Windows 7 on a pre-installed Windows 8.1 laptop

[Technoscribbler]

Greetings!

I would just like to inquire about a certain situation that I have. A few years ago, my aunt purchased this laptop in Canada. It's an HP 15 f009CA Notebook PC. This comes pre-installed with Windows 8.1 in it. No discs were provided.

A few weeks ago, I got a call from them stating that it won't boot up. After countless testing, it appears something was corrupted from the insides, since the majority of the hardware was pretty much working (at least from the parts that i can see and feel).

Brought it to 2-3 random technicians and they also confirmed that the issue is the OS that is currently installed, as it also damaged the recovery.

Since i don't exactly have the luxury of having to purchase an OS disk, and the only OS copy that I have that is legit is Windows 7, I figured I could install this, which ofcourse worked.

The problem is, after doing so, obviously 80% of the drivers are not operational, and having to check the HP site is relatively pointless since by default this machine comes pre-installed with Windows 8 or Windows 10. 

However, given that the Windows 7 copy that I have is legit, I opted to go with the Windows 10 upgrade. After countless hours of waiting for the updates to finish and the like, it finally booted "windows 10 is currently installing blah blah blah".

Moments later I get a black screen and then says "Restoring previous version of Windows". What exactly happened here? I didn't encounter this issue before with my other laptops. 

At this very moment it's still downloading security patch updates from Microsoft.

To be very honest, I'm pretty much okay to use this as this is without having to install Windows 8.1 or 10 for that matter, my only concern are the drivers for each component for this laptop to be fully operational, where can i get those?

It would be great if someone could actually look into my situation and help me, as I am getting a little frustrated given that I am constantly checking this thing if it's fully working or not. (Lack of sleep :P)

[IT_WinSec · Accepted solution]

Hello @Technoscribbler

Welcome to the HP Support forum. Thank you for posting.

Computers with Windows 8 and 10 do not have COA stickers attached to them and they have a license key built-into the BIOS. This has changed some years ago due to Microsoft requirement. Here is more info >> http://www.cnet.com/news/windows-8-moves-to-bios-based-product-keys/

There may be an unofficial way to restore original Windows 8/8.1 and use it with the HP drivers present on the HP website

OK, if you can boot to Windows desktop (like in Windows 7),

1. Download ProduKey from Nirsoft >> http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

x86 Windows >> http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/produkey.zip

x64 Windows >> http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/produkey-x64.zip

Extract the archive and run the program.

It will open and show you the available keys it detects. Does it detect your BIOS OEM key and Windows key(s) ? Does it says Windows version ?  Take a picture of the codes and write them down. Do not post them here, just keep them for yourself.

The important is the BIOS key.

2. You can use this free utility from Heidoc

>> https://www.heidoc.net/php/Windows%20ISO%20Downloader.exe

>> https://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft/67-microsoft-windows-and-office-iso-downl...

Download and run the tool. It can download ISO images from Microsoft and has lots of options for many Windows versions including OEM. If you use it, be careful to select the correct Windows 8.1 ISO for the OEM, x86 or x64 edition, Home or Pro, etc... Downloads are big, ensure stable Internet connection.

3. When download completes, you will need to write or "burn" the ISO image and boot from a bootable media.

** How to create bootable ISO on USB device >> http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/create-a-usb-stick-on-windows

or

** How to write ISO to DVD >> http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/burn-a-dvd-on-windows

 
instructions are just a reference for Ubuntu, but you need to use the ISO image of Windows.
Use the Windows ISO and Rufus (3rd tool you will need)

 Write FAT32 file system, MBR for BIOS/UEFI

4. When ready with the USB drive or with the DVD:

Please, shutdown the computer using the power button.

Insert the Windows USB thumdrive or the DVD prepared previously

Power  on the PC.

As soon as you press the power-on button, start hitting the Esc button (like tap-tap-tap).

This should open a HP Startup Menu

Choose F9 to open Boot options. Select the thumb drive or the DVD as a boot option.

Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows.

During the installation you might need to enter the key from step (1)

Install drivers taken from HP web site when Win installation completes

Let me know if this helps. Provide your feedback and let me know if you face difficulties.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, @Technoscribbler

I didn't think you could get the free upgrade to W10 anymore, unless you went the assistive technologies route.

In any event, that is an easy model to find W7 drivers for.

If you want to run W7 x64 on that platform let me know, and I will post the links to all the drivers you need.

[Technoscribbler]

Oh my god really? it would be great if you could! 🙂

[Technoscribbler]

I actually followed what the first guy said, and it worked, but because this isn't exactly a high end spec'd machine, Windows 10 feels sluggish. That being the case, if i can get my hands on a complete driver list for all components of this laptop for windows 7 64x bit, that would be awesome!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Here are the links to the W7 64 bit drivers you need for that model...

Chipset (installs the smbus and usb controllers).   Download and install the 1st driver on the list and restart the PC.

http://support.amd.com/en-us/download/desktop/legacy?product=legacy4&os=Windows%207%20-%2064

Graphics:   Download and install the first driver on the list (467 MB) and restart the PC.

http://support.amd.com/en-us/download/apu?os=Windows%207%20-%2064

Audio:  Accept the agreement.  Download and install the 2nd driver on the list and restart the PC.

http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/downloadsView.aspx?Langid=1&PNid=24&PFid=24&Level=4&Conn=3&DownT...

Ethernet:  Download, unzip and run the setup application from the W7 driver listed at the link below.

http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/downloadsView.aspx?Langid=1&PNid=14&PFid=7&Level=5&Conn=4&DownTy...

Card reader:  Download, unzip and run the setup application from the 1st file listed at the link below.

http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/downloadsView.aspx?Langid=1&PNid=15&PFid=25&Level=4&Conn=3&DownT...

Wireless:

This package contains the driver installation package for the Realtek RTL8723BE/RTL8188EE wireless LAN Controller in the supported notebook models running a supported operating system.

Touchpad:

This package provides the driver that enables the Synaptics TouchPad in supported notebook models that are running a supported operating system. The driver enables general touchpad functionality (for example double-tap and scroll) and provides a user interface.

http://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp79501-80000/sp79676.exe

Then you can try the multimedia software and other optional software from the W8.1 driver section for your notebook.

Some, if not all of those programs should run on W7 too.