Computer Hope

Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows 8 => Topic started by: MomNEEDShelp on November 24, 2013, 03:29:02 PM

Title: Change Windows 8 to Windows 7??
Post by: MomNEEDShelp on November 24, 2013, 03:29:02 PM

I am probably asking a question that was once answered but maybe someone can help me. My 10 year old got a desktop PC (HP Pavilion Slimline 400) last week for her b-day. It came loaded with Windows 8. YUCK!!  Can anyone tell me how/if I can "downgrade" to Windows 7 without having to pay anything. ??? Please help.

Title: Re: Change Windows 8 to Windows 7??
Post by: Allan on November 24, 2013, 03:51:06 PM

You need a Windows 7 DVD. You would then format the drive and install Windows 7. You're better off leaving it alone.

Title: Re: Change Windows 8 to Windows 7??
Post by: Computer_Commando on November 24, 2013, 03:55:49 PM

Start with Classic Shell to make it look like Win7 or WinXP.
http://classicshell.net/

Title: Re: Change Windows 8 to Windows 7??
Post by: MomNEEDShelp on November 24, 2013, 03:57:39 PM

I am not technical and want to rip my hair out with this Windows 8. I actually did install SHELL. Maybe it's all so odd cause I have the Parental Guide set to ON???

Title: Re: Change Windows 8 to Windows 7??
Post by: Computer_Commando on November 24, 2013, 04:06:26 PM

I assume you don't want Win8 to start with the new Metro interface?
There is a setting in Classic Shell to start at the traditional desktop.  Metro is good if you have a touch-screen, which I assume you don't.
Don't know anything about parental guides.

Title: Re: Change Windows 8 to Windows 7??
Post by: MomNEEDShelp on November 24, 2013, 04:37:11 PM

All I would like is for everything to look like Win7. Nothing special. I am not too heavy of a user. Emails, kids free online games, etc.

I think I am going to turn off parental stuff. Then take another look.

Title: Re: Change Windows 8 to Windows 7??
Post by: Computer_Commando on November 24, 2013, 04:59:15 PM

Quote from: MomNEEDShelp on November 24, 2013, 04:37:11 PM

All I would like is for everything to look like Win7...

Classic Shell does that.

Title: Re: Change Windows 8 to Windows 7??
Post by: kyle_engineer on November 26, 2013, 05:04:50 PM

I'd personally suggest just getting used to Windows 8. About 45% of the interfacing is the same... It's really just some of the Metro menu stuff and a few of the settings that are awkward at first... But yeah... once you're used to it it's pretty nice.

That said, you can use ClassicShell as recommended, however I'm personally not really into off-brand stuff that modifies the OS... personally.

If you really want to revert to Win 7, you'd have to do it as Allan said... but you would need an OS disk and a key.