New laptop w/ W10 installed. Need to install W7. Possible to save W10 for later use?

[Papasmurf89]

Hi all,

So I just purchased a new laptop (HP Pavilion) that came installed with Windows 10. It's going to be used as a work computer though and one of the programs that I need to install on it requires Windows 7. Is there any way for me to save the Windows 10 OS already installed before I reformat so that I have the option to use it in the future if it ever stops being a work computer?

If so, how? Where can I find the CD key for the Windows 10 installed?

Thank you!

 

[johnb35]

Have you tried using the program in windows 10? Theoretically any program that works in windows 7 should work in 10.

 

[Intel_man]

If the laptop is a relatively new model, it may not have drivers to support the use under Windows 7.

 

[beers]

Depending on the requirements of the program you could always roll a Windows 7 VM inside of Windows 10.

 

[Papasmurf89]

Have you tried using the program in windows 10? Theoretically any program that works in windows 7 should work in 10.

I haven't yet. I'm actually doing this for my father and have just texted him what the program is. Once I know what it is I'll post it here.

Depending on the requirements of the program you could always roll a Windows 7 VM inside of Windows 10.

How would I go about doing this?

 

[johnb35]

I'm pretty sure it will run fine in windows 10. Most programs will. You might find an odd program that won't but its not often.

 

[Cromewell]

How would I go about doing this?

The most straight forward is https://www.virtualbox.org/

The UI is pretty self explanatory, but if you need help by all means post questions

 

[Calin]

You can create a partition on the hard drive, install Win 7 on it, and dual boot it with 10, but try the program on 10 first, it will probably work.

 

[Papasmurf89]

Went ahead and tried to reformat with the W7 install CD...when I did I got a:

"Selected boot image did not authenicate"

message. Anyone know what this might mean? Do the drivers not support W7?

 

[johnb35]

Have you tried installing the program in windows 10? You'll need to disable secure boot in order to install windows 7. And its a very good chance you might not find all the drivers needed for windows 7.