downgrading to Windows 7 options

[Pants]

I've never done an OS downgrade on a computer. This Toshiba Satellite c855d-55950 has Windows 8 on it. The customer doesn't like it, so I'm wondering what the downgrade rights are for it, and what license key I can use, if any.

A few posts I've read seem to suggest that Windows 7 drivers don't work well on this model, however.


edit: well according to this:

http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-1653279/downgrade-windows-windows.html

The downgrade would require purchasing a key.


The downgrade isn't required, the customer just wants the performance tuned-up, but thought I would look into the option.

 

[ohio_grad_06]

Install classic shell, Adobe reader, infranview for a picture viewer, and thunderbird for email and make it the default client. Create a local account, set classic shell to disable all hot corners and to bypass the metro screen. Also, if it's a laptop, disable any edge swipe settings. After those things it should act a lot more like Windows 7, then you don't have to fuss with drivers and a license purchase. You might suggest it to them.

 

[Pants]

Sounds like a good idea. This customer is very easy going, I think she will like that a lot. thanks

 

[mrapoc]

Classicshell is great. Well worth a donation in my eyes

 

[nlinecomputers]

Classic shell is ugly. Use Startisback. It is almost an exact duplicate of the Windows 7 start screen. Classic shell acts more like a Window Xp menu tacked on to a Windows 7 looking menu. Worth the $2.

 

[Mick]

I definitely wouldn't attempt the downgrade. A client of mine bought three Dell laptops not long back with an assurance from Dell that they could be downgraded. Dell even supplied a Win 7 disk to help things along. After a week scouring the web for drivers etc and a visit from a Dell engineer whose 'solution' was to replace the motherboards, me, Dell and the client just gave up. I installed Classic shell and they've been fine with that.

 

[cypress]

Classic shell is ugly. Use Startisback. It is almost an exact duplicate of the Windows 7 start screen. Classic shell acts more like a Window Xp menu tacked on to a Windows 7 looking menu. Worth the $2.

Worth the $3* lol and yes very well worth it. I did not like Classic Shell at all. I think it is ugly as well. I've installed it on all the Windows 8 client machines and they love it.

 

[nlinecomputers]

I definitely wouldn't attempt the downgrade. A client of mine bought three Dell laptops not long back with an assurance from Dell that they could be downgraded. Dell even supplied a Win 7 disk to help things along. After a week scouring the web for drivers etc and a visit from a Dell engineer whose 'solution' was to replace the motherboards, me, Dell and the client just gave up. I installed Classic shell and they've been fine with that.

I sell Lenovo laptops that have been predowngraded to Windows 7. It's great you get Windows 8 restore disks in the box and a system with Win 7 preinstalled. It's like a free upgrade. Works great in either OS (If you like Win8?)

 

[nlinecomputers]

I've never done an OS downgrade on a computer. This Toshiba Satellite c855d-55950 has Windows 8 on it. The customer doesn't like it, so I'm wondering what the downgrade rights are for it, and what license key I can use, if any.

A few posts I've read seem to suggest that Windows 7 drivers don't work well on this model, however.


edit: well according to this:

http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-1653279/downgrade-windows-windows.html

The downgrade would require purchasing a key.


The downgrade isn't required, the customer just wants the performance tuned-up, but thought I would look into the option.

To answer the OP question. Only Windows 8 Professional can be downgraded. You have the right to downgrade to Windows 7 Professional or Vista Business. Windows 8 (Home) may not be downgraded without purchase of new license.

 

[Martyn]

I sell Lenovo laptops that have been predowngraded to Windows 7. It's great you get Windows 8 restore disks in the box and a system with Win 7 preinstalled. It's like a free upgrade. Works great in either OS (If you like Win8?)

Correct, when people tell me they want to upgrade from XP I explain about getting Win 8 Pro with downgrade rights to Win 7 Pro. If you ask for Win7 Pro to be installed you get the Win 8 pro disks as well and a Win 7 Pro restore partition. You can't lose.

 

[allanc]

I sell Lenovo laptops that have been predowngraded to Windows 7. It's great you get Windows 8 restore disks in the box and a system with Win 7 preinstalled. It's like a free upgrade. Works great in either OS (If you like Win8?)

Me also.
Any idea when Lenovo will stop preloading Windows 7?

 

[johnrobert]

+++ Startisback

 

[Pants]

When it comes to software (particularly this) I am essentially reselling it, so sales/use tax would apply to the final bill to customer, wouldn't it?

 

[nlinecomputers]

If you are purchasing it and the client is paying YOU for it then you are reselling it. It is no different then the c-store down the road or Best Buy or Amazon.

 

[Pants]

thx

 

[Pants]

Was just looking at the reselling options for Startisback:

http://startisback.com/resell/


You can only buy the keys in bulk? Looks like you have to buy at least $60 worth.

 

[nlinecomputers]

I just buy them individually and sell them for $5

 

[cypress]

Same here. They say it feels like a whole new PC and the frustrations are gone lol

 

[Pants]

I just buy them individually and sell them for $5

Gonna try classic shell out to see how it looks, and then I'll give the other a try.

Looks like the author has other conditions as well.. Like ongoing support for the software. Do you give anything like that to the customer

 

[nlinecomputers]

There isn't anything about it that has needed support. Install and forget about it.