How can I restore windows 7 after installing Windows 10?

Hey Bob. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 9 year Windows MVP and Independent Advisor, here to help you.

Follow the illustrated steps here for the best possible Clean Install of Windows 7, which includes the media in Step 1: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Remember that you'll need the Product Key off your retail packaging or COA sticker on PC which still needs to be readable to do this.

Make sure during the booted install to follow the illustrated steps to delete all partitions down to Unallocated Space to get it cleanest, then click Next to let it auto-create the needed partitions, format them and begin install - this makes it foolproof.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Thanks again, Greg. I found the System Recovery area, and it says no restore points have been created. So that approach is unappealing. I do backup all my files regularly, but if

the restore requires reformatting the drive, I would lose all the programs I have installed.

I don't think it is an easy job to back them up, as they are from many sources, and put

bits and pieces in the Users folder ans other places on the computer. The only practical way is to re-install them using the manufacturers installation software.

I will need to do this when this computer dies, but not worth the trouble just to restore W7.

For now, I will have to put up with Windows 10's sluggish operation. Wish I could point to something positive that came with Windows 10.

That's all for now, Bob

Hello Bob,

My name is Patricia and I am an Independent Advisor. I am here to help you today.

You cannot restore Windows 7 now.

To come back to Windows 7, yo need to peform a clean install.

Download W7 ISO from here

https://www.heidoc.net/php/Windows%20ISO%20Down...

(official link)

And create a W7 install USB media with Rufus

Site de l’éditeur : https://rufus.akeo.ie/?locale=fr_FR

Disclaimer: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

Hope this helps, and let me know if you have further problems!

Remember that you'll need the Product Key off your retail packaging or COA sticker on PC which still needs to be readable to do this.

Make sure during the booted install to follow the illustrated steps to delete all partitions down to Unallocated Space to get it cleanest, then click Next to let it auto-create the needed partitions, format them and begin install - this makes it foolproof.

 Thanks for taking the time to reply.

1. When you say COA, what does that mean?. I looked at  some kind of sticker on the PC, and it says it came wit W7 already installed. I guess that is why I can't locate any install discs. There is a "Product No." for the PC. Is that what you mean?
2. Are you saying that I have to delete every one of my files and installations just to restore W7? 

When W 10 first came out, I installed it, and some critical software would not work, so I reinstalled W7. I don't think I had to delete everything at that time. I reinstalled W 10 just a short time ago. Didn't think it was 10 days ago, but that's what the recovery thing says. They have fixed the incompatibilities, but the slowness is intolerable. Even a "Clean Boot" takes 1:22 to get to login page. My laptop with W7 takes 0:50.

Is there no way to make W10 load only what I want it to at startup?

Shutdown also takes an very long time. What the heck is it doing?

Hi Bob, here is how to revert to Windows 7 . . .

The Windows 7 product key should be o a Sticker on the bottom casing of your PC/Laptop If it is a laptop, or it might be under the battery - you will need it!

Backup all your files

Click this link to download the Windows 7 ISO file

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-downlo...

Click this link to download a small Microsoft utility (Windows USB/DVD Download Tool) to create bootable Installation Media from the ISO

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/detail...

Create the bootable Installation media on a DVD or USB Flash Drive

Insert the bootable media into the PC

Start your PC, on the manufacturers logo screen press the appropriate button to get into BIOS Setup (Usually F2 or Del key)

Move the drive with the bootable media to the to of the Boot order list

Press F10 to save settings and restart

Windows 7 will begin installing

When your system reboots, go into BIOS and set your hard drive as top of the Boot Order

Do not remove the Installation media until you reach the Desktop

That's It!