Downgrade Win8 to Win7 on SPV1321C5E

[jonenon]

Is it possible to downgrade Win8 Pro to Win7 Pro on SPV1321C5E (version with no touch screen)?

Are there separate drivers / utilities for Win7 available?

Does Win8 drivers / utilities work with Win7?

best regs Jouko

[rich912 · Accepted solution]

Hi Jouko,

Assuming you mean SVP1321C5E, Sony has not released any downgrade divers or utilities for this model.

http://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/product/SVP1321C5E/updates

Some Win 8 drivers may work with Win 7, or you may be able to source drivers from the device manufacturer, but the chances of the utilities working, especially the function keys are slim. Plus by installing a retail copy of Windows you will lose all pre-installed software.

Rich

[kee-lo_]

When Windows 8.1 shows in October, it will be more like Windows 7.  I know it's not the best response but it'll be more like the UI you're used to.

If it's a problem with compatability with existing software and drivers then there's not much that can be done until Sony do release the downgrade kit.

[jonenon]

Thanks for your reply.

Based on your message I assume that Sony WILL release the downgrade kit.

Right?

Is Win 8.1 available for free for Win 8 users?

[rich912]

Hi jonenone,

I assume that your question was aimed at Kee-Lo, but as he hasn't replied I will do my best.

The chance of Sony releasing downgrade drivers are slim - only time will tell.

Yes, the 8.1 Service Pack is free to users with Win 8 installed. As this is an SP I assume that all drivers, utilities and Sony pre-installed software will be retained.That said, I would advise you wait for a while until other users report their experiance.

Rich

[dr2393]

I currently run some Computer Buddy sessions for over 55's at my local Library.  Most of the people who come to see me have a new laptop with Windows 8 and are totally lost.  I explain the options of a new install of Windows 7, leaving Windows 8 and creating a new partition and loading Windows 7 into that or adding some free software to Windows 8 to make it easier to use and more like what they have used in the past.

The free software I load is Classic Shell.  This allows them to avoid the normal Windows 8 start screen and also switch off the so called charms and have a 'normal' Windows Classic, XP or 7 start menu which can be customised to suit them.  I also made some Registry changes to change the Icon spacing and add a few other odds and ends and they generally go away much happier and now feel they can use their new laptop.