It appears that a number of people, having bought computers with Windows 8 installed, decide that they do not like the new operating system and consider installing Windows 7 instead.
This is not as easy as it may appear.
I apologise for the length and occasionally the complexity of this article, but the nature of UEFI and the attendant difficulties in changing from Windows 8 or installing a dual boot, make it hard to explain the problems in a short bullet-point fashion.
However I have attempted to do so at the end of the article
It is not a simple task of formatting and installing 7. Neither can it be easily accomplished by installing to a new hard drive.
The reason for the problems you may well encounter are mainly concerned with the replacement of the well known BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) with what is commonly referred to as UEFI (User Extensible Firmware Interface) or BIOS 2.
Many, if not all of the branded computers sold with Windows 8, as the Operating system, use UEFI instead of the traditional BIOS.
On the firmware chip of the UEFI is installed the data that designates the Operating System as Windows 8
and additionally controls the boot devices.
I think it appropriate at this stage to explain the main difference between BIOS and UEFI
So one of the main differences is how the disk is partioned when the operating system is installed
On the traditional BIOS
The recommended configuration includes a system partition, a Windows partition, and a recovery image partition.
![]()
On a UEFI firmware
The recommended configuration includes a Windows RE tools partition, a system partition, an MSR, a Windows partition, and a recovery image partition.
![]()
It can be seen that the same System partition is created - 100MB
but additionally a Microsoft Reserved Partition (MSR) - 128MB and a WinRE (Windows Recovery Environment) partition are also created.
That partitioning is ONE reason why the installation of Windows 7 on a drive that has Windows 8 installed is not as simple as it was on the traditional BIOS based firmware.
Before proceeding to the actual requiremnts of installing Windows 7, as a replacement for Windows 8, or indeed a Linux based system as a dual boot, it is important to note that 32 bit Windows 7 is not compatible with UEFI
UEFI - Secure Boot
The UEFI secure boot protocol is the foundation of an architecturally neutral approach to platform and firmware security. Based on the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) process to validate firmware images before they are allowed to execute, secure boot helps reduce the risk of boot loader attacks. Microsoft relies on this protocol in Windows 8 to improve platform security for our customers.
![]()
Figure 1 – Platform integrity architecture
Before I progress to outline the possible procedures for changing back to Windows 7 or installing another O/S (Linux based) as dual boot it is important to note that Microsoft has insisted that all computers sold with Windows 8 installed AND bearing the Microsoft certification - this basically means all the branded machines - must have Secure Boot enabled.
Although Microsoft stressed that they expect OEM`s to ensure the firmware allows the disabling of secure boot (see Who is in Control? - above) they also stated that this is NOT a Microsoft matter, but a decision for OEM`s
For those readers interested here is a difficult to find link, to the official Microsoft document
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/libr...dware/hh748200
and for the general reader who simply wishes confirmation that their Windows 8 computer will have UEFI and Secure Boot here is an extract
Applicable OS Versions
You must consult your computer documentation to ensure that you can disable secure boot. You also need to check if there is a setting in the UEFI for "Legacy Boot". You may also find an entry for CSM (Compatability Support Module)
1. The first and probably the most important precaution, if you are thinking of installing to the drive on which Windows 8 is installed - the original hard drive in the computer, is to ensure that if the procedure does not succeed you have the means to reinstall Windows 8, and of course recover to the state you were in before you attempted the install of 7.
2. Therefore you must of course have, either a full image of the drive or at the very least backups of all your important data
AND THE means to install Windows 8 if that full image does not restore.
THIS MEANS you MUST create the recovery media on DVD`s or a flash drive from the utility that will be included on your laptop software.
3. Ensure that drivers for Windows 7 are available from the OEM site. It is risky, at the least, to contemplate using drivers from the Motherboard, Video card, chipset manufacturer etc. They may well not work with your Dell, Toshiba, HP etc. computer
(This is not an aspect related in any way to UEFI. It has been the case for many years that drivers for OEM computers are frequently written for the components designed and supplied for OEM computers.
The GPU Video driver from Nvidia, AMD may not be the same as the driver offered for the Video chip from the OEM site.)
