Hate Windows 8 - options?

embob74

I recently bought a Lenovo G585 laptop which has Windows 8 on it and I hate it with a passion.
I just need something I can type on and surf the net but looking around the only option is Windows 8 ...... is there another option?
I'm not techie so the thought of uninstalling and then reinstalling another operating system is worrying. Plus the cost
Additionally it takes forever to start up - is this likely to be the Windows 8 or the laptop itself?
I have a buyer happy to take the laptop at a reduced cost so am happy to look at other laptops or pc's

Ximian

Try this: http://www.classicshell.net/

Screenshot: http://www.classicshell.net/gallery/Start-Menu/screenshot

Johnmcl7

Windows 8 is normally substantially faster than Windows 7 to boot up so there is something wrong with the setup on the machine.

The desktop mode of Windows 8 is little different to Windows 7, there are third party addons that allow you to have a start button back and if you want files to load in the non-touch version of the application (video, audio, pictures) then right click the file and go to properties then choose the application you want to use.

John

debitcardmayhem

There are certain Windows 8 machines that will allow you to "Downgrade" to Win 7 (I of course would say that is a free upgrade), I can't remember what the terms are but I am sure Google will turn it up, as will a search on this forum

MandyAW92

You can downgrade back to Windows 7 if you want, but check the Lenovo for issues as Windows 8 shouldn't make your device take so long to start-up

Icey370

If you machine came with Win8 Pro you can downgrade to win7 Pro.

If not, you will need to do a clean install of Win7, but ensure you backup your win8 system. And download all the drivers youl need beforehand and store them on something for installation on win7 (like a USB) - this is what I did

Lum

If you have Windows 8 Home (which you probably do) you'd need to buy a separate copy of Windows 7, and do the clean install as described above, not fun.

Have a look at my guide to making Windows 8 behave like Windows 7. You don't have to follow all the points in it, the first two are the most important.