Software question

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Kayate wrote on 2012-04-18 01:39

Due to some circumstances I decided to downgrade windows 7 ultimate to windows 7 home premium. Since I have never done this, my question is how can I downgrade? My assumption is to get the full software CD and not the upgrade but is it right?
Yoorah wrote on 2012-04-25 21:12

The Upgrade license is for those who already have an activated copy of Windows installed on the system. If you don't own a copy of Windows that you can install onto your system prior to installing Win 7, then you will need the full retail or OEM version. The OEM version is cheaper, at $100, with the restriction that it's meant to be bound to the computer you install it to and you get no customer support from Microsoft.
Kayate wrote on 2012-04-25 22:09

Kind of confused me there so I need to get the OEM ver. then?
Yoorah wrote on 2012-04-25 22:21

OEM is just cheaper, so I'd get that personally.
But does your computer come with a Windows license sticker? If it does, you should be able to just download a clean ISO off of wherever and activate it with the license key on the sticker. Just be sure you download a clean ISO if you do this--not the hacked/activated/virused pirate stuff. You can verify the authenticity with SHA-1 hashes that Microsoft lists here. To generate a file's hash, you can use a free tool such as HashCalc.
Kayate wrote on 2012-04-25 23:21

My computer did come with the windows license sticker but one of my cats tore it up so the ISO file won't work. Also it seems to me that I can get either the Upgrade/full version or OEM version (Assuming that OEM is different than the full version) I might just end up getting the cheaper version.
Yoorah wrote on 2012-04-26 00:29

In that case, you should ask your computer manufacturer (I assume it's not a self-built system?) to ship you a restore disc. They'll charge you for it, but it should be cheaper than buying a new license. I believe copies of Windows on restore partitions/disks come pre-activated for the manufacturer systems they're meant for.

Alternatively, you can try Windows 8. I hear it's pretty stable in its current state, and it'll probably be free until MSFT releases Win 8. As a nice benefit, it's built on cutting edge tech, has superior performance to Win 7, etc.

And OEM = full version. They're actually meant for use by system builders who re-sell the computers they build, that's why they're discounted to $100 and whatnot. The Upgrade version will only install if you have an activated copy of Windows on your hard drive when you're trying to install the upgrade.

Also, if you happen to be in college, you may be able to get a free copy through the college's MSDNAA/DreamSpark subscription.
Kayate wrote on 2012-04-26 00:33

Quote from Yoorah;848621:
In that case, you should ask your computer manufacturer (I assume it's not a self-built system?) to ship you a restore disc. They'll charge you for it, but it should be cheaper than buying a new license. I believe copies of Windows on restore partitions/disks come pre-activated for the manufacturer systems they're meant for.

Alternatively, you can try Windows 8. I hear it's pretty stable in its current state, and it'll probably be free until MSFT releases Win 8. As a nice benefit, it's built on cutting edge tech, has superior performance to Win 7, etc.

And OEM = full version. They're actually meant for use by system builders who re-sell the computers they build, that's why they're discounted to $100 and whatnot. The Upgrade version will only install if you have an activated copy of Windows on your hard drive when you're trying to install the upgrade.

Also, if you happen to be in college, you may be able to get a free copy through the college's MSDNAA/DreamSpark subscription.

Ah I can get a free one from my college?

Hm seems I need to go ask.
Yoorah wrote on 2012-04-26 00:52

Yep, but they may restrict it to people in computer/engineering related majors, I dunno what your college's policy is, what you major in, or if your college participates in the program. Your college should have a MSDNAA page where you can login with your college computing account. Usually it's at http://msdnaa.yourcollege.edu

..or since it changed with the whole DreamSpark thing, you can try creating an account with DreamSpark directly.
Kayate wrote on 2012-04-26 01:50

Quote from Yoorah;848642:
Yep, but they may restrict it to people in computer/engineering related majors, I dunno what your college's policy is, what you major in, or if your college participates in the program. Your college should have a MSDNAA page where you can login with your college computing account. Usually it's at http://msdnaa.yourcollege.edu

..or since it changed with the whole DreamSpark thing, you can try creating an account with DreamSpark directly.

Yea they have restrictions you need to be a student majoring on computers.
Invalid wrote on 2012-04-26 13:26

Or you could always find a crack :I

It's illegal but cmonnn
who's gonna know.
Kayate wrote on 2012-04-26 14:54

I'd rather have the real thing.
Invalid wrote on 2012-04-27 14:04

Technically, it is real :wink: