Install Win7 (Pro) on a ProBook 4540S C6Z35UT?

[mbratch]

Hi -

I recently purchased a ProBook 4540S C6Z35UT notebook computer. I love the hardware. It came with Windows 8 64-bit. I never tried Windows 8 before, but I've used Windows 7 a lot. After playing with it quite a bit, I've decided I really don't like Windows 8 at all. The Start screen just gets in the way. I want a standard desktop where I can plop down some common docs I'm referencing, common program icons, etc. The flipping to the neo-Win7 desktop that Windows 8 does is quite lame. If you run a desktop program from the start menu, you flip to the desktop, but then it stays there after that program exits. It's a very "hack" design. The start menu is cute for touch pads ("surface"s) but not really laptop/desktop appropriate, imho.

So my question is: if I purchase a Windows 7 or Windows 7 Pro 64-bit version of Windows, can I install it on this machine and will it have the right driver support? Also, in case something gets messed up, is there a way to create a Windows 8 install DVD for my laptop to get it back to original state?

Many thanks

Mark

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Mark:

Since you have a business notebook, HP offers W7 drivers for it.

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Home.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&taskId=&prodSeriesId=5229455...

You may even be able to call HP and order a set of W7 recovery disks for it (it may be that business PC's qualify for an OS downgrade if you are running W8 Pro).  HP Disks shouldn't require a product key to install.

And while you're at it, order the W8 disks too.

If you reside in the USA/Canada, call HP at 1-800-334-5144.

You will need to provide the model number and serial number.

Since the notebook is brand new and presumably under warranty, you should get the disks shipped free of charge.

Also, check your Apps list ('cuz there is no more Programs list ), and see if there is an HP Recovery manager app.  That should allow you to create a set of W8 recovery disks.

Paul

[mbratch]

That's great Paul. Thanks for the quick reply. I'll give that a go...

[mbratch]

Paul, just so I'm clear on that, would the purchase of W7 recovery disks take the place of purchasing a W7 license? My W8 isn't the pro version. The C6Z35UT is a Windows 8 64-bit non-Pro I believe.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

You're very welcome.

If it is non-Pro, HP probably won't ship you W7 pro disks, and they may not give you a free downgrade to W7 Home Premium because those OS's do not qualify for downgrades, but you have nothing to lose by asking for a set of W7 disks.

Worst case scenario is you buy a retail or OEM version of W7 and install it.

At least you know there are drivers for W7.

Pay

[mbratch]

Thanks Paul. I was expecting I might have to purchase a W7 license due to that restriction. What wasn't totally clear to me was whether the C6Z35UT (the unit that ships with Windows 8 no-Pro) and, for example, C6Z36UT (the unit that ships with Windows 7 Pro) had any little differences in HW that might prevent me from doing that. Sounds like they're actually identical in HW (outside of, say, memory or disk space config) and I can do the W7 install. That's great.

Would a W7 install void the warranty?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You will not void the warranty by installing W7, but HP will not offer software support for W7 unless the install is from their image or recovery disks.

Should you need software support under warranty, you would be asked to reinstall the HP version of W8 that came with your PC, if you can't get HP W7 disks.

[mbratch]

Thanks Paul. That sounds reasonable.

[ismaeelalshamar]

Hi -

I recently purchased a ProBook 4540S C6Z35UT notebook computer. I love the hardware. It came with Windows 8 64-bit. I never tried Windows 8 before, but I've used Windows 7 a lot. After playing with it quite a bit, I've decided I really don't like Windows 8 at all. The Start screen just gets in the way. I want a standard desktop where I can plop down some common docs I'm referencing, common program icons, etc. The flipping to the neo-Win7 desktop that Windows 8 does is quite lame. If you run a desktop program from the start menu, you flip to the desktop, but then it stays there after that program exits. It's a very "hack" design. The start menu is cute for touch pads ("surface"s) but not really laptop/desktop appropriate, imho.

So my question is: if I purchase a Windows 7 or Windows 7 Pro 64-bit version of Windows, can I install it on this machine and will it have the right driver support? Also, in case something gets messed up, is there a way to create a Windows 8 install DVD for my laptop to get it back to original state?

Many thanks
Mark