not working properly.
1. If possible, back up all personal files.
2. Insert the first HP Recovery disc you created into the optical drive on your computer or into an
optional external optical drive, and then restart the computer.

? If the HP Recovery media do not work, you can obtain recovery media for your system from the
HP website. For U.S. support, go to Contact HP / Customer Service | HP® Official Site. For worldwide support, go
to Contact HP Worldwide | HP® Official Site.