When you have assured yourself that Windows 7 drivers are available you need then to download the Intel, Marvell, AMD storage driver, to have them ready for when and if the "LOAD DRIVERS" is indicated on the Windows 7 install.
It is also good practice to download a network driver to ensure that internet access is possible as soon as the installation completes. This enables you to then easily installl other drivers, Windows updates and an AV program.
4. You may now proceed to attempt the install of Windows 7. Please remember that Windows 7 32 bit will not install on UEFI and if that is what you are installing - you MUST not only disable secure boot, you must also use CSM
NOTE - DO NOT after installation re-enable Secure Boot if you do Windows 7 will not load. This applies to any O/S installed with secure boot disabled - not just 32 bit.
5. If you are installing Windows 7 64 bit, then start by disabling secure boot.
Then enabling boot from the DVD drive in the relevant section of the UEFI
THAT IS NOT AS SIMPLE AS IT WAS IN THE TRADITIONAL BIOS
Please see screenshot attached at the end of the article
You will have two DVD drive entries for the SAME drive
One will be the UEFI configured drive and the other will have exactly the same listing but WITHOUT the UEFI prefix.
If you have simply disabled Secure Boot you should start by selecting the UEFI DVD drive.
If you could NOT progress with ONLY Secure Boot disabled and you had to enable legacy or CSM, then you should try the other listed DVD drive.
6. Have the USB drive with the Storage driver ready, should the installation report that it cannot find the hard drive.
7. You cannot select install to the existing "Windows" partition, as the System and MSR (Microsoft Reserved) partition are of course for Windows 8. The whole drive must be formatted and one partition of unallocated space created.
WHAT THE OEMS say about installing 7 on a Windows 8 computer
Here is the procedure recommended by Dell for some of their computer models
NOTE Windows 8 Profesional to Windows 7 Professional
http://support.dell.com/support/topi...t?docid=590895
Here is the procedure for some Toshiba computers
http://toshiba-asia.com/sg/support/n...ows8-downgrade
NOTE please the inclusion of the CSM setting
ASUS simply state it is not possible on their computers that are supplied with Windows 8 installed.
This would appear to be true on some machines as there are many reports that the UEFI does not include a legacy option.
No,downgrading from Windows 8 to Windows 7 is not an option.
http://support.asus.com/Repair.aspx?no=605&SLanguage=en
HP offer no advice except to say
Question:
Can I downgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 7?
Answer:
Yes, customers can downgrade to Windows 7, but Microsoft has different terms regarding users’ downgrade rights and paths. HP recommends customers check with Microsoft for the terms governing their specific operating system edition.
Customers who are able to and choose to downgrade their HP Windows-8 compatible products to Windows 7 will remain protected by HP product warranties. However, HP has not tested all Windows 8 platforms for Windows 7 and we may not have your particular drivers available. If you choose to install a different operating system (OS) and have a problem that requires HP support, you may need to restore the original OS to fully diagnose your problem. Please check with HP Customer Care for questions related to your specific product.
http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Noteboo...-7/m-p/1980149
Despite the dire warning from HP which has actually been the official HP response to enquiries from many sources, it is a little more relaxed than their original response which is now no longer available on their website
"After October 26, 2012, HP consumer desktop and notebook products will ship only with Windows 8," the post cautions. "Windows 7 will not be supported on these new platforms, and no drivers, apps, or Windows 7 content will be available through HP."
---------------------------------
It is I think apparent from the above that, changing the Operating system to 7 is not, a task to be undertaken without the most serious considerations.
Probably a far safer approach is to obtain a replacement Hard Drive and attempt the install to that. If the procedure then proves impossible, either from the refusal of the computer to allow a boot from the DVD or an install of the system, or you do indeed have difficulty getting all functions to work because of driver issues, you can easily replace the original drive and go back to Windows 8.
Please remember to reconfigure UEFI to its original settings, before booting from the Windows 8 drive.
There appears to be some difference of opinion on whether the new hard drive should be formatted and ONE partition of unallocated space created OR if the drive should be prepared in the GPT - form (GUID Partition Table) GUID - Globally Unique Identifer.
