Upgrading to W8.1 then Downgrading to 7

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networkn

Networkn
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#142893 27-Mar-2014 22:59

Don't even get me started on why I need to ask this, however, I have a customer who despite all my protesting and explanations why it's an incredibly bad idea, will not replace their 6 year old XP Machines, but instead insist they will upgrade them to Windows 7.

Problem is, quite difficult to find W7 Upgrades, and this leaves me with W8 Upgrades, which they don't want/can't run (their main business app isn't certified and won't be supported), so wondering if I buy W8 Pro Upgrade, can I downgrade to W7? (I presume not but need to check) or is it only
full retail versions which are downgrade able?

Coil

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#1014258 28-Mar-2014 00:07

@Nathan
I tried to do this but no luck.
AFAIK you can still find some copys at DSE or PBTech

1101

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#1014577 28-Mar-2014 13:57

Perhaps, just Buy & install Win7 OEM on them all, save yourself a bit of grief.
You'll want to increase the RAM on all those XP PC's as well: more hassels. :-(

Also, no point of upgrading to Win7 unless you upgrade to Office2013, their old versions of MS Office also wont be supported when XP support stops, so no new security patches for old Office installs.
I tried telling one of my customers that, they didnt want to hear it , insisting on a Win7 PC but keep their ancient version of Office2K & Works

Just curious, what are you going to charge for labour to...
(serious question)

- backup all the PC's data/email
- install Win7
- find download & install drivers
- copy back user data, email etc
- install Windows updates
- reconfigure Win7 for the Network & reinstall & configure all their software ??
- resolve any unplanned/unforseen issues from the upgrades
All done onsite after business hours ?

Even if you can downgrade from 8 to 7, you still need Win7 install keys. MS wont give those out for that purpose.