Load Windows 7 pro on a Windows 8 machine

I have a couple of Dells that came with Windows 8 however one of our critical apps does not run under that OS. I would like to install Windows 7 pro over the Windows 8 install but am running into issues when try to do this. Please help.

Thanks
bjbrownAsked:
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TG TranIT guyCommented:
You should be specific on the issues that you are facing so people here can get a sense on what you need.

Have you considered dual boot?
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aadihCommented:
Doesn't the application work in compatibility mode?
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guswebbCommented:
Install Virtualbox on the Windows 8 system and then install/run your Windows 7 instance as a VM.
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bjbrownAuthor Commented:
This application access a SQL database, is that an issue in a virtual environment? As for compatibility mode I can only go with what the vendor is saying which is that the program will not run under Windows 8. They had promised a release of the software to fix this issue in December but recanted at the last minute, unfortunately we had already purchased three Dell's from BestBuy which does not offer 7Pro. If I had known I would have gone directly to Dell for the purchase as they still provide a W7 OS.
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JohnBusiness Consultant (Owner)Commented:
If you are trying to install Windows 7 on the physical drive and not have Windows 8 installed, you need to turn Secure Boot OFF in the BIOS. When you then try to install Windows 7, delete all partitions first.

If you are trying to run both, I definitely recommend a virtualizing product rather than dual boot. You got some options above. I use VMware Workstation for this and have a Windows 7 machine on my Windows 8.1 laptop.

... Thinkpads_User
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bjbrownAuthor Commented:
Yes, I see some advantages to a VM, I think I'll move in that direction. Thanks.
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nobusCommented:
or you could install Windows 7 on a separate partition, - or dual boot the system
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guswebbCommented:
Far more elegant to run a VM allowing you access to both operating systems and your critical app without having to reboot all the time.
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Sikhumbuzo NtsadaIT AdministrationCommented:
Windows 8 Pro comes with Hyper-V, install that under program Fetures and you will be able to host your Windows 7 VM.

Of course other software choices mentioned by experts will work just as well, I was making you aware of more options.
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bjbrownAuthor Commented:
So I created a VM using Hyper-V but I'm not sure it's going to fit the need if I can't figure out how to make the display fill the entire screen, any ideas on this? I'm to the point where I would like to just blow away W8 all together and load W7 Pro.
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JohnBusiness Consultant (Owner)Commented:
As I noted above, you need to disable Secure Boot in the BIOS and delete all partitions. Then load Windows 7 as you say you need to do.

VMware Workstation allow full screen if you want a way to do this and still retain both systems.

... Thinkpads_User
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Sikhumbuzo NtsadaIT AdministrationCommented:
Please see this technet link on how to switch between modes.

https://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/415.hyper-v-vm-connection-keyboard-shortcuts.aspx

You can also look at VMWare player, it should be free as well.
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bjbrownAuthor Commented:
This solution best fit my need, thanks.
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JohnBusiness Consultant (Owner)Commented:
@bjbrown - Thanks for the update and I was pleased to help.

... Thinkpads_User
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