In the case of the installation to a replacement drive and with ONLY secure boot disabled, it is recommended that, you format the whole drive and then, using diskpart, create the GPT partition table.
Please remember that if it is 32bit Windows you are installing, then it will NOT install to UEFI and you must not only disable secure boot, but also change from UEFI to CSM or legacy mode - you do NOT in that situation create a GPT partition layout, as you are of course installing to a traditional BIOS.
To create the GPT partitions using Diskpart
convert gpt
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/300415
Use the convert gpt command to set the partitioning style of the current disk to GPT. The disk may be a basic or a dynamic disk but it must not contain any valid data partitions or volumes. This command is valid only on Itanium-based computers; it may be unsuccessful on x-86-based computers.
Then when booting from the Windows 7 installation disc and after LOAD DRIVERS if required, you select the partition to install Windows.
PLEASE NOTE POST NOT YET complete
This is not as easy as it may appear.
I apologise for the length and occasionally the complexity of this article, but the nature of UEFI and the attendant difficulties in changing from Windows 8 or installing a dual boot, make it hard to explain the problems in a short bullet-point fashion.
However I have attempted to do so at the end of the article
It is not a simple task of formatting and installing 7. Neither can it be easily accomplished by installing to a new hard drive.
The reason for the problems you may well encounter are mainly concerned with the replacement of the well known BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) with what is commonly referred to as UEFI (User Extensible Firmware Interface) or BIOS 2.
Many, if not all of the branded computers sold with Windows 8, as the Operating system, use UEFI instead of the traditional BIOS.
On the firmware chip of the UEFI is installed the data that designates the Operating System as Windows 8
and additionally controls the boot devices.
I think it appropriate at this stage to explain the main difference between BIOS and UEFI
Quote:
|
Firmware Every PC is preloaded with firmware. Firmware is the hardware-specific code that directs the hardware's response to commands from higher-level software. Firmware is typically embedded in nonvolatile storage that's directly attached to a hardware device, like a motherboard. Specifically, firmware is typically stored in programmable read-only memory (PROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. But firmware also resides on optional device hardware like video cards and storage controllers. Firmware provides the first set of instructions that run during the boot process. After the firmware finishes detecting hardware and initializing the system, it passes control to a boot application like the boot loader in an operating system or a tool that runs before the operating system is loaded (sometimes called a pre-OS tool). BIOS and UEFI are examples of firmware. PCs typically use one or the other. |
On the traditional BIOS
The recommended configuration includes a system partition, a Windows partition, and a recovery image partition.
On a UEFI firmware
The recommended configuration includes a Windows RE tools partition, a system partition, an MSR, a Windows partition, and a recovery image partition.
It can be seen that the same System partition is created - 100MB
but additionally a Microsoft Reserved Partition (MSR) - 128MB and a WinRE (Windows Recovery Environment) partition are also created.
That partitioning is ONE reason why the installation of Windows 7 on a drive that has Windows 8 installed is not as simple as it was on the traditional BIOS based firmware.
Before proceeding to the actual requiremnts of installing Windows 7, as a replacement for Windows 8, or indeed a Linux based system as a dual boot, it is important to note that 32 bit Windows 7 is not compatible with UEFI
Quote:
|
The32-bit editions of Windows don't support UEFI features. Only 64-bit editions ofWindows can take advantage of the features that 64-bit UEFI firmware enables. |
The UEFI secure boot protocol is the foundation of an architecturally neutral approach to platform and firmware security. Based on the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) process to validate firmware images before they are allowed to execute, secure boot helps reduce the risk of boot loader attacks. Microsoft relies on this protocol in Windows 8 to improve platform security for our customers.
Figure 1 – Platform integrity architecture
The implications of this in simple terms usually prevents the previously simple procedure of booting from the Windows 7 installation DVD, formatting the drive and installing Windows 7. The Secure Boot will not allow it, the firmware data views it as an attempt to breach the security of the system.
Quote:
|
What is required for secure boot? Secure boot requires firmware that meets or exceeds UEFI revision 2.3.1. The UEFI forum ratified the latest revision which updated the policies of Chapter 27 to improve upon the existing secure boot protocol to include time-authenticated variables, stronger keys for encryption, and clarification on how those certificates are stored. The feature would be transparent to the consumer purchasing a PC. The benefit is that their system has an added measure of reliability from bootkit and rootkit attacks that target system vulnerabilities before the operating system itself even loads, as described above. Who is in control? At the end of the day, the customer is in control of their PC. Microsoft’s philosophy is to provide customers with the best experience first, and allow them to make decisions themselves. We work with our OEM ecosystem to provide customers with this flexibility. The security that UEFI has to offer with secure boot means that most customers will have their systems protected against boot loader attacks. For the enthusiast who wants to run older operating systems, the option is there to allow you to make that decision. A demonstration of this control is found in the Samsung tablet with Windows 8 Developer Preview that was offered to //BUILD/ participants. In the screenshot below you will notice that we designed the firmware to allow the customer to disable secure boot. However, doing so comes at your own risk. OEMs are free to choose how to enable this support and can further customize the parameters as described above in an effort to deliver unique value propositions to their customers. Windows merely did work to provide great OS support for a scenario we believe many will find valuable across consumers and enterprise customers.  |
Although Microsoft stressed that they expect OEM`s to ensure the firmware allows the disabling of secure boot (see Who is in Control? - above) they also stated that this is NOT a Microsoft matter, but a decision for OEM`s
For those readers interested here is a difficult to find link, to the official Microsoft document
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/libr...dware/hh748200
and for the general reader who simply wishes confirmation that their Windows 8 computer will have UEFI and Secure Boot here is an extract
Applicable OS Versions
- Windows 8 (x86)
Windows 8 (x64) - Mandatory. For the purposes of UEFI Secure Boot, the platform shall expose an interface to Secure Boot
- Mandatory. Secure Boot must ship enabled
You must consult your computer documentation to ensure that you can disable secure boot. You also need to check if there is a setting in the UEFI for "Legacy Boot". You may also find an entry for CSM (Compatability Support Module)
Quote:
|
Most current UEFI implementations include a Compatibility Support Module (CSM) that emulates earlier BIOS. So, systemswith UEFI firmware can boot operating systems that are UEFI aware and older operating systems that support only BIOS. This feature provides flexibility and compatibility for end users. |
2. Therefore you must of course have, either a full image of the drive or at the very least backups of all your important data
AND THE means to install Windows 8 if that full image does not restore.
THIS MEANS you MUST create the recovery media on DVD`s or a flash drive from the utility that will be included on your laptop software.
3. Ensure that drivers for Windows 7 are available from the OEM site. It is risky, at the least, to contemplate using drivers from the Motherboard, Video card, chipset manufacturer etc. They may well not work with your Dell, Toshiba, HP etc. computer
(This is not an aspect related in any way to UEFI. It has been the case for many years that drivers for OEM computers are frequently written for the components designed and supplied for OEM computers.
The GPU Video driver from Nvidia, AMD may not be the same as the driver offered for the Video chip from the OEM site.)
When you have assured yourself that Windows 7 drivers are available you need then to download the Intel, Marvell, AMD storage driver, to have them ready for when and if the "LOAD DRIVERS" is indicated on the Windows 7 install.
It is also good practice to download a network driver to ensure that internet access is possible as soon as the installation completes. This enables you to then easily installl other drivers, Windows updates and an AV program.
4. You may now proceed to attempt the install of Windows 7. Please remember that Windows 7 32 bit will not install on UEFI and if that is what you are installing - you MUST not only disable secure boot, you must also use CSM
NOTE - DO NOT after installation re-enable Secure Boot if you do Windows 7 will not load. This applies to any O/S installed with secure boot disabled - not just 32 bit.
