Converting Windows 8 To 7

[David H]

I have discovered it is not possible to go from Windows 8 to 10, only 8.1 or 7. My Compaq wasn't made to handle 8.1 so is impossible to upgrade, and there is a softonic page where I can get 7 so I can then switch directly. I only want to change as otherwise 10 will cost £100 in a year and is far easier to use than 8 but don't want to wreck anything I can't fix afterwards. Has anyone had to do this and if so was it a success?

[Buenchico]

Given that Windows 8.1 is largely a 'cosmetic' improvement on Windows 8, I can't see why any machine that can handle W8 can't handle W8.1. So (if you're determined to switch to W10) I'd still recommend trying to get W8.1 first.

Further, the only software I know of that 'changes' W8 to W7 is again purely cosmetic. i.e, it makes your desktop look as if you're running W7, which makes it far easier to find your way around, but your computer will still actually be running W8. (If it's the excellent 'Classic Shell' that you're referring to, that's most definitely the case). So such software won't help you anyway.

I'd also have to ask WHY you want to switch to Windows 10? All of the technical press are saying that it's best to wait until the problems are sorted out and indicating that it's best to stick with the excellent W7 (or W8 + Classic Shell) at least for the present.

I'm using Windows 7 Pro and I'm most definitely NOT switching to Windows 10 at present. Indeed, given that my system only has 2Gb of memory (which is theoretically enough for W10 but will make it run incredibly slowly) and that I've got devices - such as a graphics tablet - that might not have W10 drivers available (and I'm also currently using XP programs in compatibility mode) I very much doubt that I'll ever switch to W10 until I get a new computer.

Stick with Windows 8 (or 8.1 if you can work out how to get there) plus Classic Shell!
http://www.classicshell.net/

[David H]

It's a Compaq CQ2000 PC, HP (who now own them) have a message on their website my model and various others weren't tested on 8.1 and as it may damage the software have blocked its upload totally. I can however downgrade to 7 (softonic is the site but I just checked and it's been withdrawn, I haven't found any others) and then it will allow me to accept the 10. My laptop is on Vista and it asked me to upgrade to 7 via a link which I added (it only uploaded something called a debugger and never did anything else) which will then allow it to go on to 7. I know 8 will last till 2020 but I do prefer the look of 10 and rather get it sorted while I can for nothing.

[David H]

Ah, it's here. Just need to know if it's safe should it be required http://windows-7-home-premium.en.softonic.com/download

[HansUrbancka]

I would be careful and only download from the official Microsoft site.

Buenchico has given excellent advice and has indicated that, if you are determined to switch to Windows 10, it will be better to try getting W8.1 first.

It is my understanding that W8 can still be updated to W8.1 and a free download is available from Microsoft :-

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows-8/update-from-windows-8-tutorial#start.

As regards then going to W10. I would hold back for at least a further few months.

Hans.

[Buenchico]

Softonic is usually a safe site to download software from but (with the obvious exception of the current W10 upgrade offer) I've never known Microsoft to give away any version of their operating systems (even old ones).

Clicking on 'More info about this program' takes you to a page that states that the download being offered is a trial version of the Windows 7 (64-bit). I assume that to mean that it's either time-limited in some way or subject to certain other restrictions, so I'd avoid it.

[Buenchico]

I've just googled your machine, David, and (according to a review I found) it's only got 1Gb of RAM. The minimum requirement for Windows 10 is 2Gb. (The technical press are actually recommending a minimum of 4Gb, as Windows 10 is reported as running very slowly with just 2Gb).

So, unless you've added more memory to your computer, it can't run Windows 10 anyway.