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windows.old recovery questions

So I screwed up big time by installing Windows 8 consumer preview over my installation of windows 7, since I didn't see anywhere that I couldn't undo the installation (needs to be made more clear, preferably plastered across the screen during installation). I don't need to hear why that was a dumb idea. I don't need to hear what I should've done. I know. Now, I understand that the best bet for reverting back to windows 7 is through the windows.old folder, which I have. This article also seems to be the only guide I've found, problem being it's directed towards Vista.

So, my questions:

1. Can I safely use that guide to revert back to Windows 7? What is different that I should know?
2. Will I lose my files? (I have access to a backup drive, so this shouldn't be too big of a deal)

Thanks in advance for any help.
Answer
Answer

There is no offical means of uninstalling Windows 8 and recovering Windows 7, but this worked with the earlier Preview Build, it also may work (untested at this time) for the Consumer Preview.

How to restore Windows 7 after installing the Windows 8 Developer Preview.
This recovery procedure is only valid if you choose to keep your accounts and personal files when
installing Windows 8, it has not been verified to work if you performed a “Custom/Clean” install of Windows 8.

You will need the Windows.old folder for this proceedure to work
Text Only Version: http://www.pagestart.com/w8pbrecoverw709291101.html
With screen shots: http://www.pagestart.com/w8pbrecoverw710291101.html


J W Stuart: http://www.pagestart.com

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You will need to reinstall your original OS and programs. Is Windows 8 Consumer Preview ready for everyone to try?

We strongly recommend that only experienced PC users download Windows 8 Consumer Preview. Before you download the preview, you should weigh the pros and cons of installing software that's still in development. If you install the preview release, you'll get to try out the many new features, but you might also encounter errors that you wouldn't encounter using a released version of Windows.

You should consider downloading the Windows 8 Consumer Preview only if all of the following apply to you:

  • You like to use the latest software and enjoy experimenting with new technology.

  • You are a developer who wants to build apps for Windows 8.

  • You're comfortable backing up a PC, formatting a hard drive, and installing an operating system from scratch.

  • You feel comfortable troubleshooting PC problems yourself.

  • You don't mind updating software frequently.

  • You have the installation or recovery media and the knowledge to restore your previous operating system after you're done testing Windows 8 Consumer Preview.

Are there risks to installing Windows 8 Consumer Preview?

Yes. Windows 8 Consumer Preview is stable and has been thoroughly tested, but it’s not the finished product. Your PC could crash and you could lose important files. You should back up your data and you shouldn't test Windows 8 Consumer Preview on your primary home or business PC. You might also encounter problems like:

  • Software that doesn’t install or work correctly, including antivirus or security programs.

  • Printers, video cards, or other hardware that doesn’t work.

  • Difficulty accessing corporate or home networks.

  • Files that might become corrupted.

You should carefully balance the risks and rewards of trying out the Windows 8 Consumer Preview before you install it.

No warranties or guarantees.
MVP 1st July 2005- 30th June 2016
WIMVP 1st July 2016- 30th June 2017

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Last updated October 9, 2019 Views 6,482 Applies to: