Downgrading Win 8 Pro to Win7 Pro (HP)

[VirtualForce]

This isnt a Win 8 bashing (although I feel like it) just a query if somebody else has done it and how.

We got two new HP Machines HP Pro 3500 desktop that came with Win 8 preinstalled. Our sales agent told us that we would be able to downgrade to Win 7. We need Win 7 due the prehistoric version of SAP and addons the company use. Developers wont support us if we got to Win 8. Can hardly support us on Win 7...

Anyway, we spoke to HP, they sent us recovery media (from France nogal) and I installed. After discovering how to disable the Win 8 boot crap and modify it allow the installation of Win 7, I was able to install Win 7.

Now I have spent the entire Friday and half the morning with both HP and MS. HP tells me MS should assist me with my product ID and MS says I must speak to HP as they dont generate keys.

Has anyone done this? And how?

I'd freaken pirate this crap if MS werent doing an audit next year....no I'm not promoting piracy, just soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo tired of the run around.

 

[TJ99]

So the problem is you have the install discs, but no key?

You're not exactly clear on what the problem is...

 

[VirtualForce]

yeah, no key. I dont have a key for win 7

I've tried the Win 7 key from another 3500 that originaly came with Win 7. Doesnt work.

I've now heard that the 3500 model is wip progress and will only get approved to downgrade during Jan 2013. Awaiting a letter from MS.

 

[VirtualForce]

Got this letter from a major hardware supplier in SA

Recently there has been a few queries about downgrades, i just want to highlight a few important points.

On the 600B there is no downgrade option available, if a unit is shipped with BIOS 8 then there is no option to downgrade. Please do not refer any cases to the HP support centre.
On the 3500 Model, the message from HP is that the support to downgrade is not 100% confirmed as yet but the plan is to include the 3500 very soon.
It should be confirmed by 3rd week in December.

So ja, there you go.

 

[deweyzeph]

Can your company not just purchase an MSDN volume license and get their own keys?

 

[VirtualForce]

We tried to do that, but the MD said we upgrade PC's so seldom that it isn't worth it. We are currently upgrading 10+ year old PC's. Some still have Office XP / 2003 on them.

 

[Other Pineapple Smurf]

We tried to do that, but the MD said we upgrade PC's so seldom that it isn't worth it. We are currently upgrading 10+ year old PC's. Some still have Office XP / 2003 on them.

And volume licences is only for existing OS upgrades, not new PCs.

Your most likely going to have to buy new Win7 licences for those laptops.