5. If you are installing Windows 7 64 bit, then start by disabling secure boot.
Then enabling boot from the DVD drive in the relevant section of the UEFI
THAT IS NOT AS SIMPLE AS IT WAS IN THE TRADITIONAL BIOS
Please see screenshot attached at the end of the article
You will have two DVD drive entries for the SAME drive
One will be the UEFI configured drive and the other will have exactly the same listing but WITHOUT the UEFI prefix.
If you have simply disabled Secure Boot you should start by selecting the UEFI DVD drive.
If you could NOT progress with ONLY Secure Boot disabled and you had to enable legacy or CSM, then you should try the other listed DVD drive.
6. Have the USB drive with the Storage driver ready, should the installation report that it cannot find the hard drive.
7. You cannot select install to the existing "Windows" partition, as the System and MSR (Microsoft Reserved) partition are of course for Windows 8. The whole drive must be formatted and one partition of unallocated space created.
WHAT THE OEMS say about installing 7 on a Windows 8 computer
Here is the procedure recommended by Dell for some of their computer models
NOTE Windows 8 Profesional to Windows 7 Professional
http://support.dell.com/support/topi...t?docid=590895
Here is the procedure for some Toshiba computers
http://toshiba-asia.com/sg/support/n...ows8-downgrade
NOTE please the inclusion of the CSM setting
ASUS simply state it is not possible on their computers that are supplied with Windows 8 installed.
This would appear to be true on some machines as there are many reports that the UEFI does not include a legacy option.
No,downgrading from Windows 8 to Windows 7 is not an option.
http://support.asus.com/Repair.aspx?no=605&SLanguage=en
HP offer no advice except to say
Question:
Can I downgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 7?
Answer:
Yes, customers can downgrade to Windows 7, but Microsoft has different terms regarding users’ downgrade rights and paths. HP recommends customers check with Microsoft for the terms governing their specific operating system edition.
Customers who are able to and choose to downgrade their HP Windows-8 compatible products to Windows 7 will remain protected by HP product warranties. However, HP has not tested all Windows 8 platforms for Windows 7 and we may not have your particular drivers available. If you choose to install a different operating system (OS) and have a problem that requires HP support, you may need to restore the original OS to fully diagnose your problem. Please check with HP Customer Care for questions related to your specific product.
http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Noteboo...-7/m-p/1980149
Despite the dire warning from HP which has actually been the official HP response to enquiries from many sources, it is a little more relaxed than their original response which is now no longer available on their website
"After October 26, 2012, HP consumer desktop and notebook products will ship only with Windows 8," the post cautions. "Windows 7 will not be supported on these new platforms, and no drivers, apps, or Windows 7 content will be available through HP."
---------------------------------
It is I think apparent from the above that, changing the Operating system to 7 is not, a task to be undertaken without the most serious considerations.
Probably a far safer approach is to obtain a replacement Hard Drive and attempt the install to that. If the procedure then proves impossible, either from the refusal of the computer to allow a boot from the DVD or an install of the system, or you do indeed have difficulty getting all functions to work because of driver issues, you can easily replace the original drive and go back to Windows 8.
Please remember to reconfigure UEFI to its original settings, before booting from the Windows 8 drive.
There appears to be some difference of opinion on whether the new hard drive should be formatted and ONE partition of unallocated space created OR if the drive should be prepared in the GPT - form (GUID Partition Table) GUID - Globally Unique Identifer.
In the case of the installation to a replacement drive and with ONLY secure boot disabled, it is recommended that, you format the whole drive and then, using diskpart, create the GPT partition table.
Please remember that if it is 32bit Windows you are installing, then it will NOT install to UEFI and you must not only disable secure boot, but also change from UEFI to CSM or legacy mode - you do NOT in that situation create a GPT partition layout, as you are of course installing to a traditional BIOS.
To create the GPT partitions using Diskpart
convert gpt
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/300415
Use the convert gpt command to set the partitioning style of the current disk to GPT. The disk may be a basic or a dynamic disk but it must not contain any valid data partitions or volumes. This command is valid only on Itanium-based computers; it may be unsuccessful on x-86-based computers.
Then when booting from the Windows 7 installation disc and after LOAD DRIVERS if required, you select the partition to install Windows.
PLEASE NOTE POST NOT YET complete