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    New Windows 8 Computer - Can I downgrade, then go back to Win8 later?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by shepdawg, Nov 7, 2012.

  1. shepdawg

    shepdawg Notebook Enthusiast

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    I want to buy a new Win8 laptop, but my law school's exam software doesn't work on Win8 for now. Can I downgrade to Win 7 for now, then go back to Win 8 later when the exam software catches up without charge?
     
    shepdawg, Nov 7, 2012
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  2. Tree_Burner

    Tree_Burner Notebook Deity

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    You'll probably have to buy windows 7 to install it on your computer. Then save the 8 key do you can use it when you go back.

    Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2
     
    Tree_Burner, Nov 8, 2012
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  3. Benchmade 42

    Benchmade 42 Titanium

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    Of course you can, as long as you own both Windows 7 and 8 legally and have a boot disc or usb flash of the install OS then you should be good to go.
     
    Benchmade 42, Nov 8, 2012
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  4. Peon

    Peon Notebook Virtuoso

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    Windows 8 Pro includes officially-sanctioned downgrade rights which will allow you to install Windows 7 without having to pay for a separate license. Just keep in mind that Microsoft will not provide you with a Windows 7 installation DVD - all they'll do is help you activate your copy of Windows 7.
     
    Peon, Nov 9, 2012
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  5. shepdawg

    shepdawg Notebook Enthusiast

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    This is what I thought. Can I then go back to Win 8 after the sanctioned downgrade to Win 7?

    1) Buy Acer S7 with Win 8
    2) Upgrade to Win 8 Pro
    3) Downgrade to Win 7 Pro
    4) Wait for law school software to catch up
    5) Go back to Win 8 Pro
     
    shepdawg, Nov 10, 2012
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  6. Peon

    Peon Notebook Virtuoso

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    I think you need a full copy of Win8 Pro (as opposed to an upgrade edition) in order to get the downgrade rights, but I'm no expert on Microsoft's licensing terms. You should contact Microsoft directly for the nitty gritty details.
     
    Peon, Nov 12, 2012
    #6